Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) in Coquitlam & Greater Vancouver
Helping Greater Vancouver seniors and their families with their real estate plans.
In a perfect world most people would choose to age in place as they grow older. Often, however, the spacious family home becomes too burdensome to maintain, financially and physically, in retirement. Deciding what to do next means weighing finances, housing options and future care needs, often while juggling the views of adult children and other family members.
We begin by reviewing your current housing situation and outlining the topics to weigh as you consider your next move. I'll give you clear information on housing options for people 55 and over, prices for smaller homes in your area, and how the sale of your home fits with your plans. At times the amount of information may seem overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you'd like until you feel comfortable with the process.
If you are considering a move and need help deciding on the best way to proceed, please get in touch.
What Is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who has completed specialized training in helping people aged 50 and over, and their families, buy, sell or downsize a home. The training covers the financial, legal and emotional side of later-in-life moves, such as pensions and taxes, housing options from independent living to long-term care, and working with adult children and other advisors. David Reimers holds the SRES® designation and has been helping Greater Vancouver buyers and sellers since 2004.
What Makes an SRES® Different?
- Knowledge, experience and patience in dealing with the issues seniors face when they move.
- Works first and foremost in the best interests of the client, with a no-pressure approach.
- Can suggest alternatives, including options that may let a parent stay in the home instead of selling it.
- Takes the time needed to make a client comfortable with each step of the sale.
- Understands the emotional demands a sale can make and tries to minimize them.
- Tailors the marketing of the home and the timing of the move to the client's needs.
- Works easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children and caregivers.
- Knows local housing options for people 55 and over and the support services available.
- Can connect you with senior-focused professionals for tax, financial and estate planning, moving and decluttering.
If you're simply looking for more information on the selling and moving on process (and can't find it here), our Moving On Guide is an invaluable resource designed to help guide you and your family through the complex issues and unique situations that may be encountered during the process. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process and will help you find your next home, a home that is well-suited to your needs. The Moving Guide is FREE!
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Should You Stay or Move?
There is no single right answer. These questions usually help:
- Can the home be adapted? Stairs, bathrooms and yard work are the most common reasons people move. Some can be solved with renovations; others can't.
- What does it cost to stay? Add up property taxes, insurance, maintenance and any repairs the home will need in the next five to ten years.
- How much equity would a sale release? In Greater Vancouver, moving from a detached home to a condo or townhouse often frees up a significant amount of money. Request a free home evaluation to see what your home is worth today.
- Where are family, friends and services? Being close to family, transit, shopping and health care often matters more than square footage.
- What care might you need later? Planning one move instead of two can save money and stress.
Senior Housing Options in British Columbia
Housing for older adults is usually grouped by the level of care available, from none at all to 24-hour care.
| Option | What it is | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Downsizing to a smaller home | A condo, townhouse or rancher that is easier to maintain, often close to shops and transit | Healthy, active people who want less upkeep |
| 55+ communities | Condo or townhouse complexes restricted to residents over a set age, usually 55, often with shared amenities | People who want a quieter community of their peers |
| Independent living / retirement residences | Private suites with services such as meals, housekeeping and social activities | People who want convenience and company but little personal care |
| Assisted living | Housing with hospitality services plus some personal care. In BC, assisted living residences must be registered with the province's Assisted Living Registry. | People who need some help with daily activities |
| Long-term care | 24-hour professional care. Publicly subsidized beds in the Tri-Cities are arranged through Fraser Health. | People with complex care needs |
Choosing the right option is challenging, not only because it is emotional but because of the cost, location, services, amenities and future care needs involved. I'm happy to talk through your options and help you make an informed decision.
Selling the Family Home: How the Process Works
- Talk it through as a family. Agree on goals and timing early, and decide who will help with the move.
- Get advice on money and legal matters. Speak with your accountant, financial planner or lawyer about how the sale affects your income, benefits and estate plans, and about a power of attorney if a family member will be signing for you.
- Find out what the home is worth. A pricing review based on recent sales nearby shows how much you have to work with for your next home.
- Plan the next home first. Decide whether to buy first, sell first or line up both dates together, so you only move once.
- Declutter and prepare. Sorting decades of belongings takes time. Start early and get help from family or a professional move manager.
- Sell with a timeline that suits you. A longer completion date can give you time to move without rushing.
BC Grants, Tax Credits and Programs for Seniors
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| Additional home owner grant | Homeowners 65 or older can claim a larger home owner grant on their principal residence, reducing annual property tax. The property must be assessed at or below the provincial threshold ($2,075,000) to receive the full grant. |
| Property tax deferment | Homeowners 55 or older can defer annual property taxes on their principal residence, repaid when the home is sold. Under BC Budget 2026, taxes deferred from 2026 on accrue interest at prime plus 2%, compounded monthly; balances deferred before 2026 keep the old terms. |
| BC seniors' home renovation tax credit | A refundable credit for people 65 or older of 10% of eligible accessibility renovations, up to $10,000 of expenses ($1,000 credit) per year. |
| Federal home accessibility tax credit | A non-refundable federal credit for eligible renovations that make a home safer or more accessible for someone 65 or older, on up to $20,000 of expenses per year. |
Programs and amounts change. Check the government website or with your accountant before you rely on them.
Staying in Your Home: Adaptations That Help
Most seniors would prefer to age in place, but stairs, raised thresholds and slippery bathrooms can make parts of a home hard to use. The answer may be as simple as grab bars, flatter thresholds, brighter lighting and a higher toilet. In other cases, bigger changes such as a main-floor bedroom or a stair lift are needed. An occupational therapist or aging-in-place specialist can advise on the most useful changes, and the tax credits above can help with the cost.
Accessibility can also become an issue when a parent moves in with an adult child. In that case, a home with a main-floor suite or a ground-level bedroom may be the right next purchase.
Taxes and Legal Considerations
Many factors affect how much money you will keep from the sale of your home and how the proceeds affect your finances, benefits and estate. Looking at tax and legal issues before you sell is far better than facing an unexpected bill later. A lawyer or notary can prepare documents such as a power of attorney and make sure the sale protects the rights and assets of an aging parent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SRES® stand for?
SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, a designation for REALTORS® who have completed training in helping clients aged 50 and over with buying, selling and downsizing.
Do I pay tax when I sell my home in BC?
In Canada, the sale of a home that has been your principal residence for every year you owned it is generally not taxed. Rental properties, second homes and homes that were rented out may be taxed differently, so check with your accountant.
Should I buy my next home before I sell?
It depends on your finances and how much certainty you need. Buying first lets you move once, but may mean carrying two homes for a while. Selling first gives certainty on price, but you need a place to go. Many sellers line up both completion dates together.
What is a 55+ building?
A strata building or complex whose bylaws limit residents to people over a set age, usually 55. Always check the current bylaws before buying, because age restrictions and rules vary.
Can you help my parents if I live out of town?
Yes. I regularly work with adult children and other family members, and can keep everyone updated while respecting your parents' wishes.
Related Guides
Thinking about your next move? Get in touch
Sources: BC Gov: Home owner grant for seniors · Fasken: BC Budget 2026 real estate highlights · BC Gov: Seniors' home renovation tax credit · CRA: Home accessibility expenses · BC Gov: Assisted Living Registry. This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.