Adapted from the November/December issue of The SRES® Professional Newsletter
If you’re considering buying or selling your home—or helping your parents with a move—you’ll want to select a real estate professional who is both qualified and aligned with your priorities and preferences. And if you or your loved ones are 55 years or older, you may want to consider hiring a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®). An SRES agent is one who has completed exclusive training on a wide range of issues that can impact real estate transactions when the client(s) are 55 and older.
If you are looking for an SRES, these 5 questions can help you make the best decision.
1. Are they qualified?
When you are going through significant life changes, you want someone with experience, knowledge, and a helpful attitude to help you sort through your options. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® has specialized expertise working with older adults and their family members. Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, I provided marketing services to a wide range of senior care communities and providers, ranging from independent retirement, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities, to health care practitioners and home health care providers. I enjoy working with older adults to ensure every real estate transaction is successful, enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.
2. Do they listen to your needs and answer your questions?
Listening is a crucial skill for a senior specialist. Your agent should ask you questions and ensure they understand your answers. That way, they can be more successful in identifying and prioritizing your needs and can offer options best suited to your current situation and future expectations.
3. What do past clients say?
A friend or relative may have confidently referred you to an agent, but it can also be helpful to hear additional perspectives. Search for online reviews or ask the agent for names and contact details for two or three past clients. Then, give them a call and discuss their buying or selling experience.
4. Can they offer helpful suggestions for related service providers?
Whether you’re preparing a home for sale or gearing up for a purchase, an experienced real estate professional may be able to shortcut the process of identifying reliable providers for various services, so you can pick and choose among people the agent knows and trusts. These resources can be precious if you are supporting a loved one from afar or need assistance cleaning out a home and preparing it for sale. I can assist you in identifying providers ranging from Seniors Move Managers to painters to staging companies and more.
5. Do you feel at ease?
Working with a real estate professional is a partnership. But, as with any healthy partnership, there must be confidence and an ability to be open and forthcoming about your needs and desires. SRES® designees stand out as prioritizing service and trust in every real estate transaction.
Debbie Elliott, SRES®, is a Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington and Nest Realty Greenville. To learn more about Debbie, visit her Wilmington and Greenville agent pages.