Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) in Burnaby & Greater Vancouver
Leo Nagaoka is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) REALTOR® with Oakwyn Realty Northwest. He helps homeowners aged 50+ and their families plan and manage a later-in-life move: downsizing, selling the family home, moving closer to the kids, or transitioning to retirement living, assisted living or long-term care, in English or Japanese.
A move after decades in one home is about more than price. It involves health, finances, family and a lifetime of belongings. Leo works at your pace, keeps adult children in the loop when you want them involved, and coordinates the people you'll need along the way.
Book a free, no-pressure consultation (in person, by phone or on Zoom, including families overseas).
How an SRES® REALTOR® helps seniors and families
- Downsizing and rightsizing: moving from a large family house to a condo, townhouse or single-level rancher that fits how you live now.
- Selling the family home: pricing strategy (PSA), light preparation instead of costly renovations, and a timeline that matches your next move.
- Retirement and assisted living transitions: coordinating the sale with move-in dates for independent living, assisted living or long-term care (care home) residences.
- Helping adult children help their parents: clear updates for the whole family, including relatives who live out of town or in Japan.
- Aging in place: if staying put is the better option, we can talk through accessibility upgrades and what they mean for future resale.
Finding the right next home
Popular choices for downsizers in Burnaby and Greater Vancouver include elevator buildings near SkyTrain and shopping (Metrotown, Brentwood, Edmonds, Lougheed), 55+ or adult-oriented buildings, ground-level townhomes, and single-level homes with fewer stairs. Leo checks what matters later in life: elevators and accessibility, strata rules and fees, walkability, transit, medical services and distance to family.
Money questions to plan for
- Using your home equity: selling and buying smaller can free up equity for retirement. Leo can show the likely net proceeds after commissions, legal fees and Property Transfer Tax on the next purchase.
- Reverse mortgages: Canadian homeowners aged 55+ may be able to borrow against their home without selling (for example, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage). The amount depends on age, location and the home's value, and interest accrues over time, so compare it carefully against downsizing.
- BC Property Tax Deferment: homeowners 55+ may be able to defer annual property taxes. Program terms changed in 2026, so check the current BC government rules.
- Tax and estate planning: Leo works alongside your accountant, financial planner and lawyer. He doesn't give legal or tax advice, but makes sure the real estate decisions fit their plan.
A trusted team for the whole move
Through his SRES® and CEA training, Leo can connect you with professionals who regularly help seniors: senior move managers, downsizing and declutter specialists, estate sale and donation services, movers, home inspectors, mortgage and reverse-mortgage specialists, notaries, lawyers and accountants.
Our process
- Listen first: your goals, health, timeline and who in the family should be involved.
- Options and numbers: a free home evaluation and a clear comparison of selling, staying, or using equity.
- Plan the move: coordinate the sale, the next home or residence, and moving help.
- Sell with care: pricing, marketing and negotiation, without rushing decisions.
- Settle in: support through closing and the move itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)?
SRES® is a designation for REALTORS® trained to help clients aged 50+ with later-in-life moves, including downsizing, financing options for seniors, and coordinating with families and senior-care professionals.
My parent is moving to assisted living. Should we sell the house first?
It depends on timing, finances and how the move will be paid for. Leo can map out sell-first, move-first and rent-out options with your family and advisors so nobody is forced into a rushed decision.
Can you help if our family lives in Japan or another province?
Yes. Leo regularly works by Zoom and email in English and Japanese, keeps everyone updated, and can manage showings and paperwork locally.
Is a reverse mortgage better than downsizing?
Neither is always better. A reverse mortgage lets you stay but adds interest over time; downsizing releases equity but means moving. Leo can run the numbers with your mortgage specialist and financial planner.
Contact
Leo Nagaoka, SRES®, CEA, PSA | Oakwyn Realty Northwest
Phone: (236) 885-6097
Email: leo@leonagaoka.com
Office: 4481 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 0L6
Contact form / Free home evaluation / Estate & executor sales (CEA) / 日本語
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