Real Estate for Seniors: The Five Most Important Things to Ask
- Real Estate
- by Seniorcareaccess
There are many unique factors that apply to senior living arrangements and the options that are available, so if you are an older adult interested in buying or selling a property, it is wise to work with a real estate professional who specializes in senior transitions. Most people are unaware that within the real estate industry, there are levels of focus or specialties, and one of these are REALTORS® who work with seniors. In the U.S. the designation is called the SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist). In Canada, it is the ASA® (Accredited Senior Agent®) and it also offers the highest recognition for a select few called the MASTER Accredited Senior Agent®. The SRES® also serves Canada but the ASA® is 100% Canadian. By working with a Seniors’ REALTOR® will ensure you find the right home while also addressing your unique needs and understanding. Asking the right questions is equally as important, so ask your real estate agent the following:
Do You Have A Seniors’ Designation?
This answer will help you determine whether or not the agent is familiar with senior needs, which may be very different from a younger one. Knowing how often the real estate agent works with older adults will give you an idea of their strengths and abilities when it comes to helping elderly adults find a home that fits their needs. Additionally, their experience will allow them to understand seniors' difficulties when buying or selling a home to better understand how to handle the situation.
Would You Be Comfortable With Me Talking To Previous Clients?
Knowing how many older adults the real estate agent has worked with is important, but it’s also crucial to get a sense of how past clients felt. Ask the real estate agent if you can talk to some of their previous clients, and any reputable agent will gladly provide you with a list of references for you to contact. This kind of feedback will help you make an informed decision as you will have a good understanding of their work and how they will be able to represent your needs.
What Services Do You Offer That Set You Apart From The Competition?
Buyers and sellers will need help in several areas when listing or purchasing a home, and some seniors will require more help than the norm, so you need to determine what services are being offered. Whether it’s helping with a potential home search, marketing your current home, or negotiating pricing, you have to know what the agent is willing to do to complete your transaction. The agent should also be able to recommend lawyers, inspectors, and other service professionals who also specialize in serving seniors.
What Are Your Methods Of Communication?
Text messaging and emailing are very common forms of communication. Still, these options may not apply to seniors, so you have to confirm whether or not the real estate agent can accommodate your communication needs.
How Safe Is The Neighbourhood And Surrounding Areas?
Safety is a very big concern for many seniors, so your real estate agent has to provide you with a detailed answer in this regard. This is especially true for seniors who are living alone.
The experts at Senior Care Access have a direct relationship with real estate agents and the Accredited Senior Agent® Training Program. SeniorcareAccess consultants can help you with all of your senior real estate needs, from consultations, navigating the process as well as referring a qualified Seniors’ REALTOR. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact us today!
More information about the Accredited Senior Agent® program can be found at www.seniorsrealestate.ca
More information about the SeniorCareAccess Consulting program can be found at www.SeniorcareAccess.com/consulting
Use the following links to locate Seniors Real Estate Services in the associated areas:
Seniors Real Estate in Toronto
Seniors Real Estate in Mississauga
Seniors Real Estate in Oakville