Between the years of 1947 to 1966, Canada (among many other post World War II countries) experienced a baby boom. Canadian census data on age and sex showed that as of May 15, 2001, the median age of Canada’s population reached an all-time high of 37.6 years. It is estimated that, in late 2007, about 96% of the Canadian Baby Boomers were still alive – a population of about 8.5 million individuals (source: http://www.babyboomers-life.com/baby-boomers-in-canada.html).
It is safe to say that the nation’s population is aging. What I am trying to get at is that as the population ages, many issues come up – health care, community, retirement, declining workforce, just to name a few. Seniors and elderly are often neglected and shoved aside, but with a population that high – it’s time to stand up for them.
As a REALTOR®, you have the opportunity to achieve the ASA (Accredited Senior Agent) designation and be a trusted representative of the senior population in your community. Copied verbatim from the website is a description of an ASA’s role: “Given the growth in the demographics for baby boomers and their parents, a specialized niche of Realtor is needed to work within this highly specialized market. The ASA (Accredited Senior Agent) designation shows that your real estate professional is dedicated to serving the mature/senior market. They have skills uniquely committed to serving this market due to their work expertise and dedication to advanced real estate education. They have taken a prescribed course and written an examination to enable them to work in this growing niche market… Accredited Senior Agents must be of good character, have many years of experience and not only take a prescribed course but pass an examination in order to achieve this prestigious professional designation.”
To obtain the ASA designation, an agent must meet the following 6 requirements:
1) Completion of the two day course
2) Successful passing of the exam (75% minimum)
3) Payment of prescribed fees (includes first year’s membership in the Senior Housing Council)
4) Having a minimum of 3 years of real estate experience (can be in various disciplines in real estate)
5) Having listed or sold to at least 3 clients who are 55+
6) Having no formal complaints at your provincial body, either current or pending and not being an undischarged bankrupt.
The two day course will be available in Toronto on November 16th, 2011. To register, please visit http://thesenioragent.com/agent/index.html.
Here are some informative FAQ from the ASA website:
What Special Training Do They Get in the Designation Courses?
They learn about tax law, estate law, capital gains problems, wills and trusts and all of the aspects of the special needs for many families (see Transition). The Accredited Senior Agent understands that for this major life changing event, the selling of the long established family home, it takes someone who has patience, can offer multiple services and the advice of other professionals. Our member have learned to counsel, to ask questions, to deal with special needs and at all times to put the client’s needs before theirs.
What are the annual dues?
$99 plus GST and dues commence one year after the passing of the examination. We include the first year’s dues in all course fees.
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