What's the difference between a senior real estate specialist and a garden-variety real estate agent?
The most important distinction is that senior real estate specialists and senior-specialized agents (the terms are used interchangeably) focus on the niche market of seniors selling their homes. Because of this, they may be better at handling the emotional tumult that often surrounds the sale of an older person's home. A good senior-specialized agent will be tuned in to the fact that selling and moving is an especially disruptive and anxious time for older people. She'll be patient with your parents and will listen to what they're willing, and not willing, to do to the home before the sale. She'll be sensitive to the fact that your parents have likely been in their home for decades, and she'll know that things like inspections, negotiations, staging, and renovating the home may be upsetting or even insulting.
A senior-trained agent may also be involved with the moving process, and she may be able to help your parents find useful social services and businesses near their new home. Such an agent makes a longer-term, more involved commitment. Despite this, senior specialists don't typically charge a higher rate than other realtors -- they've just made the decision to work with a clientele that tends to require more TLC.
Whether you decide to work with a senior-specialized agent or not, be sure to look for someone who will support your parents through the process.
Cathie's explanation was right on the mark. The SRES designation has become very popular over the last few years and I caution you to be sure that you have checked references and met with the agent several times before hiring them.
Working with seniors and their families takes a special talent and requires patience, understanding and compassion. It is one thing to have all the "knowledge" in regard to selling a seniors home but quite another to actually get in the trenches and do the hard work of sorting, letting go and moving forward WITH the client.
Most senior move management companies have agents they work with that have been "tested" with many clients. I would suggest finding a senior move manager in your area that can refer you to someone that is competent and able to work with you and your parents.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me at 408-300-3590 or stacy@tailoredtransitionsre.com.
Best of luck!!!!
Stacy Busch, CEO Tailored Transitions, Inc. www.tailoredtransitionsre.com stacy@tailoredtransitionsre.com 408-300-3590
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