Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about senior real estate, our process, and what to expect.
Everything You Need to Know
How is Senior Realty Guide different from a regular real estate agent?
Most agents handle a broad range of clients and transactions. We specialize exclusively in senior real estate transitions — downsizing, estate sales, care-funded moves, and probate. Justin Cicero is a Managing Broker (the highest WA State license), has 20+ years on the Eastside, and personally handles every transaction. No assistants, no junior agents.
How quickly can you list a home?
In most cases, we can have a home listed within 2–3 weeks of our first meeting. For urgent care transitions, we’ve listed homes in as few as 7 days. Timeline depends on the condition of the home and how much preparation is needed.
Do you charge extra for the concierge services (cleanout, staging, etc.)?
In most cases, no. Staging consultations, contractor coordination, and move management are included as part of our service. Some vendors (movers, cleanout crews) charge their own fees, but we negotiate preferred rates on your behalf and there is typically no upfront cost required.
What if my parent’s home needs a lot of work before it can sell?
That’s exactly what we handle. We assess the home, identify what’s worth doing (and what isn’t), coordinate the work, and manage the contractors. We’ve seen homes in every condition — from pristine to 40 years of deferred maintenance. We know how to maximize value without over-investing.
Can you help if I’m managing this from out of state?
Yes — this is one of our most common situations. We handle everything on the ground: inspections, contractor walk-throughs, staging, showings, and closing coordination. We communicate via phone, email, or video call on your schedule. You don’t need to fly in.
What is a bridge loan and do I need one?
A bridge loan lets your parent move into a care community before the home sells, using the home’s equity as collateral. It’s not right for everyone, but for families facing a hard move-in deadline, it can eliminate enormous stress. We have relationships with lenders who specialize in senior care bridge financing and can connect you quickly.
What does “no dual agency” mean and why does it matter?
Dual agency means the same agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This creates a conflict of interest — the agent can’t fully advocate for either party. We never do this. Justin represents sellers only in every transaction, which means your interests are never compromised.
How do you handle a home that has a reverse mortgage?
Reverse mortgage payoffs have specific timelines (typically 6 months from the triggering event) and require coordination with the loan servicer. We’ve handled many of these and know how to work within the deadlines to protect your equity and avoid foreclosure.
Do you work with probate attorneys and financial advisors?
Yes, regularly. We’re comfortable working as part of a team that includes estate attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, and care coordinators. We know our lane and communicate clearly with all parties throughout the process.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Seattle Eastside — Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and surrounding areas. We also handle select properties in North Seattle, Shoreline, and Edmonds.
Let’s Talk
A 15-minute call answers more than any FAQ page. No obligation.