By Stephanie Martin, January 23, 2026
That is why I took the meaningful step forward in how I support my clients and community as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designee from the National Association of REALTORS®.
This designation is designed specifically for real estate professionals who are committed to providing thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance to clients aged 50+ (yes, I know – age 50 is considered senior) as they navigate housing transitions. For many, this time of life brings big questions—whether it’s the right moment to downsize, move closer to family, refinance, or explore options that make staying in place more comfortable and supportive.
Why This Matters
The needs and priorities of mature homeowners differ from those of first-time buyers or growing families. The SRES® curriculum focuses on:
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Aging-in-place planning and home features that support safety, mobility, and comfort.
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Financial considerations unique to this stage of life, including pensions, retirement income, and equity decisions.
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Navigating emotional transitions, especially when moving from a long-loved home.
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Clear communication and supportive guidance, tailored to each person’s goals.
This education allows me to approach each situation with a deeper understanding, ensuring that decisions are made with dignity, clarity, and confidence.
A Thoughtful Approach to the Next Chapter
Whether someone is exploring a smaller home that feels easier to maintain, moving closer to grandkids, or simply curious about what “staying put” might look like with a few supportive adjustments—there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right next step should honor lifestyle, values, finances, and comfort.
My role is not just to guide the logistics—but to support the whole journey.
A Real Story: Supporting a Thoughtful Transition
Recently, I worked with a client named Linda. She had lived in her home for over 30 years—a place filled with memories, milestones, and the beautiful rhythm of everyday life. As her lifestyle and needs began to shift, the upkeep of a large home started to feel overwhelming, but the idea of leaving felt equally heavy.
We took our time. We talked through what she valued most: staying close to her community, having a comfortable space for family visits, and finding a home that felt manageable and peaceful.
Together, we explored options at a pace that felt right. We connected with contractors to discuss small aging-in-place modifications, visited a few cozy single-level homes, and reviewed financial considerations to ensure long-term comfort.
Eventually, Linda found a bright, single-level townhouse with a small garden she adores. When she moved in, she told me, “This feels like the next chapter—not an ending.”
This is the heart of what SRES® is all about—listening, caring, and helping people move into their next chapter with confidence and grace.
Let’s Talk—No Pressure, Just Possibility
If you or someone you care about is considering a housing transition—or simply wants to understand their options—I’m here as a resource. I offer conversations that are warm, honest, and pressure-free.
This is about clarity. Confidence. And choosing what feels right.
Feel free to reach out anytime, or simply comment or message to start the conversation.
Together, we can navigate the next chapter with purpose and ease.
With love,
Stephanie
Stephanie Martin
Broker | OR
she/her
Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie is a wife, mom of two, and daughter navigating the realities of aging parents. After moving more times than she can count, she became a professional problem-solver long before becoming a real estate broker.
As a transplant herself, Stephanie understands what it truly takes to uproot your life and start fresh in a new place. She and her husband have moved across the country—west to east, east back to west—and ultimately put down roots in Portland. They’ve relocated with kids, without kids, for work, for family, and in pursuit of a better quality of life. When they moved to Portland, they toured 30 homes in a single weekend, called school districts, mapped commutes, researched neighborhoods, and did everything possible to find the right place to land. Those experiences shaped Stephanie deeply, building resilience, resourcefulness, and a firsthand appreciation for the value of having a knowledgeable, supportive guide by your side.
Today, Stephanie brings that same clarity, empathy, and lived experience to her work as a Portland real estate broker, Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Certified Staging Expert (CSE), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). Caring for aging parents gives her a personal connection to her SRES training, allowing her to help older adults and their families navigate transitions with dignity, understanding, and confidence. Her PSA certification equips her to deliver data-driven pricing strategies and clear, thoughtful guidance at every stage. Stephanie believes a home is more than square footage—it’s where life is lived.
Before entering real estate, Stephanie built her career in people-centered roles, including hairstyling, pastry work, real estate administration, and transaction coordination. Each chapter strengthened her ability to listen deeply, anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and support people through meaningful life moments.
Whether clients are buying their first home, relocating to Portland, upsizing, downsizing, or preparing a longtime property for market, Stephanie approaches every goal with warmth, strategy, and a deeply service-driven mindset. She loves bringing people together—matching clients with the right home, neighborhood, resources, and even the perfect local coffee spot. As a Certified Staging Expert, she also helps sellers elevate their home’s presentation to maximize value and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring Portland’s food scene, thrifting, and adventuring with her family and their pit bull, Vince. Portland has given her a true sense of home, and she would be honored to help others find theirs.
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- T: 510-926-7721
- stephaniemartin@livingroomre.com