Connie Dolloff - Seniors Real Estate Specialist
I've been a Realtor since 2000, and being in my mid 60s I am truly aware of the unique expectations and needs of seniors. Here a few key points why I hold this unique certification by the National Association of Realtors.
- Specialized Knowledge: The SRES designation equips me with expertise tailored to the unique needs of clients aged 50 and older. This includes understanding retirement options, downsizing, reverse mortgages, and legal and financial aspects relevant to older adults.
- Growing Market: The senior population is rapidly growing, especially as Baby Boomers age. This demographic often has different real estate needs, such as seeking single-story homes, independent or assisted living communities, or selling family homes for retirement relocation. An SRES designation positions me to cater to this expanding market.
- Building Trust: Seniors often require a Realtor who is patient, empathetic, and skilled at addressing their specific concerns, such as emotional attachment to a long-time home or financial planning for retirement. By holding an SRES certification, I am committed to understanding and supporting this group, which helps build trust and stronger client relationships.
- Providing Comprehensive Services: The SRES designation is more than just a certification on a piece of paper. It enables me to collaborate with a network of professionals, such as estate planners, elder law attorneys, and financial advisors. This holistic approach can offer clients a more complete, less stressful experience when dealing with real estate transitions later in life.
- Competitive Edge: With the SRES certification, I differentiate myself in a competitive market by showcasing my specialized skills and commitment to serving a specific client base.
In short, earning the SRES certification allows me to better serve seniors with compassion, knowledge, and customized real estate solutions.
Selling a home at any stage in our life can be stressful.
Here are what many seniors say are their greatest concerns.
- Market Conditions: Worrying about whether it's a good time to sell and how the market will impact the sale price.
- Emotional Attachment: Struggling with the emotional impact of leaving a long-time home filled with memories.
- Home Preparation: Concerns about the time, effort, and costs involved in cleaning, decluttering, and staging the home for sale.
- Finding a New Home: Anxiety about where to move next, whether it’s a smaller home, an apartment, or an assisted living facility.
- Costs of Selling: Worrying about real estate agent fees, closing costs, and other expenses associated with selling a home.
- Navigating the Process: Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the selling process, including paperwork and legal requirements.
- Safety and Accessibility: Considering whether the new living situation will meet their needs for safety and accessibility as they age.
- Moving Logistics: Stress about the physical act of moving, including packing, hiring movers, and the potential strain on their health.
- Impact on Family: Concern about how the sale and move will affect family dynamics, especially if they have to downsize significantly.
- Financial Security: Worries about how the sale proceeds will affect their financial situation, including retirement savings and ongoing living expenses.
"Real estate if often much more about people than it is about houses." -Connie and Bill Dolloff
If you're reading this you may be considering some significant decisions about selling a home you've lived in for years, or maybe you're thinking about what your next home needs to be. I know you are at a point in life where you may be making some important decisions. You might be making these decisions with your spouse, family, or children, while examining your home needs to safeguard your health and lifestyle. My husband Bill and I are doing the same thing! We are in our 60s. We work together and offer our knowledge, compassion, sincere commitment, and guidance to help you make some important decisions.