Specializing in seniors real estate in the retirement haven of Boca Raton, Florida and northward into the Palm Beaches has proven to be a bit of a no-brainer for Certified Senior Housing Professional, Michele Bellisari. Still, focusing on such a niche isn’t an automatic decision for a south Florida real estate agent. The market is loaded with both full-time and part-time real estate folks targeting everything from luxury properties to condo sales.
But, in an area heavily populated by 55+ deed restricted communities, as well as independent senior living and assisted communities, Michele’s day-to-day work inspired her to focus on seniors.
“I am a big believer in finding a niche that works for you in business and am lucky to have discovered a couple of fantastic ones that I am very passionate about.”
A former pharmaceutical sales and consumer health sales rep with two large corporations, Michele has zeroed in on super-serving senior real estate clients for more than three years now, earning her CSHP designation, along with SRES stripes.
She also holds a degree from the University of Florida in Advertising/Interior Design, is an ASP (Accredited Staging Professional), and designed her own plan for building a turnkey service hub for her senior sellers.
“I created a special program named the ‘One Call Handles It All‘ system for sellers,” she explains. “This is a customized service for each of my customers, which includes a variety of options once you list the property, including coordinating cleaning services, staging, nonprofit coordination, item appraisals, liquidation, estate sales, attorney and professional referrals, move managers and assisted living referrals.”
She describes herself as a “real estate problem solver” and especially enjoys working with veterans of World War II and being involved with the community groups and activities that center on folks that belong to what many call “The Greatest Generation.” That includes assisting families with “turning” the corner on a chapter of life that – at best – is difficult for them.
“I am passionate about taking care of the sale and the moving pieces that tend to go along with this kind of home sale,” says Bellisari.
A voracious networker, she’s active in a wide variety of community organizations and events, including the Rotary Club, Alzheimer’s Association, Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Advisory Committee for Boca Raton. She also recently organized a local Master Mind group for like-minded senior service professionals.
“Michele’s gift is her ability to be both assertive and loving. She is a highly competent sales person, consummate connector, and always puts her client’s interests ahead of all others,” says Nikki Buckelew, co-founder and CEO of the Seniors Real Estate Institute. “Michele has become a champion for seniors living in a variety of situations. While every sale isn’t a luxury property, she treats every elder as though they are a luxury client.”