Retirees Be Warned: Avoid This Real Estate Mistake When Choosing A Realtor

According to the National Association of Realtors, 49% of all home buyers in 2025 were seniors. Still, moving or adding property to your portfolio can be a complicated process, and many of the conversations around real estate are focused on younger generations and first-time homeownership. This trend isn't surprising, as many Americans feel that the best time to buy a house is between the ages of 25 and 34. So, many realtors are likewise focused on younger demographics and accustomed to helping clients navigate 30-year mortgages and other terms geared toward non-senior clientele. All of this is why older homebuyers owe it to themselves to avoid the common mistake of just going with any realtor when they could instead choose someone who actually specializes in real estate for senior citizens and retirees.

Yes, realtors specializing in senior clients exist, and some of them are even certified. Realtors can undergo special training for working with clients in their 50s and older and receive a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. Realtors with this training might be somewhat few and far between, but you can find one in your area by using the National Association of Realtors' Find an SRES tool or by looking for the SRES designation on prospective realtors' websites and business cards. You can also ask agents directly about their experience working with seniors, of course, but only that designation ensures they've received specific training to do so.

Without a realtor who specializes in senior clients, you could miss out on potential savings and income streams. If you're looking to downsize or relocate, for example, an SRES can help you get a fuller look at your options and avoid unexpected expenses. For instance, there are many reasons people end up regretting moving into retirement communities. An SRES could help you get a clear picture of whether that might be the right path for you, or potentially find you more affordable properties geared toward older residents that could be a better fit.

Beyond actual property options, there are also specific government programs for seniors that can be tricky to take full advantage of without professional help. An SRES can help you navigate a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), for instance. An HECM is a type of reverse mortgage available only to seniors aged 62 or older, and it's also the only loan of its kind insured by the federal government. Likewise, if you're a retiree moving out of a reverse mortgage home, a good SRES realtor can help you take the right steps as you relocate. They are also trained to assist with identifying the roles federal policies and programs like the Housing for Older Persons Act, Medicare, and Social Security may play in your relocation.

It's worth noting that because of their extra qualifications, realtors with SRES designations may come with higher commission fees. Still, the potential to save more via senior-specific real estate options could nevertheless make them well worth it.