Finding the Right Real Estate Agent:: A Guide for Seniors

When considering buying or selling a home, seniors have a special set of needs that may not apply to others in the real estate market. The first time home buyer has a certain set of needs. Young families with small children have another. Seniors fall into a whole different category.

It is important then, to make sure that the real estate professional you choose has the ability to meet the needs of the senior buyer or seller. Most agents are simply interested in putting your home on the market and getting it sold. But there is much more to the process than that. Seniors need an agent who is willing to "go the extra mile" to make the transaction as stress-free and hassle free as possible.

Senior sellers may be in the process of "scaling down", moving to a smaller home or an assisted care facility. Your agent needs to understand how to help you to figure out what you will need to take with, and suggest ways to dispose of excess items that won't fit in your new environment. Your agent should have suggestions for companies who can organize estate sales, garage sales or help you organize a charity to pick up items which may not be needed in the new setting.

Seniors may have lived in their home for a number of years and not understand what people are looking for in today's market. Your agent needs to know what the market may demand. If you are selling a home in a 55+ community other seniors may not demand granite counter-tops and the most updated appliances. A simple fresh coat of paint may be all you need to make the property appealing before putting it on the market. Other markets will demand more upgrades, or a sales price adjustment, which the right agent will advise you on.

Seniors may have owned their properties for a number of years, resulting in numerous tax implications. While Real Estate Professionals cannot give you tax advise, the right agent, working with your tax advisor should be able to advise you in ways of selling your properties which could result in less taxes or tax deferments. These types of sales need to be handled correctly to protect as many of the seniors assets as possible. The amount of equity you have in a property, the way title is held and whether or not property has been held as an investment all make a difference is the next step you make. Be sure your agent understands the implications of disposing of these properties.

An agent dealing with seniors need to be understanding of special health needs which may be in the home. If health issues are a concern in your home make sure that you have an agent who will show compassion and concern in trying to show the home at convenient times for the family members with those special needs. Again, if you have an agent whose only concern is that they get the home sold as quickly as possible, compassion may give way to convenience- the real estate agent's convenience.

When searching for the right agent, try to find an agent who has had experience in working with other seniors and those who have been in similar circumstances to yours. Let your "gut instinct" be your guide. If you feel pushed by an agent, or rushed, as though they don't have time for you, perhaps you don't have the right person.

Once you do have the right agent- sit back, relax and leave the driving to them!

Patti Phillips is a Realtor in the San Diego area. One of her specialties is helping seniors to meet their real estate needs. Please visit her web-site at http://www.PattiPhillipsRealEstate.com or call toll-free 800-680-9133

---

Do I Need A Real Estate Survey?

Getting a survey before you close on any real estate... Read More

Home Buying Checklist ? Windows

If you are in the market to purchase a home,... Read More

How To Realistically Get Started As A Real Estate Investor

When it comes to real estate investing, most beginners find... Read More

Are You Tired of Tenants, Toilets, and Trash?

Wouldn't you rather go to Tahiti? Are you a landlord... Read More

Tidy Up The Outside, Reap The Rewards

There isn't a realtor in existence who wouldn't tell you... Read More

Making Money In Real Estate - 10 Ways

Making money in real estate is an endless topic that... Read More

Product Review of Carelton Sheets No Money Down Course

Real estate continues to be a very important part of... Read More

Zero Down Real Estate Investing

Zero down? Why would a seller want to walk away... Read More

Investment Real Estate Made Easy ? Make the Most from Each Investment Dollar

When it comes to buying investment real estate, there are... Read More

How to Build a Real Estate Investing Power Team

As you continue to read about real estate investing, you... Read More

How to Buy a Home When Your in Your Twenties

A Single's Game of Real Estate (Getting started in your... Read More

Rehab Your Way to Wealth: The Quick Way to Fixer-Upper Success

Completely rebuilding a house is not necessary to make money... Read More

High Profit Real Estate Investing--Make a Good Deal Every Time!

Knowing what a Good Deal is ? Is the Key... Read More

Negative Gearing ? It?s Not to Your Benefit!

The concept of negative gearing has been originally developed to... Read More

Find Bucks in Yucks! 20-Year-Old Woman Turns Doghouses into Dollars!

Do you dream of making money in real estate? Do... Read More

Understanding Title Insurance

Title to a property is a record detailing the owners... Read More

Real Estate Investing - The Marvel Of Home Depot And Lowes

Repairing a rental home (or your own home) use to... Read More

The Bubble Effect

Turn on the TV at almost any time day or... Read More

FSBO - Selling Your Home FSBO (for sale by owner) ? Is It Worth It?

FSBO, what is it? FSBO means For Sale by Owner,... Read More

How Much Home Can You Afford In Todays Market?

If you haven't figured your credit worthiness and borrowing power... Read More

Investing In Commercial Property

Investing in commercial property is well beyond the financial means... Read More

Real Estate Investing - House Problems

Houses can have lots of problemsReal estate investing requires expertise... Read More

Getting Ready to Sell Your Property

We all have had the experience of someone important coming... Read More

Mancos Real Estate

Real estate: availability and costIn 2000, the median home value... Read More

Should You Accept A Full Purchase Offer For Your Note or Not?

You could be facing a dilemma when considering payout options... Read More

Home Owners: Disclose the Facts!

One of the most common causes for disputes occurring after... Read More

Personal Debt Can Disappear When You Set up a New Business

I teach students how to set up a new business... Read More

Pricing Your Property

A house properly priced is half sold. But there are... Read More

Selling Your House Fast!

The physical senses of buyers respond to a home's design,... Read More

Florida Investment Real Estate and What Are Considerations Before Buying

Investment Real Estate, First Things FirstConsidering investing in property? What... Read More

Real Estate Financing - Ten Ways

Do you remember when real estate financing meant you saved... Read More

Setting Goals for Real Estate Success

The power of goal setting has been well documented and... Read More

Purchase Your First Home with Confidence

If you are making the transition from renter to homeowner,... Read More