Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty's Stephanie Robinson has gained a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation designed specifically to address the needs of home buyers' aged 50-plus.

Mrs. Robinson is the first in Bermuda to receive this designation.

"An SRES designee is trained to help seniors make wise decisions regarding real estate matters and offers knowledge about financing, buying or selling rental properties and managing capital gains," Mrs. Robinson said.

"We are trained to explain current trends and opportunities for seniors in the housing market."

An SRES representative cannot give legal or tax advice, however, designees maintain referral relationships with accountants and real estate attorneys so they can refer their clients to those professionals as needed.

Mrs. Robinson added: "Fifty is the new 65. People are thinking about retirement at a younger age and it is my goal to help mature clientele with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions. If someone is entering into a real estate transaction at an older age, it's for an important reason — perhaps they have lost a spouse or need to downsize due to health issues" she said.

"This course helped me see all the things I need to be thinking about in order to counsel these clients effectively."