A Senior Real Estate Specialist (formally “Seniors Real Estate Specialist,” SRES®) is a REALTOR® who has completed extra training to work specifically with clients age 50+ on selling, buying, refinancing, or relocating. You use one to get guidance from someone who understands the legal, financial, emotional, and housing issues that are unique to later‑life moves.
What a Senior Real Estate Specialist Is
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An SRES® is a REALTOR® who has taken dedicated coursework on the real estate needs of buyers and sellers over 50.
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Their training covers senior housing options, Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), reverse mortgages, using pensions/401(k)/IRAs in real estate, and how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security intersect with housing decisions.
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They are part of the National Association of REALTORS® family of designations and focus their practice on older adult clients and their families.
What They Actually Do for Seniors
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Help evaluate whether to stay put, downsize, move to a 55+ or active adult community, or relocate closer to family, explaining pros and cons of each option.
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Guide clients through later‑life transitions like selling a long‑time family home, rightsizing, or moving into independent/assisted living, with attention to emotions as well as numbers.
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Advise on financing choices that affect seniors, such as reverse mortgages, tapping retirement accounts for real estate, and potential tax consequences.
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Watch out for senior‑targeted loan schemes and scams and understand fair‑housing and age‑related legal protections.
Why Use a Senior Real Estate Specialist?
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They understand that retirees often need to maximize sale proceeds to fund retirement, care costs, or a move into senior living, and can tailor pricing and timing strategies accordingly.
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They typically have a network of senior‑focused pros—estate planning attorneys, tax advisors, elder‑law lawyers, downsizing/move managers, and senior‑living community contacts.
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They are used to coordinating with adult children and caregivers and can help the whole family navigate decisions and logistics.
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Conversations can start long before a sale; an SRES® can help “plan ahead” for a future move so the client is not rushed or forced into a bad decision.
Example Situations Where SRES® Helps
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A couple in their 70s deciding whether to age in place with modifications, or sell and move into an age‑restricted community, comparing costs, accessibility, and lifestyle.
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A widow selling a long‑time home to move into assisted living, needing to coordinate timing so new housing is secured before listing the property.
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Parents and adult children evaluating selling the parents’ home and buying a multigenerational property with appropriate layout and accessibility
Who is Marty Gale?
Marty Gale is the founder and principal broker of Utah Realty, a local independent real estate brokerage based in Utah, with nearly 40 years of experience helping buyers and sellers.
He has been a licensed Realtor since 1986 and a broker since 1989, and is known for long-term client relationships built on respect, integrity, and trust.
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a Realtor who has completed extra training to work specifically with clients age 50 and older on buying, selling, or transitioning between homes.
The SRES designation focuses on the financial, lifestyle, health, and family factors that affect later‑life housing decisions.
How does Marty Gale’s SRES training help seniors?
Marty’s SRES training helps him understand retirement income, downsizing needs, accessibility concerns, and family dynamics that often come with later‑life moves.
He uses this knowledge to guide seniors through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and timing so they can protect equity and move with less stress.
What experience does Marty have working with senior homeowners?
Marty has decades of experience helping Utah homeowners buy and sell property, including many repeat and referral clients who return as they move into different life stages.
His background includes work with traditional sales, new construction, short sales, foreclosures, and REO properties, giving him broad insight into market options for seniors.
What special credentials does Marty hold in addition to SRES?
Beyond his Senior Real Estate Specialist work, Marty holds the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which is awarded to the top tier of residential agents.
He is also a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE), and has multiple additional certifications including e‑Pro and Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR).
How can Marty help me if I’m thinking about downsizing?
Marty can help you evaluate whether to sell, stay and remodel, or move to a different type of home (single‑level, 55+ community, condo, or townhome).
He can provide a market valuation, outline net proceeds, coordinate needed repairs or updates, and connect you with lenders, inspectors, and other service providers.
Can Marty assist with estate, probate, or inherited property?
Marty holds a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist certification and has worked extensively with financial institutions and asset managers on REO and estate properties.
This experience helps families handle inherited homes, coordinate sales after a death, and work smoothly with attorneys, trustees, and financial professionals.
How does Marty approach negotiations for senior clients?
As one of a small number of Master Certified Negotiation Experts in Utah, Marty understands the psychology of buying and selling and uses structured negotiation strategies to protect his clients’ interests.
For seniors, he focuses on securing favorable terms, realistic timelines, and contract conditions that minimize risk and last‑minute surprises.
Does Marty work only with luxury or high‑end properties?
No. While Marty is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, he represents a wide range of homes, from modest residences to high‑end properties across the Wasatch Front.
His emphasis is on matching each client’s budget, lifestyle, and long‑term needs rather than only focusing on one price bracket.
What areas of Utah does Marty serve?
Marty and Utah Realty serve multiple communities across the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas, including South Jordan, West Jordan, and other nearby cities.
He has long‑term experience in Salt Lake County markets and has participated in additional MLS areas such as Park City over the years.
Can Marty work with my family or caregivers during the move?
Yes. Part of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist approach is recognizing that adult children, caregivers, or trusted advisors often participate in decisions.
Marty is comfortable coordinating communication with family members and professionals so everyone understands the plan, timeline, and expectations.
What if I need help finding other senior-focused professionals?
Through Utah Realty, Marty has developed relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and a variety of housing professionals who can support senior moves.
He can also collaborate with financial planners, elder law attorneys, and senior living communities when your situation calls for a broader team.
How does Utah Realty differ from a big franchise brokerage?
Utah Realty is an independent local brokerage that emphasizes personalized service and long‑term relationships rather than high‑volume, transactional business.
Clients often work directly with Marty and his team, benefiting from his experience, negotiation skills, and hands‑on involvement in each sale.
What is the first step to see if Marty is a good fit?
You can start with a no‑obligation consultation where Marty reviews your goals, timeline, and current home, then provides an initial value estimate and strategy.
This conversation gives you a chance to ask questions about downsizing, staying vs. selling, and what an SRES‑guided plan might look like for you.
How do I contact Marty Gale at Utah Realty?
Marty is the broker‑owner of Utah Realty and can be contacted directly through the Utah Realty website or his published phone number.
Online profiles on major real estate portals also provide his direct contact details and recent listings if you prefer to reach out there.
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