The Difference in Selling Homes for Seniors 55+ in Kansas City
There are many differences between selling a home for seniors, someone over 55 years old and any other home seller. While in California 12-13 years ago for a real estate convention, I learned about a designation for real estate agents that work with home sellers who are over 55 years old. I didn’t really think about it before then, but seniors are special (in so many ways), and have different requirements during the process of selling their homes that may not be as fast paced and clear cut as a typical transaction. I went to Florida the next year and earned my Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. I learned the many intricacies of dealing with this pretty different market.
In many cases, the senior seller needs their real estate agent to act more in the role of a consultant, and to be more hands on because the job is more involved, too. It may be months, or even years that we are in contact while they get prepared to make the move, and put their house on the market.
Some of the things that agents who work in this market like I do, need to have are certain skills including patience, a high level of respect for our elders, great organizational skills, the ability to manage long term relationships and compassion. It is also important that we have access to resources – movers, handymen, attorneys, house cleaners, carpenters/contractors, movers, etc. There are many people who specialize in working with seniors, so be sure to ask.
It’s also helpful for me that I love older people and being around them for their stories and to absorb their wisdom. I respect that they have some interesting histories – not only about their families, but the city and their neighborhoods which could prove beneficial. We get to find out a lot about our clients during our initial and subsequent appointments. Whereas with other sellers, the initial appointment may take 1-1.5 hours, we may spend 2-2.5 hours with our senior clients, if not more. Then the follow up may be over multiple meetings before the house goes on the market, with some meetings with family members and/or friends. Both parties are getting to know each other and starting to build the trust that is critical in this long term relationship.
Some of the critical things that we do for our client:
1. Help the seller identify how to clear the house to move. They will need to decide what furniture, books, etc. they need to sell, give to family, donate to charity or move with them. We can refer estate sales people, or others who help to liquidate their possessions. Many have over 30-40 years of collections in their homes.
2. Do a walk through to determine cosmetic updates needed (paint, carpet, flooring, kitchens, etc.) to get the house ready to go on the market (then refer to, and possibly meet contractors for bids and help supervise the work).
3. Help stage the home after removal of their furniture, if necessary.
4. Provide resources to help the seller identify what their options are as far as where they are moving to (independent, assisted living facility, etc.).
5. We must help them decide the best time to get the house on the market to meet their needs.
So, if you are a Kansas City area homeowner over 55+ years old, or have a parent who is, and want to start the process of evaluating a home move, please contact me for a free consultation.
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