When I think about what my Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation means, I want folks to know that It not only means I have successfully completed a complex course and received the training to earn this designation but that I have a sincere love and understanding for our Seniors!! It can absolutely be the scariest time when they are selling, buying, relocating, or even refinancing their homes and trying to take the next step during this uncertain time. For me it’s very personal and the training I received gives me the tools I need to turn this love and passion into successful results for my senior clients!
As a SRES, I not only understand the individual needs of the 55+ generation, I relate to it as well. I know my clients place the highest value on integrity and trust. A friend or family referral ranks well above a “google search.” Most active adults still value printed materials over technology. They process their paperwork with a pen and they usually prefer an in-person conversation over a text message. Treating each client as an individual and learning what’s important makes all the difference. Helping them embrace technology if it’s an option for them is a choice only they will make!
Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) REALTOR,
My mission is to facilitate a well thought out and meaningful lifestyle transition for individuals and their families. I do this with compassion and couple it with alternative and comprehensive real estate planning services designed for you, once we have identified your vision, goals and objectives.
What is an SRES®?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified and trained to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS® who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. They also draw upon the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as estate planners, CPAs, and eldercare lawyers, and are familiar with local community resources and services. Their mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home.
What qualities make an SRES® different?
- Has knowledge, experience and compassion in dealing with senior issues.
- Works first and foremost with the best interests of the client in mind.
- Can suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it.
- Takes a no-pressure approach to the transaction and has a strong service orientation.
- Will take the time needed to make a client feel comfortable with the complex selling process.
- Understands the emotional demands a sale can make on a senior, and tries to minimize them.
- Tailors the marketing of a home to the needs of an older client.
- Can interact easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children and caretakers.
- Is knowledgeable about local senior housing options and elder support services.
Has a wide network of other senior-focused professionals who can assist in tax counseling, financial and estate planning, and other aspects of the sale and move. Request a Moving On Guide
Are you thinking of selling your home to move to a senior supportive environment? Or perhaps to move in with an adult son or daughter who can help with your needs as you grow older?
Whatever the reason, there may come a time when parents, along with their adult children, consider selling and moving on. Our Moving On Guide is designed to help guide your family through the complex issues and unique situations you may encounter during the process.
To assist you, the SRES® Council created a unique and valuable resource the Moving On Guide. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step in the process and will help you find the next living situation well-suited to your needs. And best of all, it's free! Contact me, jeanette@jabez-realty to obtain your free Moving On Guide.
As we age, we demand specialists in our health needs, so why not in our housing and equity needs as well?
An SRES® brings:
• A customized approach to your situation, working to fit your living situation in with your overall life plan
• Expertise and patience throughout the transaction
• An awareness of options and a network of solid, reliable referrals to help you in the process
• A variety of choices to reduce out of pocket expenses, gain cash, or create or defer income streams to either stay independent or obtain financial assistance
THE SRES PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Selling a senior's most valued and valuable asset, their home, and the subsequent move, often requires unique expertise on a number of different fronts. One compelling reason to choose an SRES® is that you'll gain access to their network of related service professionals. For seniors, that includes specialists across a wide array of financial, legal, property and personal services, from estate planning to downsizing.
Sometimes an older parent has a trusted attorney and accountant. If they don't, an SRES® can usually refer them and their adult children estate planners, financial planners and tax advisors with experience in elder issues.
An SRES® maintains a professional network that includes individuals who can help with various steps of the sale and move, offering assistance on these and other matters:
• The decision to sell or not to sell: as a certified life coach, I use a proprietary visioning process to help owners make the right decision about staying in their home, downsizing or moving to a retirement community.
• Prior to listing: tax specialists and financial planners to examine ways to protect assets
• Preparing the home for showing: handymen, landscapers and clutter reduction specialists
• Legal considerations: real estate attorneys to help with estate planning
• Tax matters: CPA’s to evaluate the tax consequences of selling and/or buying
• Moving: downsizing experts, senior care specialists, estate sale planners, storage facilities
• Daily activities: fiduciaries serve as legal agents in making financial, health care and quality of life decisions and managing the day-to-day operations like bookkeeping, paying bills, opening mail, etc.
• Personal and interpersonal challenges: relationship coaches and grief counselors to support healing and resolution of difficult personal and family matters