Tag Archives: diana hodgson

We were not meant to live alone

Over the past 13 years in my real estate career, I have helped many older people move. Helping the elderly move is work that I love and work that I am good at! Through the years, I have come to the conclusion that God did not make us to live alone, especially as we age. I know this to be true because I have witnessed blossoming transformations in a person after they have moved into a social setting again.

Whether someone moves into a retirement community, assisted living or nursing care or if they have moved in with other family members, it is the social connection with others that change a person.

True story…. I was asked to help an 85+ woman move from her home. When I met Ruth she looked tired. She was living alone in a 4 bedroom home that was much too large for her. It had a big yard, lots of rooms, there still was a lawn to cut, oil to buy for the furnace, windows to scrape and repaint. All too much work and upkeep especially at 85+ years old.

After we sold her house and she moved into independent living, I went for a visit. Ruth’s transformation was astounding! Her cheeks were literally rosy, her eyes had a bright sparkle and she wore a big smile on her face. When I asked how was she doing she said, “Oh Diana I’m having so much fun meeting new people everyday.” When I commented that I thought that she looked so much healthier she smiled and said, “The food is so good here that I think I may have put on some weight.”

We want the people who we love to be happy, healthy and living independently if they that is what they want. We encourage them to move out of the big home into a place where they can be safe, social again, eat regularly and meet other people. It can be a big transition sometimes but it is so worth the effort!

I was so happy to see Ruth sparkle with joy. It made my heart happy to know that I had helped her through her transition.

What does SRES mean? – Senior Real Estate Specialist

As a trained Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), I will meet with you and your loved ones to discuss your needs, outline your choices and help you determine the best option for you.

When necessary I can call on a team of experts including Home Inspectors, Estate Liquidation Services, Appraisers, Movers and Attorneys. This will ensure that the purchase and move to your new residence will proceed smoothly. There is always an emotional element associated with selling your home. As a professional I specialize in the needs of
seniors. Either finding a new residence, or staying in your current home, I will be able
to assist you through the entire process.

What is an SRES?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS® who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. They also draw upon the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as estate planners, CPAs, and eldercare lawyers, and are familiar with local community resources and services.

My mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home.
What qualities make an SRES® different? I am….
• Knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate in dealing with senior issues.
• Placing your best interests first and foremost in my mind.
• Able to suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it.
• Approaching the transaction in a no-pressure way and provide superior service.
• Willing to take the time needed to make a client feel comfortable with the complex selling process.
• Understanding the emotional demands that a sale can make on a senior, and try to minimize them.
• Interacting easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children and caretakers.
• Knowledgeable about local senior housing options and elder support services.
• Possessing a wide network of other senior-focused professionals who can assist in tax counseling, financial and estate planning, and other aspects of the sale and move.