Senior Living Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
What is an SRES®?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases.
The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS®who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. They also draw upon the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as estate planners, CPAs, and eldercare lawyers, and are familiar with local community resources and services. Their mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal, and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home. Senior Provider Group
What qualities make an SRES® different?
- Has knowledge, experience and compassion in dealing with senior issues.
- Works first and foremost with the best interests of the client in mind.
- Can suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it.
- Takes a no-pressure approach to the transaction and has a strong service orientation.
- Will take the time needed to make a client feel comfortable with the complex selling process.
- Understands the emotional demands a sale can make on a senior, and tries to minimize them.
- Tailors the marketing of a home to the needs of an older client.
- Can interact easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children and caretakers.
- Is knowledgeable about local senior housing options and elder support services.
- Has a wide network of other senior-focused professionals who can assist in tax counseling, financial and estate planning, and other aspects of the sale and move.
Home Adaptations
Most seniors would prefer to age in place, but health and aging issues can prevent full access to the house. Raised thresholds and bathrooms represent fall risks, doorknobs become difficult to turn, and stairs are hard to climb. Seniors may feel trapped in certain areas of their homes, forcing them to consider moving when they don't want to do so.
Accessibility and safety can also become issues when an aging parent moves in with an adult child, prompting a need for home renovations. It can be difficult for a homeowner to determine what changes are needed and how they should be made.
In these situations, your SRES® may be able to refer you to an aging-in-place specialist who can evaluate your home, find problem areas, and suggest home modifications. Certified aging-in-place specialists have been trained in:
- The unique needs of the older adult population
- Aging-in-place home modifications
- Common remodeling projects
- Solutions to common barriers
The answer may be as easy as adding grab bars in bath areas, flattening thresholds, and installing brighter lighting and higher toilets. In other cases, significant remodeling may be required to overcome the challenges of two-story living. An aging-in-place specialist can advise on which changes will be most beneficial and suggest cost-effective approaches.
General
A Guide for Seniors and Retirees
Grant For Seniors
We are volunteers working on this website to guide seniors and retirees when they need help. Our help subjects may be categorized as
Financial Help
Health Care
Help with Rent
Housing Assistance
Food Assistance
Clothing Assistance
Transportation Assistance
Daily Life and so on
We have covered many resources in all 50 states and now working on the biggest 200 cities to help elderly citizens reach easily to benefits where they live in. We have big goals on this site like building directories of programs and benefits in many categories.
If you can take some time to check our site and add it to your links/resources page, it will be a big support and motivation for us.
AARP--For information across a broad array of senior issues in the U.S. (888) 687-2277
Age in Place--Provides a way for consumers to discover relevant and useful information about aging in place through topics such as real estate, home modifications, finances, health care, and assistive technology.
Aging and Senior Care Resources for Communities in Maryland--Many aging adults are unaware of the available care options and programs that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life. So we created a free resource that provides comprehensive information on topics like financial support and assisted living options that are available in their area. You can read more about our work here:
Allconnect Info--As technology continues to change, having a clear understanding of the best online browsing practices is more important than ever. With that in mind, we've created an all-inclusive guide with ways to help seniors stay safe while using the internet, including:
- A breakdown of common online scams targeting the elderly
- Additional tools for seniors to get the most use from their internet
- Tips and resources to avoid and report online scams
You can view our resource here:
Internet Basics for Seniors
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/internet-basics-for-seniors
The Alzheimer's Association--The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
AssistedLivingToday.com--Our missions at AssistedLivingToday.com is to help the disabled and elderly maximize their healthy years and age gracefully. We recently published a much-needed resource for the growing low-income senior population that I think would be helpful for your community. You can find it here:
https://assistedlivingtoday.com/blog/assisted-living-options-low-income-elders/
https://www.seniorhomes.com/senior-housing-for-low-income-residents/
Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)--Canada's association for Zoomers, Boomers, Seniors and those who care for them
Caring.com
https://www.caring.com/best-senior-moving-companies/.
Community Outreach and Aging In Place Advocate
Homecare.org
https://www.homecare.org/maryland
https://www.homecare.org/does-medicare-cover-in-home-care/
https://www.homecare.org/the-cost-of-24-7-in-home-care/
Community Outreach and Senior Advocate There are 26 Assisted Living Facilities in the Annapolis area, with 10 in Annapolis and 16 nearby.
Financial Assistance Programs for Senior Care
Guide to Assisted Living in California- Aging comes with a lot of changes. One transition many seniors and their families face is moving to a place where they can get more hands-on care. Assisted living communities are well-equipped to help residents manage daily activities while allowing aging adults to retain their independence.
