That ticklish little thought is back. “Am I still in the right place?”
Maybe you’re walking past that always-empty guest room, thinking about the grandkids who now live across town. Perhaps you’re remembering how many darn leaves fall in your yard every October, or that climbing the stairs to your bedroom is NOT particularly easy or comfortable anymore. Could it be that you’re just ready for a change, wanting to explore new possibilities, new neighborhoods, new daily routines?
Whatever gets you thinking about potentially moving, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. There’s that spark of excitement when you imagine a fresh start – perhaps a home where friends are within walking distance, or where there’s natural beauty without all the yard upkeep. You might feel a surge of optimism picturing yourself in a space that just works better for the life you’re living now.
But then, those butterflies might start fluttering for different reasons. After all, the last time you went through a housing change might have been decades ago! The ins and outs of buying and selling a home have changed quite a bit since then – from digital paperwork to virtual tours – and your lifestyle priorities have no doubt shifted too.
Questions may start piling up in your mind: Where do you even begin with sorting through years of memories and belongings? What should you really be looking for in a new home? Would a senior-living community be right for you, or would you be happier in a single-level home not far from where you are now? And what about all the financial stuff that goes along with making a move? 
These aren’t just real estate concerns. They’re life concerns. And they deserve your patient attention.
Taking That First Step
You know what’s interesting? Many people think they need to have everything figured out before they talk to a real estate agent. They feel like they should already know exactly what they want, where they want to go, and when they want to move. But that’s not how it usually works – and it’s definitely not how it has to work.
The truth is, exploring your options is part of the process, not something you have to do before the process begins. And that’s where working with someone who really understands the 55+ experience can make such a difference.
What exactly is an SRES® Realtor?
The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is awarded by the Center for REALTOR® Development, a subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This credential is earned by REALTORS® who complete specialized education focused on helping clients aged 55 and older navigate real estate transitions. SRES® designees receive extensive training on topics including downsizing, aging in place, senior housing options, retirement considerations, and the emotional aspects of late-life moves.
What Makes Working with an SRES® Different?
It’s not just about knowing which homes are for sale or understanding market values (though that’s certainly important!). When you work with an SRES®, you’re working with someone who gets that this isn’t just another real estate transaction.
We understand that you might want to:
- Take your time exploring different possibilities
- Talk through various scenarios before making any decisions
- Get information about options you might not have considered
- Connect with trusted local resources for all sorts of help – from downsizing assistance to home modifications
- Have family members involved in discussions (or not – it’s entirely up to you!)
Most importantly, we know that this process isn’t just about finding your next house – it’s about finding your next home. And there’s a world of difference between the two.
Beyond the Transaction – It’s About the Whole Picture
Here’s something that might surprise you: when you sit down with an SRES®, we might spend more time talking about your grandkids, your favorite neighborhood walks, or your ideal coffee shop than we do about real estate – at least at first. Why? Because understanding what matters in your daily life helps us understand what matters in your next home.
Maybe you’ve got family members who want to be part of the conversation. (And maybe you’ve got family members you’d rather not have involved – that’s okay too!) Whether you’re weighing options on your own or part of a larger family discussion, we’re used to considering your support “team” while still always putting YOUR needs first.
What truly sets a SRES apart is our commitment to being there before, during, and after your move. We’re not just helping with a transaction – we’re helping you navigate a life transition. That might mean connecting you with trusted service providers, checking in after you’ve settled to make sure everything’s working out, or being available months later when you need a recommendation for a handyman. It’s about building a relationship that lasts well beyond closing day.
The Power of Professional Networks
Speaking of trusted service providers – one of the most valuable things we offer is our carefully cultivated network of Portland-area professionals who specialize in serving the 55+ community. When you’re making housing decisions, the last thing you want to do is spend hours researching and vetting service providers. That’s why we maintain connections with experienced professionals like:
- Elder law attorneys who understand Oregon-specific regulations
- Senior move managers who can help coordinate every detail of your relocation
- Home modification specialists for aging-in-place improvements
- Estate sale professionals and downsizing experts
- Financial advisors experienced in retirement transitions
These aren’t just names in a directory – they’re professionals we know and trust to provide the same level of respectful, attentive service you’ll get from us. Having these connections at your fingertips means you can focus on the bigger picture while knowing you’ve got reliable expertise when you need it.
Finding Your Right Fit
Let’s be completely honest about something: there are many excellent real estate agents in the Portland metro area. While we’re proud of our SRES® designation and the specialized knowledge it represents, what matters most is working with someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
If you already have a relationship with a real estate agent who “gets” you – someone you click with and trust – that’s valuable. Good agents are resourceful people, and if your trusted agent encounters situations where they need specific senior-housing expertise, they’ll usually find a way to get you the information and connections you need.
The SRES® designation isn’t a “must-have” – it’s just one way of demonstrating a focus on serving mature clients. What’s truly essential is working with someone who listens to you, understands your goals, and makes you feel confident in your decisions. Trust and rapport should always come first.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
While there are many paths to your next chapter, working with an SRES® means having someone in your corner who understands both the practical and personal sides of housing decisions for mature adults. We’ve made it our mission to be a knowledgeable, patient resource for you and your family.
Want to learn more? We offer two easy ways to get started:
Schedule a No-Pressure Consultation
Let’s have a quick (30-minute) chat about what you’re thinking. No sales pitch – just a conversation about your situation and how we might help. We can explore your options together and help you determine your best next steps, even if that means waiting or choosing a different path entirely.
Access Our Free Resource Library
Before making any decisions, you might want to do some research on your own. We’ve created a collection of guides and checklists specifically for Portland’s 55+ community, covering topics like:
– Your Rightsizing Journey: A Guide to Finding Your Best Home Life
– Your Practical Downsizing Guide: A Companion to Your Rightsizing Journey
– Aging in Place: Adapting Your Home for Comfort, Safety, and Independence
– Navigating the Financial Landscape: A Guide to Real Estate Decisions for 55+ Homeowners
– Estate Planning and Your Home: A Guide for 55+ Homeowners
These resources are yours to explore at your own pace – no strings attached.
The best housing decisions come from feeling informed, supported, and confident – and that’s exactly what we’re here to help you achieve.
Thanks for reading : )
Peter Lindberg
Lead Broker – Silver Compass Property Group
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
503-806-4277
peter.lindberg@silvercompasspropertygroup.com
