Transcript: What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist?
By Bankrate.com

Anchor Intro: Selling your existing home, moving somewhere new and setting up house all over again. That's a big decision for anyone, but a major one when you're in your golden years. Fortunately, now there's a group that claims they can help. Bankrate.com explains.

Voice over 1: When David McConnell was ready to retire and make a major move from D.C. down to Florida, he found Senior Real Estate Specialist Jim Johnson. Jim found the retirement home David wanted -- fast.

SOT: "I got here at 5 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon, and purchased this place at 10 a.m. Monday morning."

Voice over 2: Sure, any good Realtor should be able to do that. But Jim says the big difference is the extra education in laws and systems that benefit folks age 50-plus.

SOT: "A Senior Real Estate Specialist is trained to be an estate planner, although we're not estate planners. We know the legal aspects, although we're not attorneys."

Voice over 3: He finds ways for senior clients to save money and make money, like safely using equity in a paid-off home.

SOT: "They may be living for free, but what about the cash they could have in their pockets extra every month?"

Voice over 4: He refers clients to a wide network of trusted senior experts like financial planners, elder-law attorneys, handymen, even morticians.

Voice over 5: David credits Jim with helping him find doctors, a dentist, long-term care insurance and more:

SOT: "He even introduced me to some friends that played cards. And it's been great having that resource to call on when I need anything."

Standup: So if you're in the market to move in your golden years, an SRES could be just the ticket. But don't ever rely on any initials until you've totally vetted them. For Bankrate.com, I'm Kristin Arnold.