Looking for an SRES Agent in Chicagoland? Here’s How I Help Seniors and Their Families

What is an SRES? An SRES, or Seniors Real Estate Specialist, is a REALTOR® who has earned a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® by completing training on the needs of buyers and sellers age 50 and older. SRES agents are trained to handle later-in-life moves like downsizing, selling a long-time family home, and coordinating with family members and other advisors. I’m Dana Gallagher, an SRES broker serving all of Chicagoland, and that is the work I do every week.

Recently, an out-of-state agent found me on Google by searching for an SRES in the Chicago area and trusted me with their senior client. I wrote this post so the next agent, senior, or adult child searching for help knows what to expect.

What SRES Means and How It’s Earned

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is offered through the National Association of REALTORS®. To earn it, an agent completes coursework focused on helping clients 50 and older through real estate decisions. The training covers topics like:

• The financial side of later-in-life moves, including how home equity fits into the bigger picture
• Options for selling, buying, downsizing, or staying put
• Working respectfully with family members, and with the professionals a client may already rely on
• Recognizing and helping protect clients from scams and financial pressure

An SRES isn’t a financial planner, attorney, or tax advisor, and I never act as one. What the designation means is that I understand how these moves are different from a typical sale, and I know when to say, “This is a great question for your attorney or accountant.”

Along with my SRES, I also hold the CBR, CSR, ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) and SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) designations, and I’m a Certified Luxury Home agent and BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist. I’m a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate, and I’ve been serving people for years, with more than 100 homes sold and a 5.0 rating on Google from 40 reviews.

How I Help Seniors and Their Families

A move after many years in the same home carries a lot of memories. My job is to make the process manageable, at a pace that works for you.

Downsizing without the overwhelm

Deciding what to keep, what to give to family, and what to sell or donate is often the hardest part. I help you build a step-by-step plan for getting the house ready, so you’re not trying to do everything in one weekend. When it helps, I can connect you with trusted local senior resources for things like sorting, moving, and getting a home market-ready.

Getting the timing right

Many of my clients need to sell one home and move into another, and the order matters. We’ll talk through whether it makes sense to sell first, buy first, or line both up together, and what each choice means for your move-out date and your budget. If you’re curious what your current home might be worth, you can start with my home value page.

Coordinating with family and an estate

Sometimes the decision-makers live in three different states. Sometimes a home is being sold as part of an estate. I’m comfortable keeping everyone on the same page, whether that’s adult children, a trustee, or the client’s attorney, with clear, regular updates, while always respecting my client’s wishes and privacy.

55+ communities, including Del Webb Sun City Huntley

I work in Del Webb Sun City Huntley, a 55+ active adult community, every week, so I know the neighborhoods, the home styles, and how the buying and selling process works there. 55+ communities like Sun City have their own rules, association details, and age-related occupancy requirements, and I’ll walk you through those so there are no surprises. That said, a 55+ community is just one option. I help clients buy and sell anywhere in Chicagoland, from the city to the suburbs, and where you live is always your decision.

For Agents Referring a Senior Client to Chicagoland

If you’re an agent with a client moving to or from the Chicago area, I’d be honored to help. Here’s what you can expect when you send a client my way:

• I’ll take great care of your client like they’re my own. I’ll reach out to your client promptly and treat them the way you would.
• Regular updates. You’ll hear from me at key milestones, so you never have to wonder how things are going.
• SRES-level care. Your client gets an agent who understands later-in-life moves and is patient with every question.
• Referral fee paid promptly at closing.

You can send a referral through my agent referral page or call or text me directly at 224-858-0022.

Luxury Homes and Downsizing

Downsizing doesn’t always mean “smaller and simpler.” Many of my clients are selling a larger or higher-end home and want the same level of quality in their next place, just with less upkeep. As a Certified Luxury Home agent, I know how to present and market a high-value home so it stands out, and I know how to help buyers find a next home that fits the way they want to live now. You’ll get careful pricing, strong marketing, and honest advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SRES agent?

An SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® who has earned a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® by completing training on helping clients age 50 and older buy, sell, or downsize. SRES agents understand later-in-life moves and how to work with families and other advisors.

How do I find an SRES agent in the Chicago area?

You can search for an SRES agent online or ask for a referral from your current agent. I’m Dana Gallagher, a Broker and SRES with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate, and I serve all of Chicagoland, city to suburbs. Call or text 224-858-0022.

Can an out-of-state agent refer a senior client to you?

Yes. I welcome referrals from agents anywhere in the country. I’ll take great care of your client like they’re my own and keep you updated throughout the transaction. Referral fee paid promptly at closing. You can submit a referral at northwesthomeadvisor.com/agent-referrals/.

Do you work in Del Webb Sun City Huntley?

Yes. I work in Del Webb Sun City Huntley, a 55+ community in Huntley, Illinois, every week, and I help clients buy and sell homes there as well as throughout Chicagoland.

Can you help if family members live out of state?

Yes. I regularly coordinate with adult children, trustees, and attorneys who live elsewhere, with clear updates by phone, text, or email, while always following my client’s wishes.

Let’s Talk

Whether you’re planning your own move, helping a parent, or referring a client, I’m happy to answer your questions with no pressure. Call or text me at 224-858-0022.

Dana Gallagher, Broker, SRES, CBR, CSR, ABR, SRS, Certified Luxury Home Agent, BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
13300 Rt 47 Ste 200, Huntley, IL 60142
224-858-0022