DelWebb.com Adds New Features To Connect Tomorrow's Homebuyers With Today's Residents

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to consumers' growing use of online reviews to assist in a variety of purchase decisions, new features on www.delwebb.com are enabling potential homebuyers to hear directly from current residents of Del Webb communities.  The Company's latest website enhancements allow baby boomers to learn about the Del Webb lifestyle from those who know it best – its residents.  

The new features include Ask a Homeowner and a Ratings and Reviews section – both focus on providing shoppers authentic, real life experiences and insights.

"Among the myriad of ways the Internet has changed how people shop is the expanding use of user reviews and feedback to supplement online research.  Baby boomers are well known for soliciting advice and feedback from their peers, as well as doing thorough research when they prepare for retirement," said Julie Mynster, director of customer engagement for PulteGroup, Inc., parent company of Del Webb. "They not only want information from sales people, but also from those who will be their neighbors, which is why these new website features are essential to helping them choose their next home in retirement."

Ask a Homeowner is a virtual peer-to-peer experience, providing shoppers an authentic, "no pressure" environment to ask questions about the realities of living in a Del Webb community.  Interested homebuyers can submit questions on delwebb.com and anyone from the list of homeowners can provide answers.  Since the launch of this service, homeowners have answered questions such as: "Are there grouchy people living in your community?" and "Do you have to be retired to live in Del Webb?" and "Are there things to do at night for working people?"

Additionally, each of Del Webb's communities now has a Ratings and Reviews section.  Current residents are invited to rank the community they live in based on four categories: amenities, activities, value and home designs.  There is also an open field for comments where homeowners can provide testimonials and insight about the benefits of living at Del Webb. 

To see a sample review of a community, Sun City Festival, click here.

"It's very common for retailers to have consumer reviews of their product or services on their websites," Mynster added.  "These functionalities add authenticity to a site and provide real insight for consumers.

"Ask a Homeowner and Ratings and Reviews allow our existing residents to share their stories, experiences and insights.  We connect shoppers to actual residents so they can become more familiar with a community and find out first-hand information that is important to making their buying decision.  Ultimately, these new features encourage an on-site visit, which we can facilitate through our Explore Del Webb program."

According to Mynster, the baby boomer generation is one of the fastest growing demographic groups in terms of online presence and utilization.  From engaging with friends and family on Facebook to shopping online, those age 55 and older are quickly adopting new technology.  In addition to enhancements on delwebb.com, the Company has made improvements to its mobile site and YouTube pages, which are realizing significant increases in visitor traffic.

These website enhancements are aligned with and prepared in conjunction for national TV communications.  To view the new TV ads, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/delwebb.

About Del Webb
Del Webb is a national brand of PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM).  Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America's leading builder of developments for people ages 55+.  Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active baby boomer.  Del Webb's amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working.  Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states.  For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com.  To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

SOURCE Del Webb