RealTown's RealTownTalk

I'm new to this, just got about 3/4 of the way through my E-PRO class, and they're encouraging me to sign up with you folks. So here I am...Nina D. Gaspich, Broker/Associate with Century 21 Sussex & Reilly.  To make a long story short...among my outside interests in joining up with other ladies of the Red Hat Society in personal and professional in-person or on-line conversations. Are you out there, ladies? Are you going for your Senior Real Estate Specialist designation? Do you think it will help your business among other RH's or do you think it might turn off younger people if they know that someone "old" is representing them? I'm a little conflicted about all this. I know I'm not getting any younger but am not quite yet ready to go into that senior "niche."

Any input from RH's or "RH's at heart" will be appreciated!

I'm not a Red Hatter.  I do, however, have my SRES certification. I am 48, headed towards 49. I look young, though (not bragging,  just making that distinction in the context of people working with older agents.

I think everyone should get an SRES certification because of demographics. The population is getting older, and real estate professionals should be poised to serve the senior market.  The certification was really interesting from both a marketing standpoint and the psychology of dealing with seniors. The demographic info I received was very interesting because there are really about 3 distinct groups of seniors, and they all respond differently to marketing and selling styles.

When you receive the certification, you pay a dues yearly, but you do get connection to a website that has handouts and promotional materials you can download, news that's important in dealing with seniors, new regulations that might affect seniors, etc.

I personally do not think it will turn off any young people if you have an SRES certification. Most people have many certifications, designations, etc. Even though I'm almost 49,  young buyers seem to like working with me because I'm technologically competent and very informative. Young buyers have a lot access to info over the web. They usually start thinking they can do everything themselves, and then connect with a real estate pro to help them wade through the info and determine how useful it all is. Plus young professionals quickly find that they may have the brains, but not the time to devote to their own transactions. It's funny, some of them even start asking me for parenting advice, etc after we establish a relationship. Most buyers and sellers just want to deal with someone they can trust, someone who comes across as an expert in the field, and someone who is personable and fits their style. Age only matters when an older agent hasn't really kept up with relevant training (and I don't just mean continuing ed courses), training that really keeps the in sinc with the times, the regulations, changing markets, changing financial conditions, techological advances, etc. Sometimes age is an asset because of experience

Donna Marinelli, Realtor, SRES

Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Direct: 215-801-4777

buckmonthomes@comcast.net

www.thinkrealestatnow.biz

I just became a red hatter in June. Doesn't feel so bad.

Also, just signed up for e-pro today and can't wait to get started. Any suggestions?

Hi, I'm new at this,too-technology and real estate (a little less than a year).  I'm not officially a Red Hatter, although I have attended a few luncheons with some that are.

I feel like I'm jumping into a swimming pool--the water is cold and it takes my breath away, but I've got to do it (or I'll never get this course finished).  I don't have anything substantial to say except hello, so "Hello."

I'm the one who replied at 12:56.  I forgot to include my name.  It's Betty Morgan from Texas.