(ROCKWALL – October 26, 2013) Moving can be stressful for everyone, but older adults often have challenges that can complicate relocation. A Senior Real Estate Specialist can help older adults and their families navigate through the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that are unique to them.
Karen Straughan is an SRES with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Rockwall. She’s been in the real estate business for nearly 30 years, and says that earning her SRES designation was the best move she’s ever made.
“An SRES is uniquely qualified to assist the 50-plus market. We undergo additional education and training to help seniors and their families,” Karen said. “When a senior is moving or downsizing, they’re not just selling their house; they’re selling their memories. There’s a story connected to every piece of furniture. You have to understand that, and empathize – and most of all, you have to listen. I think that’s my gift. I hold their hand and walk them through the process.”
Karen has received several awards, including being named Best Realtor by D Magazine. She is a Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Ambassador; a Soroptimist; and founder of Eloise’s Closet, a boutique that provides business attire for women in need.
“I felt called to take this extra step, so I could focus on helping seniors in our community,” Karen said.
“Every senior is unique; every situation is unique,” Karen said. While many seniors prefer ‘aging in place’ – that is, taking measures to live safely and independently in their own home, others move to condos that are smaller and require less maintenance. Some transition into active adult communities, assisted living communities, or Alzheimer’s and Dementia care facilities.
“Often the first step is going into their home, evaluating what we can do to make it safer for them to continue living independently. We take out furniture that doesn’t need to be in the way. We install safety features in the bathroom. We put non-slip pads under throw rugs so they don’t fall.”
She added, “None of this may result in a sale at first. It’s just good will. That’s where my heart is – helping seniors do what they want to do if they aren’t ready to go into assisted living or move in with their daughter.”
Once seniors are ready to make the transition, Karen not only works with the seniors, but with their families. She draws upon a network of specialists – from estate planners, CPAs and eldercare lawyers, to those who are familiar with local resources and community services. Through Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Karen can also offer relocation services to another city or state.
“Many seniors aren’t comfortable with strangers coming into their home. Some may be lonely or depressed. Others have concerns about moving in with a family member who lives far away,” Karen said. “I’ve been in Rockwall since 1978, and I wouldn’t want to leave. It’s home. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I want to keep that feeling of home. That’s why I concentrate on this market. I went through this with my mom, who was 93 when she passed away. In fact, she got very ill while I was in class earning my designation. It helped me work through the process with her.”
The baby boomer generation comprises the largest portion of the American population. Some 76 million children were born between 1945 and 1964. “More and more senior living facilities are going up throughout Rockwall and the metroplex, because baby boomers are living longer,” Karen said. “And we’re not just living. We want to enjoy life; we want entertainment and shopping close to us. We want to be able to walk to The Harbor and go to the YMCA to workout. Having access to amenities is very important to seniors, and that makes Rockwall prime.”
For more information, visit seniorschoice.net or contact Karen Straughan at 214-676-3249 or karen.straughan@seniorschoice.net.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.
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