Realtors get senior housing specialist certification

Warwick — The older adult market is the fastest growing segment of the real estate market and is growing at twice the rate of the general population according to licensed sales representatives Dina Vaccaro and Kathy Graf of Claudia Vaccaro Real Estate. To stay current with this trend, the two realtors recently acquired the senior housing specialist certification from the Orange County Association of Realtors. In order to earn this designation, they were required to study the real estate issues affecting the special needs of the senior client, such as equity conversion, tax consequences, and estate planning. Late baby boomers in the 50 to 62 age bracket, early retirees in the 63 to 67 age bracket, fully retired in the 68 to mid-70 age bracket, later stage retirees in the mid to late 70 age bracket, and seniors in the 80 plus age bracket - all have specific real estate needs. Realtors with this certification must demonstrate the knowledge and expertise to counsel mature clients through major financial and lifestyle transitions in relocating and selling a home. The real estate firm is located at 12 Maple Ave in Warwick. For more information, call 986-7500.