What Is an SRES® ?

SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist®. It is a professional real estate designation focused on the housing and real estate needs of older adults.

An SRES® REALTOR® has completed specialized education related to the choices and challenges people may encounter as they plan for retirement, reconsider their housing needs, sell a longtime home or help aging parents make important decisions.

Working with an SRES® does not mean you must sell your home or move. It means you have access to a REALTOR® who understands that later-life real estate decisions often involve more than the property itself.

A traditional real estate transaction usually focuses on buying or selling a property. When working with seniors and families, the conversation may need to be broader.

Questions can include:

• Is the current home still safe and manageable?
• Could renovations make aging in place possible?
• Would downsizing reduce maintenance and expenses?
• Would a bungalow or main-floor home be more comfortable?
• Would condominium living provide greater freedom?
• Is moving closer to family important?
• Would a retirement residence better support changing needs?
• How can adult children help while respecting their parents’ wishes?
• What needs to happen before the family home can be listed?

An SRES® understands that these questions can involve lifestyle, family relationships, finances, accessibility, timing and emotional attachment to a home.

As an Ottawa Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I can help you:

• Explore whether aging in place, downsizing or rightsizing may be appropriate
• Understand the potential value of your current home
• Create a realistic plan for preparing and selling a longtime property
• Identify homes that may better support comfort and mobility
• Search for bungalows, condominiums and main-floor living options
• Consider proximity to family, healthcare, shopping and familiar services
• Coordinate the real estate process with family members when requested
• Connect with trusted professionals and home-service providers
• Move through the process according to your needs and preferred timeline

My role is to provide real estate information and guidance. When legal, tax, financial, healthcare or estate-planning advice is needed, I encourage clients to consult the appropriate qualified professional.

Adult children often become involved when an aging parent is considering a move, experiencing a health change or having difficulty maintaining a home.

This can be a sensitive time. Parents may be concerned about losing their independence, while family members may be worried about safety, finances or the amount of work required.

I help create a respectful process in which everyone can be heard while keeping the older adult’s needs, preferences and decisions at the centre of the conversation.

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Speaking with an SRES® can be helpful long before a home is placed on the market. An early conversation can help you understand:

• What your home may be worth
• What preparation may eventually be required
• Which improvements could be worthwhile
• What housing alternatives are available
• How long the process might take
• Which questions you should be asking now

Planning early can provide more choices, reduce pressure and help prevent important decisions from being made during a crisis.

Your next home does not necessarily need to be smaller. It needs to better support your lifestyle, comfort, independence and plans for the future.

Whether you want to remain at home, downsize, rightsize, move closer to family or explore retirement living, I will help you understand your options and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.

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