The baby boomer generation is only getting older, and a new real estate education company is seeing an opportunity to break into the senior housing market.
Seniors Real Estate Institute is a coaching and training company focused on the senior housing and real estate markets. Spearheaded by Nikki Buckelew, a 20-year veteran of the real estate industry, the Institute suggests that a swelling boomer population calls for updated perspectives and approaches to serving senior homeowners.
“The seniors market is a distinct specialty—not a sideline to a general real estate practice,” Buckelew said.
The Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) designation offered by the Institute covers a spectrum of knowledge and skills that agents, senior housing professionals and senior service providers need to serve senior clients.
Offered over a two-day period, the CSHP incorporates extensive coaching and training on maintaining a profitable business model. Continuing education credit is also available in some states under the CSHP designation.
Having earned an undergraduate degree in Family Studies and Gerontology and a Masters degree in counseling psychology, Buckelew emphasizes that population trends have created a significant gap in understanding the needs of an older population that may be transitioning to another type of living situation.
“Adult children with aging parents are often spread across the country and must rely on the expertise of local professionals to help them assist their parents with the complexities of a late in life transition,” she said.
Citing a 2010 U.S. Census Bureau report, Buckelew noted the 15.1% increase in the 65-and-over segment of the population between 2000 and 2010. Simultaneously, there was a 31.5% increase in the 45- to 64-year old segment.
The Seniors Real Estate Institute says the need to foster communication for boomers about senior housing is an immediate necessity, especially as life longevity plays an important factor in lifestyle choices.
Written by Jason Oliva
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