What is an SRES Certification® Designation | Certification?

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation is earned by licensed REALTORS® who specialize in meeting the unique needs of maturing adults when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. The SRES® designation is earned and ensures REALTORS® with this designation are fully prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions related to their housing needs.

Education: Active licensed REALTORS® must successfully complete the SRES Designation course, pass an exam and are required to enroll in continuing education certification.

Professional Affiliations: An SRES®  must have the following:
- Member in good standing of National Association of Realtors  or cooperating association
- Member in good standing in the SRES® Council

Professional Network: Having credibility with a network of experienced specialized service professionals available to work with maturing adults during a housing transition is extremely beneficial for sellers and their families. This includes vendors, contractors, and services in and around the home to downsize  (right size) and transition to a more suitable housing situation. 

As an SRES , Tammy works closely with her clients and their families to discuss options and suggestions for solutions which can help with the various steps of the decision to transition, sale and move:

• The decision to sell: Mortgage counselors and experts that will analyze unique circumstances and look at possibilities to use a home’s equity to allow an maturing adult to remain in their home, if preferred.

• Prior to listing: tax specialists and financial planners to examine ways to protect assets.

• Preparing the home for market: Handymen, landscapers, organizers, clutter reduction specialists, contractors and more.

• Legal considerations: Real Estate attorneys to assist with title, estate planning, Trusts, and disbursement, closing terms and more.

• Moving: downsizing experts, senior moving specialist, estate sale planners and storage facilities.

How to Communicate with Aging Adults & Families

The GwinnGroup, headed by Tammy Gwinn, SRES* is a reputable force helping Aging Adults and their families embark on the overwhelming process when transitioning from a long-time family home to a new retirement community.
"the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" Aristotle

 One of the parts…. ‘Communication preferences’ for our clients.
It is the little things that result in satisfaction and success for our Aging Adult clients.
We pick up the phone and talk to you.

Working alongside aging Adults and families, Tammy Gwinn of the Group understands how to accommodate and support the needs and preferences of her clients’ and their families. Data shows Aging Adults prefer voice (phone call) as preferred form of communication, where their younger adult family members prefer voice and text.  We also know, (supported by the research from the Senior Housing News organization), the preferred time of day to talk is 10:00 am. or so; as the day goes on (12:00pm and 4:00pm. are less desirable and effective).

 We take the time and honor the little things, as we support our clients’ as they consider the transition from their long time family home to a new community.

*Senior Real Estate Specialists – National Board of Realtors Certification and Designation

Talking to Loved Ones About a Senior Living Move

10 Tips to Look for in Aging Adults

            There are renovations and configurations in a home that will allow you to age safely and comfortable. To help you identify the most important changes you can make in your existing home or seek in your next home we provide a list of  for remodeling projects or existing configurations in your next home.       

1.CONVERT to or look for AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN:  Fewer obstructions improve mobility for people with vision impairments or walking difficulties, or who use wheelchairs or walkers. Reducing the number of interior walls also allows light to travel throughout the home, increasing overall visibility and further protecting from falls and other accidents.

2. Look for or CREATE A FIRST-FLOOR PRIMARY BEDROOM / SUITE:  First-level primary suites minimize or eliminate the need to go up and down stairs regularly. Those in multi-level homes can accommodate this change by downsizing to a single store home or redesigning the first floor of their current residence.

3. Look for or WIDEN DOORWAYS AND HALLWAYS:  Most residential doorways are not wide enough to comfortable accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices. All hallways and doors in public buildings must be at least 32 inches to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standard. However, residential doors and hallways don’t always meet this minimum, particularly in older homes.  In these cases, doors and halls should be widened wherever possible.

4. Look for or REPLACE FLOORING ACCORDING TO NEEDS: The right type of flooring will differ based on the individual homeowners needs. Refinished hardwoods can resist the bumps and grinds of regular wheelchair traffic more effectively than other flooring options such as carpet.  While ceramic tiles may also work well for the wheelchair users, they can get quite slippery to avoid this issue, shop around for ADA compliant,  anti-slip tiles.

5. Look for or UPDATE TO SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY: From security cameras to smart light switches, there are dozens of home technology options available to support Aging Adults aging in place – many of which. Are eligible for AARP discounts,  updating locks, lights, window treatments and appliances with smart tech makes it easier to centrally manage appliances, energy use and home safety devices.

6. Look for or INSTALL WALK-IN SHOWER: Most falls at home occur in the bathroom where floors can be slippery and support features are often limited.  Because many designers recommend eliminating tubs- which can be difficult to climb in and out of – and installing walk – showers with benches, treads, and grab bars.  Make sure grab bars are next to toilets.

7. PAINT IN CONTRASTING COLORS:  Both color and depth. Perception declines as we age, affecting as many as half of all American aging adults. People who wear multifocal glasses or contacts are even more likely to struggle. Something as basic as painting a door frame a different color can help people with vision impairments cope easier.  Designers suggest painting  doorways stairs and the edges of counters in contrasting colors.

8. Look for or INCREASE KITCHEN ACCESSIBILITY:  Try grouping appliances together to avoid carrying heavy pots and pans from one end of the room to the other. Limit mounted fixtures that are difficult to reach.  Do not install cabinets of the stove to avoid a hazard when leaning of hot surface, especially when balance is impaired. Look for (or replace) lower cabinets with under-countertop drawers, which are easier to pull out.

9. ELIMINATE THRESHOLDS WHEREVER POSSIBLE: Homeowners aging in place or seeking accommodating living conditions should eliminate thresholds wherever possible by leveling sunken living rooms, single steps, and half floors.  Small sets of steps can be more dangerous than full staircases because they are not as obvious or distinct to people with limited depth perception.  The right remodeling team can help with this project.

10. Look for or BUILD / CREATE HOUSING FOR A CAREGIVER:  Aging adults who anticipate needing professional help or assistance from family members in the future might consider building an addition, accessory dwelling unit or backyard cottage on the property.  This can be pricier than most of the other improvements but adding extra living space for caregiver can save you time, money, and peace of mind in the long run. It is convenient for caregiver and would most likely improve the value of your property.