An interesting read... AGE SHOULD PROVE NO BARRIER TO GOOD REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE (article written about our own Laura Willmott soon to be featuring in local press) The process of selling a home isnt always an easy thing to do for the elderly – a smooth transition from a-z and the sensitivity, empathy and trust possessed by the agent is very important. Agent Laura Willmott’s recent experience with senior vendors has sparked her interest in gaining international accreditation as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. “There are only two or three Australians who hold accreditation and one of my RE/MAX peers is the only New Zealander who is qualified.” Laura says while working with vendors through the process of selling their home to move to a retirement village, she found herself drawing on skills that need to be more honed than with many other sales experiences. “The owners of my listing were a lovely couple in their 80’s with plans to move into a retirement village in the Redlands near their daughter’s home, and while deciding to sell their 15-year-old four-bedroom home was difficult for them, so was deciding on an agent. The sellers said it came down to a photo in the RE/MAX Advantage advertising supplement in the Wynnum Herald, their local newspaper. They said they liked my photo, so they called me. Laura says qualities like empathy and patience were essential when moving through the listing, marketing and selling process with elderly vendors, making sure they feel safe throughout from pricing the property, advertising the property, open houses and accepting offers through to the ‘unconditional’ stage. “Along the way we had stumbling blocks with health matters as well as repairs to be carried out and offers to be considered. I needed to recognize ahead when the sellers were likely to feel overwhelmed by the whole process. I stepped in and, for example, made sure quotes were fair and the work completed to our time line. “I worked with solicitors involved to ensure all was on time as we made a special request for settlement to be October 31, and organised for their house to be cleaned on move-out day.” Adding to the pressure of the sale was that October 31 was also deadline for the purchase and occupancy of their retirment home. “We did it. The Wakerley property was listed at $519,000 and sold for $520,000, and they moved into their new home on October 31.” “Some sellers have lived in their family home for decades,” she said, “and the thought of what is involved in buying and selling can be overwhelming for them; or their family is scattered far and wide and they need someone to assist with the myriad of details that come with planning to buy or sell property. “That is where I step up and take the extra time to make sure my customers are informed and at ease every step of the way, and work at their pace to ensure the entire process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. “I would like to add specialised training to my experience and commitment so I can even better assist senior customers and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that accompany later-in-life moves.” The SRES® designation evolved in 1997 to focus on the needs of home buyers and sellers aged 50-plus, and is awarded by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association Of Realtors® (NAR). The SRES Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. Laura explains: “Agents who carry the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation are specially qualified to address the real estate needs of an important age group, and can bring a unique approach to each transaction and interaction with clients through the education they receive on issues of particular concern to senior clients as well as their local market knowledge and real estate expertise.” Contact Laura Willmott, RE/MAX Advantage on M. 0418 188 416.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 04:55:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015