Our guide to assisted living in California discusses paying for assisted living and eligibility requirements. It also has free resources for seniors and their families.
iREVIEWS
National Council on Seniors Drug & Alcohol Rehab: Communications Assistant National Council on Seniors Drug & Alcohol Rehab 810 7th Street NE Washington DC 20001 RehabNet.com 877-888-0552
Nursing Home Abuse Guide
Moving In the Right Direction, by Bruce Nemovitz (Book Publishers Network, 2006) The seniors guide to moving and downsizing from family home to senior housing.
RetireGuide We recently published what we believe to be the most easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. I am also sharing a link to our senior benefits and discounts guide, please take a look:
retireguide.com/medicare/
retireguide.com/guides/senior-benefits-discounts/
Senior Guidance an organization dedicated to providing senior living assistance to the elderly. In additional to providing a number of helpful senior living resources and articles, we enable seniors and caregivers to search and find 40,000+ long-term care facilities in more than 7,500 cities across the United States.
Senior Moments: A book for seniors and those who love them by Jacqueline D. Byrd (Byrd & Byrd LLC, 2005) Covers housing options, health care, estate planning and caregiving issues.
The Senior List--A new grass roots web portal that links consumers with quality senior related services.
Silver Planet -The latest information on scams, housing, financial planning, caregiving, spirituality, elder law, health, and new tech tools for staying at home so you can age in place.
- Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. We have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.
Benefits Locators
AARP Foundation Benefit Outreach Program (QuickLINK)--To find benefit programs and eligibility requirements.
Eldercare Locator--To find resources for older adults and caregivers; a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. (800) 677-1116
National Council on the Aging--Provides assistance in finding government and agency benefit programs for seniors. (202) 479-1200
Financial Considerations
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)--For assistance with utility bills and energy-related costs. (202) 401-9351
"Reverse Mortgage Loans: Borrowing Against Your Home," AARP--For information on how reverse mortgages work and the process for applying for one.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)--For information on the SSI program and eligibility requirements. (800) 772-1213
Security 1 Lending- The largest reverse mortgage full service company in the industry.
Starker Services, Inc.- The nation's oldest, largest and most experienced independent 1031 Exchange Intermediary.
Healthcare
Alzheimer's Association--The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)--For information on eligibility, programs, and state Medicaid manuals.
Medicare--For details on the Medicare program, including coverage, providers, costs and more. (800) 633-4227
National Organization of Professional Geriatric Care Managers--Provides a searchable database of GCMs. (520) 881-8008
Housing
Caring Transitions- Provides unparalleled assistance with downsizing, organizing, preparing a home for sale, move management, packing, unpacking, estate sale and online auction
"Assisted Living Facilities: Weighing the Options," AARP--For advice on selecting an assisted-care facility.
Guide on Downsizing for Retirement
National Association of Home Builders--To find a CAPS professional in your area. (800) 368-5242
RetirementHomes.com- North America's largest and most comprehensive easy-to-use online Senior Living Directory, spanning the continuum of care from active living to assisted living and Alzheimer's Care, and everything in between.
Legal Considerations
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys--For information on estate planning, probate, and other elder legal concerns, plus referrals to elder law attorneys in your area. (703) 942-5711
National Senior Citizens Law Center--For legal information and legislative advocacy for low-income seniors. (202) 289-6976
Moving
Certified Senior Home Transition Specialists--To find a certified and insured specialist to help with downsizing, organizing and moving. (800) 519-7316
Helpful relocation information for seniors -- https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-maryland/
National Association of Senior Move Managers--To learn more about professional senior moving services and to locate a specialist in your area. (877) 606-2766
Ann recognizes that a home often is the largest and most precious asset that people have. Her highest priority is working with buyers to find their perfect home and with sellers to find their perfect buyers. She believes that communication and follow-though is most important when working with clients and all parties involved. Ann is highly proficient with online databases—understands what’s in “the cloud”, giving her clients the best assistance in finding a home and utilizing today’s technology to effectively market your home.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) she brings a unique approach to each transaction and interaction with clients. She not only offers a deep knowledge of real estate and the local and economic issues shaping the market in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Region, but Ann is also educated on issues of particular concern to active 50+ clients.
When Ann isn’t helping her clients she is spending time with her family and helping support Habitat For Humanity, her company’s foundation, CBRB Cares, which provides support for the Wounded Warriors and has raised over $1 million for nonprofit organizations in our communities. She also participates in her companies Healthy Food Week and the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
Ann looks forward to helping your find your dream home!
Check Out Baltimore Listings Here
A lot of what I do is study the behavior of buyers and sellers in the market place. Once, I understand their behavior I am better equipped to help market their home and or find them a home.
Having caregiver experience with my own parents, one of my passions is to work with and help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home. Serving in this role has given me a first-hand understanding of elder care needs, services and senior transition plans, including downsizing, moving near adult children or transitioning to a more supportive environment.
Senior Demographics
Housing trends regarding 50+ buyers and sellers
Younger baby boomers (ages 51-60)
Older baby boomers (age 61-69)
Silent generation (ages 70-90)
Comprise 40 percent of all home sales
(16%, 15%, 9%)
Younger boomers are more likely to purchase multi-generational homes to accommodate their status as the “sandwich” generation, with adult children and aging parents residing in their home simultaneously. They also have the most income, on average, compared to their older counterparts and are more likely to make job-related moves than older buyers.
Older boomers are more likely to move farther away than the other two groups of senior buyers, and they most often buy for retirement. On average, older boomers plan to live in their house for 20 years.
The silent generation are most likely to move into some type of senior housing, are the least likely to purchase a single family detached home, and often make their move to be closer to family and friends. These oldest buyers are typically more satisfied with the home buyers process and home selling process as compared to any other age group. They are also more likely than any other age group to offer incentives to attract buyers, potentially making my job easer!
Roommate Arrangements
Homes suited for multi-generational living are also in demand among older adults interested in roommate situations-in particular, single senior females.
Such arrangements help reduce overall housing costs and divide home maintenance responsibilities, all while helping to meet the social needs of seniors who do not wish to live along.
Aging in Place
Boomers are staying put longer.
This means they are probably going to need to alter their existing environment to fit their evolving health, mobility and accessibility needs—or move into a different home that can easily accommodate those changing needs.
Gender-Specific Specialization
Single women make up 15 percent of all homebuyers in all age ranges (compared to 9 percent of single males).
Women, notably, place more value on service above all other considerations when selecting a real estate agent. It is important for women to build personal relationships; with men, it should outline the benefits and advantages of the home.
Women value more “emotional” aspects of the home they consider for purchase (such as how they feel about the home, the neighborhood, and the livability of the home). Men are much more oriented to facts and figures: can they afford the home, does it have enough space for his “stuff” and his hobbies, and will the home increase in value over time?
Marketing considerations:
Spread the word on my specialized services on my website about issues facing these target demographic, sharing my expertise and knowledge of the area, and then expanding your reach by sharing this content on my social media accounts and leveraging testimonials from past and current clients.
Holding “how to age in place” seminars and public service presentations in conjunction with state and local organizations and complementary service providers.
The rise of the Senior Move Specialist Industry
Two huge forces are intersecting today: A dramatic increase in people age 65 and over, the majority of whom will want to age in place for as long as possible, and a societal shift across all age brackets toward living more simply and voluntarily downsizing into smaller homes.
Many people in their 40s are already planning for aging in place and, according to a recent survey of remodelers conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 70 percent of remodelers say they are making universal design modifications to client homes, up 10 percent since 2006.
As a result, an entire industry of downsizing specialists has emerged to help individuals of all ages—especially baby boomers and seniors—make these lifestyle transitions.
Downsizing, de-cluttering and temporary moves can be essential steps in remodeling and implementing universal design features an existing structure.
So, using a senior move specialist isn’t just for those age 65 or older. Many are helping people in their 50s find a new, lighter-weight lifestyle.
Services Offered – Senior Move Professional
Move Management:
New space planning (floor plan)
Organizing/packing
Hire and supervise moving crew
Unpack and set up new home
Downsizing:
Estate sales
Auctions
Internet sales (eBay, Craiglist)
Donation drops
Preparation For Listing:
Home clean-outs
Cleaning
Staging
Other Assistance:
Photo organizing
Supervise home renovations (including aging in place)
Furniture purchases
Figuring out what to do with everything in a senior’s house is an enormous task, both time consuming and emotionally wrenching. It’s difficult to even know where to begin. Using a senior move professional can make things much easier.
1900 – 4% of the U.S. population is 65+
2033 – The first time 65+ will outnumber those under 18
2050 – 21% of the U.S. population is 65+
The Greatest concentrations of Seniors live in Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida; Over 15%
53% of the population is over 65 and Utah is the only state with more than 3 centenarians per 10,000 people
To learn more contact me today!
