SENIORS REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE CERTIFIES EIGHT SENIOR DOWNSIZING COACHES
We are proud to announce the certification of eight new coaches, representing five different states, qualified to provide professional guidance to longtime homeowners contemplating or planning late-life relocations.
The National Association of REALTORS© reports that 1 in 4 home sales currently involves someone over age 65. Seniors Real Estate Institute’s Senior Downsizing Coaching Skills Training, written and instructed by Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD and founder of the institute, was developed in response to the overwhelming demographic shift.
Scientific research, including original research by Dr. Buckelew, indicates these moves are more complex, involving both emotional and logistical challenges not experienced by younger home buyers and sellers. Furthermore, managing age-related issues is not part of the basic training in real estate licensing schools.
“Becoming a downsizing coach was important to me because many of my clients feel overwhelmed at the thought of moving from a large home into a smaller one. Selling their house is the easy part. It was learning skills to better support them through the entire process that made this program so appealing,” says Katherine Ambrose, Wichita, KS. Ambrose is a recent graduate of the program.
“Real estate agents are often called upon by downsizing homeowners for help with organizing relocation-related tasks like space planning, securing professional packers and movers, and emptying the house of remaining items,” says Buckelew. “Sometimes there is family support but often the family is out of area. Many retirees find themselves in uncharted territory and want help making informed decisions.”
Seniors Real Estate Institute provides training and coaching to real estate sales professionals specializing in senior real estate. Qualified candidates who complete prerequisite coursework through the institute may earn the Certified Senior Housing Professional and Certified Senior Downsizing Coach credentials.
Newly Certified Senior Downsizing Coaches
Newly certified coaches include: Cindy Monk, Birmingham, AL; Vinnie Dinda, Colorado Springs, CO; Jim Holmes and Lee McCue, Denver, CO; Katherine Ambrose, Wichita, KS; Anja Mottern, OKC, OK; Cyndi Cummings, Austin, TX; Virginia Lazenby, Georgetown, TX.