I'll be honest, I received my SRES designation in September 2006. Prior to 2006 I actually finished up my Certified Financial Planning designation at Duke which covers Taxes, Financial, Estate Planning, Retirement, and General Financial Planning issues. It's a two year program and touches in detail the things we covered in the two day SRES class. So, when I get calls from Seniors planning on moving to the area they feel comfortable sharing some of their challenges - fixed income, retirement plans, medical directives, concern about medical facilities, medical care, etc. The list goes on and on.... 
I found the SRES class to be a bit light on depth of material but great on Marketing Ideas. Our class spent almost a day coming up with ideas on how to market to Seniors. Fortunately for me, my market has been pretty strong and I really haven't had the opportunity to execute on some of the ideas. At the time, I hadn't even thought of pulling together some of the ideas I've shared on Active Rain.
But now, IT'S TIME TO WALK THE TALK.
So, with the collective audience of Active Rain Seniors Real Estate Specialists out there I'm going to post some of the Marketing Ideas I/We have thought of and would like to get your feedback on what you've done to take advantage of this designation.
Marketing Ideas
- Devote a section of your website specifically to seniors that addresses their needs. Provide them with valuable resources so that you are their "go to" person regarding the area and resources.
- Blog Away - I've been getting ideas from clients that have found me on the web. They ask about gated communities, alternatives to Active Adult Living Facilities, continuing care facilities, and much more.
- Use the internet to your full advantage - I actually had a call from the Public Relations person out at Del Webb in Cary request that I post a blog about their one year celebration. They knew I had been writing about the area and wanted to get the word out!! Excitement.
- Teaming Arrangements - In todays competitive environment referrals are key. Given I had gotten my Certificate in Financial Planning I decided to send a letter out to all of the CFPs in the area to discuss co-marketing. There are only about 100 in the area - I received a call back from two and we are working on plans to enhance the relationship.
- Reverse Mortgages - My SRES teacher works with a local guy here in the Triangle that handles only reverse mortgages. He specializes in working with Seniors that are looking to utilze their estate to live comfortably on a fixed income over time. I have his name in my back pocket and provide referrals when needed.
- Seniors Newsletter - SRES actually has a newsletter on their website that can be tailored to your clientle. We have an Active 55+ community close to my office that I plan on sending this newsletter out Quarterly to let them know I'm closeby.
- Advertise in the local Seniors Guide - This is a great marketing opportunity. When you send out relocation packets the clients will see that you are an area specialist.
- Network - Visit the Seniors Communities in your area and get to know the Agents onsite. Who knows they may even hand you a referral or two. In our area there are a few neighborhoods under construction and they can't meet the timeframes for clients that want to move here. I give them my card and we trade referrals back and forth
- Network some more -The onsite agent tht I work with keeps me informed of the Seniors Fairs that are going on in the area. I've hosted a table top at a couple of the events.
- Stop by the Senior Centers and get to know the Management. Support the local events.
- Host a Seniors Seminar, advertise in the paper, provide food and beverages - Bring in all of your business partners to co-host the event with you. Provide a Seniors Resource Team at their disposal - Certified Financial Planner, Tax Specialist, CPA, Lender, Attorney, and Realtor
- Join a Seniors Networking Group -Here's one in my area.
Links to Seniors Resources for Your Reference:
So, You Tell me--
- How has the SRES benefited your business?
- What Marketing Tools have worked for you?
Your input is invaluable to me as I head into the fall market I will have plenty of time to expand on this growing market segment that seems to be moving into my area - North Carolina.
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