Learning the Truth about 55+ Living Options. February 4th at 10 a.m.

Learning the Truth about 55+ Living Options.

February 4th at 10 a.m.

The Point Community Center, South Portland

Real Estate Agents Are Leading a Senior Education Revolution

Across the U.S., real estate agents specializing in the mature market are going beyond the business of buying and selling homes to offer something unexpected: free community education tailored to longtime homeowners, downsizing retirees and families supporting aging parents or relatives.

And these sessions aren’t limited to real estate or relocation topics. Agents are hosting sessions on estate planning, health care, end-of-life planning, and other critical issues affecting older adults.

Rachel Davis, a REALTOR® with Pine Tree Realty serving southern Maine, is one of these pioneers. On the first Tuesday each month, she hosts her Legacy Learning Series, covering topics like estate planning, 55+ living options, and how to handle life's transitions.

Learning the Truth about 55+ Living Options will be the topic at

the next session on Feb. 4th at 10 a.m. at The Point Community Center, 345 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland.

“The feedback has been incredible, and seeing seniors leave with a sense of empowerment—knowing they have the knowledge to safeguard themselves—has been nothing short of rewarding,” she says.

Davis recently earned her certification as a Senior Housing Professional (CSHP®) through the Seniors Real Estate Institute, headquartered in Oklahoma City. Nikki Buckelew, Founder and CEO of the institute, says that Rachel is part of a dedicated cadre of program graduates who are setting the bar high for senior education.

“The reality is that older adults are hungry for real education—not sales pitches disguised as workshops,” she says. “With people living longer lives and facing complex decisions about where and how they’ll live as they age, the need for straightforward, unbiased information has never been greater.

Like many of the real estate agents who choose to become certified in serving mature homeowners, Davis had a personal experience that gave her a new mission.

After the death of her father, Davis’ mother had to navigate a new reality. She was sharp and capable, and Davis let her take the lead. But things quickly spiraled out of control.

“My mother was bombarded with unsolicited emails and constant sales pitches,” Davis says. “Worst of all, she fell victim to credit card fraud. It was a painful wake-up call. The reality was, while my mother was sharp, the world around her had changed. The digital landscape was complicated and often predatory, and I realized she needed more than just emotional support; she needed practical guidance.”

Even with her background as a social worker, Davis found the undertaking to be daunting. “That’s when it clicked -- I needed to do more than just help my mother. I needed to help others in her situation,” she says.

“Older adults attending these seminars are often highly educated themselves -- many hold advanced degrees or have distinguished professional careers,” Buckelew says. “They’ve spent their lives achieving certifications, winning awards and contributing to their fields.

“When it comes to education, they expect quality. They don’t have time for superficial content or thinly veiled marketing efforts.”

Instead, they’re seeking insights from experts, real-life examples, and actionable resources and tools, she says.

Topics that Davis’ seminars will cover this year include:

• Navigating dementia
• Avoiding homeowner scams
• Communicating with adult children
• Downsizing tips from seniors who know
• Smart home accessibility ideas

“What started as a personal experience with my mother has blossomed into a mission to give seniors the tools they need to navigate this rapidly changing world,” Davis says. “Through the Legacy Learning Series, I hope to make sure no one has to feel as lost as my mother did in that moment of uncertainty.”

Says Buckelew, “For agents who work with older adults, success isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building trust and relationships. Offering value through education helps establish credibility and goodwill in the community.”

To reserve a spot at the event, Rachel Davis can be reached at 207-329-5864 or RealtorRachelDavis@gmail.com.

For information about SREI, visit SeniorsRealEstateInstitute.com