Real Estate in Retirement Done Right

Buying and selling real estate seems easier than ever with immediate access to home information, pictures and a satellite map to show you to the front door. While visibility has improved, the workings of a real estate transaction are extremely complex.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES), an exclusive designation awarded by the National Association of Realtors, complete specialized education for managing the complexities of buying and selling real estate for people over age 50.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists to the Rescue

• A newly retired couple wants to downsize. Ralph and Mary hope to sell their split-level home and buy a small condominium with cash from the home sale. They plan to spend more time traveling and don’t want to worry about maintaining a yard while away. An SRES will understand that this decision is a huge lifestyle change with many adjustments and decisions to make— only one of which will be where to live. The Seniors Specialist will listen to their concerns and share options and resources to help them make decisions. The SRES is not a financial planner, tax specialist, contractor or mover—but they’ll share referrals from their network of senior-focused professionals to prepare Ralph and Mary for a successful retirement. Once the planning is sound, the SRES will execute the sale and help Ralph and Mary buy the perfect condo.

• Audrey is an 87-year-old widow who lives alone in her two-level home. Due to a recent fall, she can not walk without assistance and her home is no longer a safe option for her. Kim, her daughter, contacts an SRES realtor to discuss selling Audrey’s home and using the proceeds to help pay for her mother’s care. The SRES understands a major life change is never easy and is not afraid of the difficult conversation that accompanies this decision. The SRES will have a broad knowledge of the different senior housing options and will refer a professional placement advisor to help match Audrey to the appropriate assisted living community. The SRES will also discuss with the family what deferred maintenance may need to be addressed, what belongings Audrey will keep, how to move them, and provide options for the remaining home contents. Once the plan is defined, the SRES will coordinate with the other professionals and provide a successful transition for Audrey.

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist is more than a real estate agent. They understand these complicated lifestyle transitions, provide much needed resources to individuals and family members, and take pride in knowing that their work matters.

To make your retirement move go right, contact local Seniors Real Estate Specialist professionals Monica Bracken and Elizabeth Waloweek at 206-321-1047 or STATRealtors@BHHSNWRE.com

This article is sponsored by STATrealtors.com