What Does a Senior Real Estate Specialist Do and Why Do I Need One?

Making a move later in life isn’t just about changing your address—it’s about preserving your independence, financial security, and peace of mind. For adults over 50, navigating the real estate world can feel overwhelming without the right support. This blog explains what a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) does and why having one by your side can make all the difference.

What Does a Senior Real Estate Specialist Do?

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® is a REALTOR® who has completed advanced training through the National Association of REALTORS® to meet the unique needs of adults aged 50 and older. These agents are specifically educated in areas like retirement income planning, reverse mortgages, estate considerations, and housing options designed for aging.

Their role goes beyond buying and selling—they provide knowledgeable, respectful guidance during major life transitions. SRES® designees also know how to navigate the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) and protect clients from common scams that target seniors. As Highgate Senior Living notes, SRES® professionals help clients move forward with clarity, working with trusted downsizers, estate planners, and legal experts to simplify every step. Whether you’re looking to age in place or explore retirement communities, they’re equipped to guide you. Their training allows them to provide more than just transactions—they offer senior real estate services focused on your future.

Why Would I Need a Senior Real Estate Specialist?

So why might you need one? Real estate decisions later in life often come with added layers of emotional and financial complexity. You may be navigating decisions about long-term care, finances, or whether to keep the family home, all while feeling the weight of sentiment and stress. A Senior Real Estate Specialist® helps you make confident choices without pressure. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, these professionals are trained to collaborate with elder law attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners, ensuring all aspects of the transition are covered. Highgate Senior Living emphasizes the importance of their emotional sensitivity—they understand how hard it can be to let go of a home filled with memories and work at your pace. Their role is to reduce the stress, not just facilitate the sale. In short, they’re not just REALTORS®—they’re trusted REALTORs® for seniors who provide real peace of mind during expert senior home transitions.

How Can a Senior Real Estate Specialist Make the Process Easier?

A Senior Real Estate Specialist® also makes the process easier by coordinating the logistics and connecting you with trusted professionals to handle the details. From finding the right home to helping you downsize and prepare for the move, they take on the heavy lifting—both emotionally and practically. As Highgate explains, SRES® agents work with your timeline, not theirs, ensuring you never feel rushed or overwhelmed. They also help you weigh options like staying in your current home with modifications, or moving into a 55+ or senior living community. Their expertise in age-friendly housing and financial tools like reverse mortgages allows them to make recommendations tailored to your specific needs. This type of support is especially valuable for those managing health conditions, mobility concerns, or future care planning. Whether you're in San Diego or elsewhere, this level of real estate for older adults is what makes an SRES® so valuable. They provide the help you need when you’re selling a home after 50, with the compassion and experience to guide you through it.

Conclusion

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® offers much more than help buying or selling a home—they provide thoughtful, experienced support during some of life’s most important transitions. With their specialized training, professional network, and compassionate approach, they guide you through the process with care and clarity. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or planning ahead, having an SRES® ensures that your next move is the right one.

Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going thru divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years..

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.
  • Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.
  • RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.
  • SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.
  • Melina is bilingual in English and German.
  • Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.
  • Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.
  • Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.
  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.