To better address the unique needs of home buyers and sellers who are 50 years old and older, some REALTORS® earn the SRES® – or Seniors Real Estate Specialist® – designation.

The SRES® designation indicates that a REALTOR® has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50 and older through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved with relocating, refinancing or selling their home.

SRES® designees recognize that a home is often the largest and most precious asset that older adults have and these certified senior specialists can help with navigating the financial and emotional aspects of selling a long-held family home.

REALTORS® with the SRES® designation have knowledge about a range of senior-related aspects of home ownership including things like managing capital gains and tax implications, how Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security affect real estate decisions for senior citizens, how Universal Design can help seniors stay independent in their homes and how to avoid loan schemes and scams that target older adults.

SRES® designees have specific training and experience related to assisting older adults with real estate transactions, including:

• Creating a customized plan to market and sell your property;

• Understanding your unique needs and creating a personalized plan to ensure your home meets those needs now and in the future;

• Utilizing specialized knowledge in reverse mortgages, 401(k) accounts and IRAs for your real estate transaction; and

• Connecting you with a network of movers, attorneys, CPAs, home inspectors and other experts to help you through the process.