Hi Tom, I suggest you offer a credit to buyers non-recurring closing costs for the single parent, a lease option to a divocee. Good luck.

Of course a Realestate agent with more marketing strategies is the best thing to go with, however it is not clear why you have a restricted criteria for the buyer ........... keep it open for all and sell to who so ever comes first ,with the best offer.

sgproperties.nj@gmail.com

The best way to do this is to hire an experience agent.

Your desire to market this home to some of the listed protected classes is I assume not an attempt to exclude anyone, but the advice provided is timely and critical.
Some features that you may be able to focus on that should attract the same desired markets would be the absense of yardwork and home maintainence required to own your home, that many busy working couples as well as other family groups would love to avoid. The Condo lifestyle, ("Lock the doors and fly away for 2 weeks at a moments notice") would motivate many more than just your target audience. I have marketed and sold condominiums in our local market for many years, and the lifestyle factor is what first makes prospective buyers consider paying a monthly fee. (Offering a years condo fees, by the way, can certainly set you apart from the crowd). Lastly, if your not a real estate professional, please don't try it on your own especially in this market. Your need a pro right now more than ever!

Hi Tom,
Federal and state laws mandate that there be no discrimination in housing. Directing advertising toward a specific group automatically excludes other groups, and therein lies the problem. Housing opportunities must not exclude any protected class. Familial status is definitely a protected class.

Your property should be marketied to everyone and not limit you possibilities.

Also and foremost if you target market you are discriminating and violating the fair housing laws.

Yes this question set off alarm bells for me too when I read it. Hopefully your agent (if you have one) is aware that using direct marketing language where these "groups" are concerned is a big no-no!

Here are a few links of possible interest:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/yourrights.cfm
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/sect804achtenberg.pdf
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/title8.htm

Refer to Sec. 804. [42 U.S.C. 3604] "As made applicable by section 803 of this title and except as exempted by sections 803(b) and 807 of this title, it shall be unlawful--

(c) To make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. "

Tom,
I'm curious why you think your condo buyer prospects are single or empty nesters. You certainly can market to those groups keeping in mind what Melissa said about fair housing laws, but really give some thought as to who your prospective buyer is. First time buyers like financing solutions that will help make it easier to purchase your unit. Offering money toward closing costs or buying down their mortgage can help differentiate your property from others. While those incentives are especially attractive to first time buyers, they will get anyone's attention. If you decide to offer an incentive make sure it has an expiration date to motivate the buyer to take action.

Tom,
Melissa makes a good point about the descrimination laws. You have to be careful about that. When I sit down with clients and put together a marketing strategy I define all of the areas or direct or target marketing that I do with access to the appropriate databases. For your case an example would be to target appartment complexes for people who are currently renting something similar to your unit. There would be a large number of different ideas, but that would be one main focus of my marketing.

Hope that helps. If I can be of help, please email me anytime. Thanks

-Mike-

Hi Tom,

Unfortunately the federal fair housing laws do not allow target marketing to what would be considered a protected class, so be very careful in your wording. If you target market based on “familial status”, than it could be considered discrimination to any other kind of buyer. This is a very serious offense and should not be taken lightly. I am very surprised that no one else commented on this.

Tom:

I would use a professional Realtor to network your thoughts to a specific target, like divorce attorneys or babay-boomers with equidy and want to invest in real property that possibly they kids can live in (vs their home).

I think you're targeting is too specific. You should be focusing more on creative ways to market your townhouse to current homebuyers... period.

I would place and ad in the Boston Globe and use very aggressive language ..they may or may not print it but you will know where you stand...then I would call you local broker to assist you in this tough market.