Topic: How to Advertise an Independent Senior Community

Hi Everyone!

My company recently acquired an Independent Senior Living Community and we have about 50 apartments to lease. While I have worked at these communities before, it's the first time I haven't had a waitlist. Any suggestions on what to do, tricks of the trade, and where I can go for education on this type of housing?

Thanks,

Well, I am jealous and envious of this great opportunity! 50 Apartments - oh boy! Marketing this kind of community must start with cultivating relationships with your city, senior services agencies, rehabilitation and medical facilities, and places where active seniors are out enjoying their lives. Sometimes, I think people picture Seniors as end of life when for many, it's the beginning of fulfilling their dreams.

I would start with visiting other senior focused communities and making sure my community's amenities and resident activities will appeal to the person I hope to recruit. For example, will there be a common area for movies (theater), a dining area where gourmet meals are served, a common area for crafts and educational activities, an outdoor gardening area for flowers and vegetables, are pets allowed, an infinity pool indoors and a fitness center? I would build my campaign around these interests and attack it by marketing to the community where Senior work, play and already live. I would also contact new home builders of Villa Communities (maintenance free living) and see if anyone building might need short term housing while their villa is being built. That might be an option to get you through by allowing a unit to be designated for short term housing.

Obviously, I think you will want to make sure you have a presence on the web as Seniors are surfing, too. I would look for brand ambassadors, too - maybe a current resident who is very outgoing and involved and can help spread the message about your community. Good luck!

You can advertise on after55.com, powered by Forrent.com

"After55.com is an all-inclusive senior housing and care search platform designed to connect seniors, family members and caregivers to tools, options and resources to assist in the senior housing and care search"

A few markets also have print options but most are online only. It depends on where you are. I can tell you that Seniors are definitely online though.

Be sure to stay compliant with Fair Housing laws as you market and operate this community. Remember that no one has to be independent to choose you! Independent or not, if the applicant is able to pay the rent, take care of the premises and follow your reasonable rules, they qualify!

Mindy has some great ideas and she can be an effective resource for your company. She is right that you need to treat the active, independent senior as someone who is excited about life and looking to enjoy their rental community in many of the same ways any apartment renter would. And be sure to check out the many senior apartment leasing websites like Seniorhomes.com, Seniorliving.org, and After55.com. Danett is right...seniors are definitely online and a strong online presence is important.

One of the Senior Housing leasing gurus that I follow and learn from is Rick Hunsicker at Hunsicker Senior Living Services hunsickerseniorlivingservices.com. Check out his website for great ideas and training.