10 Reasons to Choose a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Does it matter which real estate agent I use?  Aren’t they all the same?

First of all, you may be wondering, “What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®?  A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® or SRES® is a Realtor® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases.  The SRES® designation is awarded to only those Realtors® who have additional education on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions.  There are many designations real estate agents can obtain such as Military Relocation Specialist or Luxury Home Specialist.  I have seen agents with many designations and in my experience, it’s more difficult to be everything to everyone.  In the medical field, you can be a Family Practitioner or you can go to school for a few more years and become a Cardiologist.  However, your Cardiologist isn’t also going to be a Gastroenterologist or Podiatrist! 

Here are 10 reasons that you should look into hiring a SRES®.

1. They have knowledge, experience and compassion in dealing with senior issues.
2. They are resourceful and have a list of referral partners that they work with that may be of interest to you such as an Estate Planner, Clutter Reduction Specialist or Handyman. 
3. They have patience and understanding and will not push you into making a decision before you are ready.
4. They can suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it.
5. They take the time to make you feel comfortable with the complex selling process.
6. They understand the emotional demands a sale can make on a senior, and tries to minimize them.
7. They tailor marketing of a home to the needs of an older client.
8. They can easily interact with all generations; including adult children and caretakers.
9. They are able to listen deeply, ask all the right questions, are able to stay for awhile and not be rushed.
10. They take time to get to know you and your family’s situation and you can get to know them as well.

With all this being said, don’t feel like you have to go with the first one you meet.  We all have different personalities and if the SRES® you are talking to doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, don’t feel obligated.  You certainly have the option to speak to another.  If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, I am happy to have a no-pressure conversation with you.  If you live outside of California and need a SRES® in another state, I am happy to refer you to one that I personally interview to provide the best recommendation for you.  Please email me at realagentcarla@gmail.com and we can schedule a meeting in-person or over-the-phone.