Real estate experts are saying that Generation X –young families and adults ages 31 to 45 – are going to lead the homebuying recovery as it gets underway.

Gen X represents nearly one-third of the population that are of homebuying age (at least 30 years old), according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). And while this segment of the population doesn’t represent the largest cohort, they are the “most mobile,” Mollie Carmichael, principal of John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Irvine, Calif. said at an educational webinar.

Gen Xers are beginning to think it’s a good time to get off the fence about whether to buy a home. This younger segment of the population is also going to have strong opinions about the design features their new homes will include, according to the NAHB.

Who does represent the largest potential homebuying segment of the population? Baby boomers. However, Carmichael said they’re more likely to continue to wait for the market to improve before investing in a home. Their decisions to delay retirement – in large part a result of the financial meltdown – are also playing a key factor in their decisions to downsize into smaller homes.

In stark contrast, Gen X reports wanting bigger homes than they have now.

“These are first-time buyers or younger families looking for more room to grow,” Carmichael said.

Community amenities are important to Gen X buyers, with nearly half preferring a home in a large-lot, suburban development, versus the 21 percent looking for a traditional or “walkable” neighborhood.