What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

Nearly everyone wishes to age in place as they grow older. But often, the spacious family house becomes too burdensome, financially and physically, to maintain for individuals over 50.

Trying to determine your next step? It can entail a complex set of decisions relating to finances, ideal over 50 housing locations and property types, as well as anticipating future needs as you or your loved ones age.

Enter the Seniors Real Estate Specialist®.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists® or SRES® designees are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+. The SRES® Council awards the SRES® Designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program.

By earning the SRES® Designation, your agent has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. SRES® agents have received special training, get regular updates, and are prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions.

Training for the SRES® designation covers a range of topics including:

• Distinguishing characteristics and trends of the 50+ market

• Evaluating your market area attractiveness to the 50+ market

• Learning the application of federal laws for Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA)

• Understanding the issues and priorities of the 50+ client when counseling buyers and sellers, showing properties, and managing transactions

• Learning how to assemble a team of experts to help serve 50+ clients

• Learning the uses, benefits, procedures, and issues involved in reverse mortgages

• Learning about uses of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions

• Understanding how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security impact 50+ real estate decisions

• Recognizing mortgage finance and loan schemes and scams that victimize 50+ borrowers

• Recognizing how a home can be adapted for safety, comfort, and aging in place

• Learning how to help clients integrate disposition of real property into estate plans

SRES® Designees can consult with you to review your current housing situation and outline the topics to weigh as you consider your next move. They can provide pertinent information to help you with every step while you’re exploring your options and determine the very best place to call home.

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