Senior Real Estate Specialists

SRES®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Patient, knowledgeable guidance through downsizing, selling, and life's next chapter, from a team who specializes in working with senior clients and their families.

SRES®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
National Association of Realtors®

The Designation

What Is an SRES®?

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors to agents who complete specialized training in the unique needs of clients 50 and older. That training covers everything from downsizing logistics and senior housing options to the financial and family dynamics that often come with a later-in-life move.

In practice, that means we approach these transactions differently. We know these moves are rarely just about square footage. They are about comfort, timing, family, and what the next chapter should look like, and we bring both the real estate expertise and the patience that this stage of life deserves.

How We Help

Life Transitions We Help With

Downsizing to a More Manageable Home

Moving Closer to Family

Transitioning to a 55+ or Independent Living Community

Selling a Longtime Family Home

Helping Adult Children Navigate a Parent's Move

Managing an Inherited Property

Our Approach

Patience, Respect, and Zero Pressure

Every family's situation is different. Some clients are ready to make a move right away. Others are simply exploring what their options might look like a few years down the road. We meet you exactly where you are, with patience, respect, and zero pressure.

Because so many of these moves involve family, we make a point of communicating clearly with everyone involved, whether that is a spouse, adult children coordinating from out of state, or a trusted friend helping navigate the process. Our goal is always the same: a smooth, respectful transition that honors both the home you are leaving and the chapter ahead.

A Gentle Starting Point

Is It Time to Consider a Move?

There is no single right answer, and no deadline. These questions are simply a starting point for a conversation you can have whenever you are ready, with us or with the people you trust most.

  • Has your current home become harder to maintain than it used to be?
  • Are stairs, yard work, or repairs starting to feel like a burden rather than a joy?
  • Do you have more space than you actually use day to day?
  • Would you like to be closer to family, friends, or familiar conveniences?
  • Have you thought about what the right next step might look like, even if you are not ready yet?

How It Works

The Downsizing & Selling Process

01

Personalized Consultation

We start with a conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and family considerations.

02

Sorting & Preparing

We help coordinate professional organizers or estate sale support to make sorting manageable.

03

Preparing the Home

Staging, minor repairs, and photography tailored to show the home at its best.

04

Marketing & Offers

A marketing plan and showing schedule built around your comfort level and timeline.

05

Closing & the Next Chapter

Careful guidance through closing, coordinated with family and the move itself.

What to Think Through

Financial & Legal Considerations

  • Capital Gains ConsiderationsMany homeowners qualify for an exclusion on capital gains when selling a primary residence. Whether and how it applies depends on your specific situation.
  • Working With Elder Law AttorneysFor estate planning, power of attorney, or trust-related property matters, we coordinate closely with legal professionals.
  • Financial Planning CoordinationWe work alongside financial advisors to help time a sale around your broader financial picture.
  • Reverse MortgagesIf your home has a reverse mortgage, we can help you understand what a sale means for payoff and proceeds.

John & Rhonda are not attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors. The information above is general in nature and provided for reference only. We always recommend working with a qualified elder law attorney, CPA, or financial planner for guidance specific to your situation, and we are glad to help connect you with trusted professionals in our network.

Our Network

Trusted Professionals We Work Alongside

A smooth transition rarely comes down to real estate alone. We coordinate with professionals across every part of the process.

Elder Law Attorneys

Financial Advisors

Professional Organizers & Senior Move Managers

Estate Sale & Liquidation Specialists

Movers Experienced With Senior Relocations

Home Repair & Staging Contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SRES®, and why does it matter?

SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist, a designation awarded by the National Association of Realtors to agents who complete specialized training in later-in-life real estate transitions. It means we understand the financial, emotional, and logistical sides of these moves, not just the transaction.

Is it too soon to start planning, even if I am not ready to move yet?

Not at all. Many of our conversations start years before anyone is ready to list a home. Planning ahead tends to reduce stress later, and there is never any obligation attached to an early conversation.

My parent needs to sell their home, but they live in another state. Can you help?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with adult children managing a parent's move from out of state, keeping everyone informed and working around long-distance schedules.

What if the home needs repairs or updates before selling?

We help evaluate what is actually worth doing before a sale, and what is not, then connect you with trusted, responsive contractors for anything that makes sense.

Can you help sort through a lifetime of belongings?

Yes. We coordinate with professional organizers and estate sale specialists so this part of the process feels manageable rather than overwhelming. You do not have to face it alone.

Ready to Talk Through Your Options?

Whether you are exploring what is possible or ready to take the next step, we are here to listen first and guide second. There is no pressure, and no obligation, just a conversation.

SRES® | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

John & Rhonda Shackelford

Realtor® | Luxury Property Specialists

C. (615) 707-9404

E. john@coldwellbankernashville.com

The Shackelford Group | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury