Senior Real Estate Services in Toronto: Full-Service SRES Team, Every Step Covered
Selling a long-held home, helping a parent through a move they're not quite ready for, managing an estate on a legal timeline: this work is not a standard real estate transaction. There are decades of belongings to sort, family members to keep aligned, and often a property sitting vacant and carrying costs while everyone figures out what comes next. Jacquie Othen, SRES, has spent more than 15 years building a practice entirely around this. One call gives you a clear picture of what's actually involved.
Get Your Free Senior Real Estate Assessment
No obligation. Jacquie will walk you through your options and what a realistic timeline looks like, in plain language.
Last updated:
Jacquie Othen (SRES) is a Toronto senior real estate specialist with more than 15 years of practice built entirely around clients aged 50 and over. She leads the Othen Group Senior Transition Service: a complete, coordinated program that includes free professional staging on every listing through Kelly Allan Design, full move coordination through Downsizing Divas, and direct handling of estate lawyer and power-of-attorney logistics. Jacquie holds a 5.0 Google rating across 90+ reviews, the majority of which are from seniors and the adult children who coordinated their parents' moves. She works primarily in Leaside, Lawrence Park, Don Mills, Summerhill, Willowdale, and Bayview Village. Call 416-486-8282 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What are real estate services for seniors in Toronto?
As of April 2026, Othen Group provides comprehensive real estate services for seniors across Toronto's midtown and east-end corridors, including Leaside, Lawrence Park, Don Mills, Summerhill, and Yonge & Eglinton. These services go well beyond listing a home. They include a free home valuation and equity estimate; professional staging through Kelly Allan Design at no cost; decluttering, packing, and move coordination through Downsizing Divas; a vetted network of estate lawyers, senior-focused movers, organizers, and financial advisors; full buyer representation for the next property with accessibility and lifestyle built into every search; and consistent communication with adult children and powers of attorney throughout. Everything is managed under one point of contact, Jacquie Othen SRES, so you're not coordinating multiple vendors on top of an already complex transition.
Home Sale Services
Free professional staging, strategic pricing based on current Toronto market data, MLS listing, showing management, and full negotiation. Othen Group senior listings consistently achieve sale-to-list ratios of 95% or more and sell significantly faster than the Toronto average for comparable properties.
Move & Transition Coordination
Decluttering, packing, estate sale coordination, donation logistics, and the physical move, all coordinated through Downsizing Divas and senior-specialized moving partners. One call to Othen Group starts the whole vendor chain. You make decisions. We handle the rest.
Next Home Buyer Services
Full buyer representation for the next property, with accessibility requirements, proximity to family and transit, building financial health, and lifestyle fit built into every recommendation. We don't show you properties that don't actually work for your life.
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a CREA-recognized designation covering the financial, legal, and emotional dimensions of real estate transactions for clients aged 50 and over. The SRES program is administered through the National Association of Realtors and covers estate planning, power of attorney under Ontario's Substitute Decisions Act, retirement housing options, reverse mortgages, and the coordination needs that come with decades of accumulated belongings, family stakeholders, and care considerations. As of March 2026, not every Toronto realtor holds this designation. Jacquie Othen, SRES, has held it for more than 15 years.
A senior real estate transaction almost never involves just two parties and a clean timeline. There are adult children with opinions, estate lawyers in the picture, powers of attorney to coordinate, health considerations that shape what kind of property works, and decades of belongings that need to go somewhere before a home can even be listed. A realtor without SRES training tends to treat those things as complications. We built our entire practice around them.
Jacquie Othen has held the SRES designation for and has built a full team and vendor network specifically for this kind of work. Our primary clients are seniors, their families, and the executors handling what comes after. This isn't a specialty we added. It's what we've always done.
Is a senior real estate specialist right for your situation?
Every situation we work with is different. But they share the same complexity: multiple family members, decades of belongings, legal considerations, and a seller whose comfort actually matters. That's exactly what the practice was built around.
Othen Group works with three types of clients: seniors selling a long-held home and moving to a condo, townhome, or smaller property; adult children helping a parent get through this transition (often from out of town); and estate executors managing a property through probate or estate settlement. If your situation fits any of these, the process, the team, and the vendor network are already built around it.
Seniors Downsizing
You've lived in your home for 20 or 30 years. The decision to sell is real, but the logistics feel enormous. Where do you go? What do you do with everything? How do you time it so you're not in between homes? That's exactly what we manage. We've helped a lot of seniors through this, and we know which questions to ask, which vendors to call, and how to build a plan that doesn't fall apart mid-process.
See our full downsizing services →Adult Children & Families
A lot of the people who call us aren't the ones moving. They're the son or daughter trying to help a parent who isn't sure they're ready, or who lives in another city and can't be there to manage the details. We're used to this dynamic. We communicate clearly with everyone involved, keep the lines between family members and the process clean, and make sure no one is guessing what comes next.
Estate Executors
Managing an estate sale in Toronto means coordinating a property that may require preparation work, handling the contents, working alongside lawyers and beneficiaries, and making decisions under time pressure. We handle the property side completely. We work with your estate lawyer, coordinate trades and cleaners, manage the listing and sale, and keep the process moving so the estate can close without unnecessary delays.
Learn about estate sale services →Not sure which situation applies to you? The first conversation is free and obligation-free. We'll tell you exactly what we can do and how the process works.
What does an SRES-certified agent actually do differently?
The designation is the baseline. The vendor network, the coordination model, and of doing this specifically in Toronto are what actually make the difference.
An SRES-certified agent who has built their practice entirely around senior real estate can do things a general realtor typically can't: coordinate the full vendor chain (staging, movers, organizers, estate lawyers) under one point of contact so you're not managing a list of contractors; communicate clearly with all family members, not just the seller; understand what accessibility requirements matter in a next home; and manage showing schedules around the seller's actual routines and mobility. Fifteen years of doing this kind of work exclusively means nothing surprises us.
What working with us actually includes, which most general realtors don't offer:
- SRES certification: specialized training in estate planning, power of attorney, retirement housing, and life-stage transitions. Not just real estate mechanics
- Free professional staging through Kelly Allan Design is included for every home we list, no extra charge
- Partnership with Downsizing Divas for packing, sorting, donating, and move management built for seniors
- Vendor network covering estate lawyers, financial advisors, senior-focused movers, organizers, cleaners, and trades: all vetted, all coordinated by us
- One point of contact for every moving part. You are not managing multiple vendors and hoping they talk to each other
- Clear communication with seniors and all family members throughout the process, so nobody is left out of what's happening
- Hyperlocal Toronto neighbourhood knowledge built over : which buildings, which streets, which areas actually work for aging in place and independence
We don't hand you a sold sticker and disappear. We stay in it until you're settled.
Jacquie Othen, SRES-certified senior real estate specialist, Toronto and North York.
What does it actually take to sell a senior-owned home in Toronto?
Selling a home you've lived in for decades is not the same as a typical real estate transaction. The preparation is more involved, the timeline needs more care, and the emotional weight is real. Here's exactly how we handle it.
To help elderly parents prepare their house for sale in Toronto, start with a room-by-room walkthrough with your agent to identify what actually needs to be done. Not a blanket renovation list, but an honest assessment of what buyers in this market care about. Decluttering and sorting the contents come next, ideally with a specialized service like Downsizing Divas. Then, staging (included free with Othen Group), photography, and a pricing strategy tied to the seller's real timeline. The full process, managed properly, typically takes four to eight weeks from first conversation to listing. Not the months families often fear.
Staging and full preparation are included for every senior seller we work with.
Most senior-owned homes need some preparation work before they go to market. That doesn't mean a full renovation. It means a room-by-room review, honest conversations about what's worth doing, and coordinating the work so you don't have to manage a list of contractors yourself.
Here's what we manage from start to sold:
- Room-by-room preparation review before you list, with honest guidance on what actually moves the needle
- Full professional staging through Kelly Allan Design, included at no charge
- Coordination of cleaning, painting, minor repairs, and trades through our vetted network
- Partnership with Downsizing Divas for sorting, packing, donations, and estate sales of contents
- Showing schedules that respect mobility needs and preferred routines
- Clear communication with the seller and all involved family members at every stage
- Pricing and offer strategy built around your specific timeline, not a generic playbook
How do I help my aging parents sell their home in Toronto?
If you're the one managing this for a parent, you already know how complicated it gets. There's the property. There's everything in it. There's your parents' feelings about leaving a home they've loved for decades. And there's often a family with multiple opinions about how to handle it all. We've been in that room many times.
The most effective first step for adult children helping a parent sell their home in Toronto is a no-pressure conversation that includes whoever needs to be part of it: your parent, any siblings, and any family members who are out of town. The goal is a clear picture of the process and finances, along with a realistic timeline, before any decisions are made. Most families tell Jacquie Othen that one conversation replaced months of uncertainty. From that point, Othen Group manages all communication with every party, so you're not the one trying to keep everyone aligned while also coordinating a real estate transaction in a city you may not even live in.
We've been in that room many times. Here's how we help families through it.
The first step is usually a conversation involving everyone involved. We want to understand your parents' goals, your family's questions, and the timeline you're working with. From there, we build a clear written plan. Nobody guesses what happens next.
We communicate with seniors and family members separately when that's helpful, and together when it makes sense. If you're out of town, we become your local point of contact for everything. If the property needs work before it lists, we coordinate it. If your parent needs help sorting through 40 years of belongings, we bring in Downsizing Divas.
A few things we hear from adult children after the process is over:
- They didn't expect it to be this organized
- Their parent felt respected and in control throughout, not rushed
- The family communication was clear enough that disagreements stayed small
- The sale result was better than they had expected
You don't have to figure this out alone. That's the whole point of calling us first.
We help families understand the full picture so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.
What are the housing options for seniors in Toronto?
Housing options for seniors in Toronto range from independent condo or townhome living through retirement residences and into long-term care. Most people who call Othen Group are considering the first category: selling a family home and moving into a condominium or smaller property where they can live fully independently with less maintenance. That is the work Othen Group specializes in. For clients considering retirement residences or long-term care, Othen Group provides honest context on what those options involve and refers to appropriate resources. The real estate side of the transition is the focus.
Independent Condo or Townhome
The most common senior move. Sell the family home and buy or rent a condo, townhome, or smaller detached property where you live entirely independently. This transition frees up equity, eliminates maintenance, and can significantly reduce monthly carrying costs compared to a large detached home. Full-service support from Othen Group covers both sides of the move.
Retirement Residence
Private rental units in a managed community with services such as meals, housekeeping, social programming, and optional care support. Costs in Toronto generally range from $2,000 to over $5,000 per month, depending on the residence, suite size, and level of services included. Most people sell their home to fund this transition. We handle the real estate side and can refer you to retirement residence advisors for the other decisions.
Long-Term Care
Long-term care homes in Ontario are regulated by the province and provide 24-hour nursing care for those who can no longer live independently. Access is through a care needs assessment. Basic accommodation is subsidized for eligible residents, and the provincial subsidy can cover up to $2,085 per month. This is outside our scope, but we can refer families to the right contacts and handle the property side when a home needs to be sold.
Which Toronto neighbourhoods are best for seniors downsizing or aging in place?
The right neighbourhood depends on more than price. Walkability to daily needs, transit access, building quality, proximity to medical services, and whether the area supports independence long-term all matter. Here's how the neighbourhoods we work in most compare through that lens.
As of March 2026, the Toronto neighbourhoods best suited for seniors prioritize walkability to grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical services without a car; reliable TTC access; and a mix of condo and smaller detached options. Yonge & Eglinton and Willowdale rank highest for daily-needs walkability and transit frequency. Lawrence Park and Leaside offer a quieter residential character, with strong services nearby and access to Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5). Don Mills and Bayview Village offer good value with solid transit and walkable retail. The best choice depends heavily on budget, mobility needs, and whether your priority is transit access or a quieter residential feel.
Yonge & Eglinton
Toronto's best midtown option for eliminating car dependency completely. Grocery stores, pharmacies, medical clinics, dentists, restaurants, and the TTC are all within walking distance. A strong choice for seniors who want to stay active and independent without driving.
Explore →Summerhill
Quieter than the Yonge and Eglinton intersection but still close to transit and amenities. Tree-lined streets, Summerhill Market, and a genuine neighbourhood feel. Well-suited to seniors who want midtown walkability without living at a busy corner.
Explore →Lawrence Park
One of Toronto's quietest, most established neighbourhoods. Excellent medical services along Lawrence Avenue, good transit, and a calm residential feel that many seniors specifically ask for.
Explore →Leaside
Strong community identity, excellent parks, and good walkability to local shops and services. Eglinton LRT access adds transit options. Good mix of detached, semi, and condo options.
Explore →Don Mills
Good value compared to central Midtown, with the Ontario Line providing excellent transit access. The Shops at Don Mills offers walkable retail, services, and dining. One of the better options for seniors who want more space per dollar.
Explore →Victoria Village
Often overlooked, it offers some of the best value in the east end of the city. Quieter pace, good parks, and a real neighbourhood feel. Works particularly well for seniors who want a house and a manageable property.
Explore →Willowdale
One of Toronto's most established senior-friendly neighbourhoods, with excellent TTC access along Yonge Street and a high concentration of medical specialists, pharmacies, and support services. Strong community infrastructure and a mix of condos and bungalows.
Explore →Bayview Village
Quiet, tree-lined streets with excellent access to Bayview Village Shopping Centre for daily needs. Subway access on the Sheppard line and a calm residential character. Good mix of smaller bungalows and condo buildings.
Explore →North York Centre
High walkability around Yonge and Sheppard, with grocery stores, medical services, pharmacies, and other amenities all accessible without a car. Well-established condo market with a wide range of building types and price points.
Explore →Explore all Toronto neighbourhood guides →
What financial help is available for seniors selling or buying a home in Ontario?
Several provincial and municipal programs exist to help seniors manage property costs. These are worth knowing about before you make any decisions on timing or next steps.
As of March 2026, seniors in Ontario can access three main programs: the Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (up to $500/year for qualifying homeowners aged 64 and older with low-to-moderate income), the City of Toronto property tax cancellation, deferral, and rebate programs for low-income seniors and seniors with disabilities, and provincial long-term care accommodation subsidies for eligible residents (up to approximately $2,085/month for basic accommodation). These programs are worth confirming with a tax professional before you decide on your sale timing.
Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant
Up to $500/yearAvailable to Ontario homeowners aged 64 or older with low-to-moderate household income. Applied for through your annual tax return. If you qualify, this is a straightforward annual credit that reduces your property tax burden while you still own your home.
City of Toronto Property Tax Relief Programs
Cancellation, Deferral & RebateThe City of Toronto offers property tax cancellation, deferral, and water/solid waste rebate programs for low-income seniors and seniors with disabilities. These programs can make staying in your home more financially manageable while you plan your next move, or reduce carrying costs during a longer sale timeline.
Long-Term Care Accommodation Subsidy
Up to ~$2,085/monthFor seniors who qualify for long-term care, Ontario subsidizes basic accommodation costs for those whose income is insufficient to cover the standard rate. This is a needs-based provincial program administered through the local Home and Community Care Support Services.
Othen Group is not a financial advisory or tax professional firm, and eligibility for these programs depends on your specific situation. What Othen Group does is make sure you know these programs exist and refers you to the right professionals (including estate lawyers and tax advisors within our vetted network) to confirm what applies to you. Call 416-486-8282, and we'll point you in the right direction.
What have seniors and families said about working with Othen Group?
With more than 90 five-star Google reviews, many from seniors and adult children who helped manage a parent's move, the feedback consistently points to the same things: being kept in the loop, the process being less painful than expected, and results that were better than they'd hoped.
Like Family, Not Just a Realtor
"Jacquie and her team of professionals are in my opinion the best in Toronto. She sold my home in a timely fashion and supported me through out the whole process — every step of the way by going above and beyond and relating to me as if she was my own daughter."
Google Review · Toronto
Trust That's Hard to Find
"She emanates a sense of trustworthiness that makes you feel very secure during what is without a doubt a very involved process. Jacquie is a true professional in every sense of the word, and puts her clients interests far above her own."
Google Review · Toronto
Guided Through a Stressful Process
"Jacquie and her team are awesome and they patiently guided us through this stressful transaction. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jacquie to any of my friends and family."
Google Review · Toronto
Sold Quickly, Above Asking
"With their help, our house sold almost immediately, for a little over asking. The whole team was incredibly responsive and professional from start to finish. We can't thank them enough!"
Google Review · Toronto
90+ Toronto families have trusted Othen Group through their most important transitions. Find out if we're the right fit for yours.
Book My Free Senior Real Estate AssessmentHow do I choose the right real estate agent for a senior move in Toronto?
Not every agent who says they work with seniors has built their practice around it. An agent who occasionally helps an older client is not the same as one whose entire team, vendor network, and coordination model was designed for this work. Jacquie Othen is registered with TRREB (Toronto Regional Real Estate Board) and RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario), holds the SRES designation, and operates under TRESA (the Trust in Real Estate Services Act).
The best senior real estate agents in Toronto hold the SRES designation (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), have a verifiable track record of senior transitions in your area, include professional staging and coordination at no extra charge, and have a complete vendor network for movers, organizers, and estate lawyers. Not just a referral list. Jacquie Othen, SRES, has guided senior homeowners through Toronto real estate transitions since 2009, working primarily in Leaside, Lawrence Park, Don Mills, Willowdale, and midtown Toronto. As of March 2026, Othen Group holds a 5.0 Google rating across 90+ verified reviews, the majority of which are from seniors and their adult children who coordinated their parents' moves.
Jacquie Othen, SRES
Senior Real Estate Specialist · Toronto · 15+ Years · TRREB & RECO Registered
Jacquie Othen (SRES) specializes in senior home sales, estate transitions, and downsizing across midtown and east-end Toronto. The Othen Group Senior Transition Service includes free professional staging on every listing through Kelly Allan Design, full move and contents coordination through Downsizing Divas, and direct coordination with estate lawyers and powers of attorney. Jacquie holds a 5.0 Google rating across 90+ verified reviews from seniors and their families, and has guided senior homeowners through Toronto real estate transitions since 2009. Primary service areas: Leaside, Lawrence Park, Don Mills, Summerhill, Willowdale, and Bayview Village.
Ask any agent you're considering for a senior move these questions. A good one will have clear, specific answers, not general reassurances.
- Do you hold the SRES designation, and for how long?
- How many senior transitions have you handled in the past 12 months in this area?
- How do you communicate with family members, and how do you handle it when they disagree?
- Is professional staging included, or is that an extra charge?
- Do you have a partner to help with sorting, packing, and downsizing the contents, or do I find that myself?
- Can you work with my estate lawyer or power of attorney if that's part of the picture?
- What does your timeline look like from the first conversation to closing?
When you call us, the first conversation is a no-pressure consultation. You walk through your situation, your timeline, and your questions. You leave with a clear picture of your options and the process, whether or not you end up working with us.
What families consistently tell us after everything is done: they wish they'd called sooner. Not because the process turned out to be difficult, but because that first call gave them clarity they'd been missing for months.
We work almost exclusively in the midtown and north Toronto neighbourhoods. That means deep knowledge of the buildings, streets, price points, and buyers. Not a general Toronto practice where your neighbourhood is one of fifty.
Othen Group is one of the few Toronto real estate teams whose primary clients are seniors, their adult children, and the families managing estate transitions. If that's your situation, Othen Group is probably the right call.
What do seniors, adult children, and executors most want to know about senior real estate in Toronto?
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a realtor with specialized training in the financial, legal, and emotional dimensions of real estate transactions for clients aged 50 and over. The designation covers estate planning, power of attorney, retirement housing options, and the coordination needs that come with life-stage transitions. Not every agent holds it.
What does an SRES-certified agent do differently?
An SRES-certified agent is trained to handle the complexity that comes with senior real estate: working alongside estate lawyers and powers of attorney, coordinating multiple family members, understanding accessibility requirements, and managing the emotional weight of selling a long-held property. Beyond the designation, Othen Group has a full vendor network for moving, staging, decluttering, and legal coordination.
What questions should I ask a realtor when selling my elderly parent's home?
Ask whether they hold an SRES designation and how many senior transitions they've handled in the past year. Ask how they communicate with family members and how they handle disagreements. Ask what they do for preparation and staging, and whether that's included or extra. Ask about their vendor network. A realtor who does this work regularly will have clear, specific answers.
What are the tax implications of selling a home as a senior in Ontario?
In most cases, selling your principal residence in Ontario is exempt from capital gains tax. The principal residence exemption covers the full gain if the home has been your primary residence for all the years you've owned it. Estate situations are different: when a homeowner passes away, CRA treats it as a deemed disposition at fair market value on the date of death. If the property was the deceased's principal residence, it may still be exempt. If it were a rental or secondary property, the estate owes capital gains tax on the increase in value. We strongly recommend speaking with a tax professional or estate lawyer about your specific situation before listing.
How do you help aging parents who aren't sure they're ready to move?
A free consultation with no pressure or commitment is usually the right first step. Many families find that their parents' hesitation stems from not knowing what the process entails or what their options are. Jacquie Othen walks through what a move would entail, the financial picture, and the realistic timeline. Most people find that one conversation makes the decision much easier to approach.
Can you coordinate the full move, including packing and contents?
Yes. Othen Group coordinates the full move through a partnership with Downsizing Divas (a Toronto-based senior-specialized move management service) and a network of senior-focused movers. This covers packing, sorting, donating, and the physical move itself. Othen Group also works with estate sale organizers if contents need to be sold or distributed. You have one point of contact managing everything.
What financial help is available to seniors selling a home in Ontario?
Several programs exist. The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant provides up to $500 per year for qualifying seniors aged 64 and older. The City of Toronto offers property tax cancellation, deferral, and rebate programs for low-income seniors. For those transitioning into long-term care, provincial subsidies can cover basic accommodation costs. We make sure clients know these programs exist and can refer you to the right professionals.
What is the difference between SRES and SREA?
Both are designations for real estate professionals who specialize in working with older clients. SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is granted through the National Association of Realtors. SREA (Senior Real Estate Advisor) is a Canadian designation. The practical difference depends entirely on the individual agent's experience. Jacquie holds the SRES designation and has spent more than 15 years building a practice specifically around this type of client.
How do I find a real estate agent who specializes in senior moves in Toronto?
Start with the SRES designation, which indicates the agent has been specifically trained for this type of work. Then look at their track record: how many senior moves have they handled in your area, what's included, and do they have a full vendor network for the transition? Beyond credentials, the fit matters. The right agent is organized, honest about what's worth doing, and patient with a process that often takes longer than a standard sale. Call us at 416-486-8282, and we'll walk through whether we're the right fit for your situation.
What are the best services for helping seniors declutter and organize before a move?
For most families we work with, the biggest practical challenge isn't the real estate. It's the 30 or 40 years of belongings in the house. We partner with Downsizing Divas, a Toronto-based senior-specialized move management service, for exactly this. They handle sorting, packing, donations, and can coordinate estate sales for items that need to be distributed. This is included as part of our coordination for senior clients, so you don't need to find or manage these vendors yourself.
How does a power of attorney work in a Toronto senior real estate sale?
In Ontario, a Power of Attorney (POA) for Property authorizes a designated person (typically a family member or trusted individual) to manage and sell real estate on behalf of a senior who is unable to manage their own affairs. The POA document must be valid under the Substitute Decisions Act and is typically reviewed by an estate lawyer before the transaction proceeds. We work directly with the named attorney and your estate lawyer to keep the sale moving without delays or confusion about who has signing authority. If a POA is part of your situation, contact us at 416-486-8282, and we'll walk through what's involved.
What happens to capital gains when you sell a parent's house after they pass away in Ontario?
When a homeowner passes away in Ontario, CRA treats the death as a deemed disposition: the property is considered sold at fair market value on the date of death. If it was the deceased's principal residence for all the years they owned it, the principal residence exemption typically eliminates capital gains tax. If the property was a rental or was not fully designated as a principal residence, the estate owes capital gains tax on the appreciation. The estate then lists the property through the executor, with proceeds distributed to beneficiaries after all costs are settled. Othen Group works with estate lawyers and executors on exactly this type of transaction and can refer you to the right tax professionals for your specific situation.
What legal documents are needed when transferring property ownership as a senior in Ontario?
As of March 2026, transferring property ownership in Ontario as a senior typically involves the following documents: a signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale, a Transfer/Deed of Land (registered with the Ontario Land Registry), a Statement of Adjustments prepared by your real estate lawyer, and where applicable, a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (for estate sales) or a valid Power of Attorney for Property under Ontario's Substitute Decisions Act. Ontario real estate transactions under TRESA (the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, which replaced REBBA on December 1, 2023) require all parties to be represented in writing. Othen Group coordinates directly with your estate lawyer to ensure that all signing authority is confirmed and that the documents are in order before the sale proceeds.
What is the process for selling an inherited property in Toronto?
Selling an inherited property in Toronto involves five steps. First, the estate must obtain a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. As of March 2026, this process typically takes 3 to 6 months for straightforward estates. Second, the executor obtains a professional property valuation to establish fair market value at the date of death for CRA purposes. Third, the executor prepares the property for market: this may include clearing contents (Downsizing Divas handles this for Othen Group clients), completing repairs, and arranging staging. Fourth, the property is listed on MLS and sold with all offers reviewed by the executor in consultation with the estate lawyer. Fifth, sale proceeds are distributed to beneficiaries after all closing costs, legal fees, and any outstanding tax obligations are settled. Othen Group works directly with executors and estate lawyers throughout this process and can refer you to experienced estate lawyers at any stage.
What are real estate services for seniors in Toronto?
From a specialist team like Othen Group, senior real estate services include: a free home valuation and equity estimate; professional staging at no cost; decluttering, packing, and contents management through senior-specialized move managers; estate sale coordination; a vetted vendor network covering movers, estate lawyers, organizers, and financial advisors; full buyer representation for the next property with accessibility and lifestyle built in; and clear communication with adult children and powers of attorney throughout. The difference from a general agent: everything runs through one point of contact. You make decisions. We coordinate the vendors, the timeline, and the paperwork. Call 416-486-8282 to find out what this looks like for your specific situation.
What do realtors specializing in seniors offer that general agents don't?
Realtors specializing in seniors, specifically those with the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation, are trained to handle the complexities of senior transitions: estate planning, powers of attorney, multiple family members with different perspectives, decades of belongings, care considerations, and accessibility requirements for the next home. The real difference is a vendor network and coordination model built around this type of client. A general agent can list your home. A senior specialist agent manages the full transition: the vendors, family communication, legal coordination, and the physical move. Jacquie Othen, SRES, has spent more than 15 years building exactly this practice in Toronto.
What is a senior transition realtor, and when do you need one?
A senior transition realtor is a real estate agent specifically experienced in managing the full complexity of senior home moves, including coordination with estate lawyers, powers of attorney, adult children, and care facilities, alongside the standard real estate transaction. You need one when the seller is aged 65+; family members are involved in the decision; the property involves an estate, power of attorney, or recent bereavement; or the move involves downsizing from a long-held home with significant contents. In Toronto, Jacquie Othen, SRES, is one of the city's most experienced senior transition specialists, with more than 15 years in the field and 90+ five-star Google reviews from seniors and the families who helped coordinate their move.
Is there a real estate agent near me who specializes in seniors in Toronto?
Othen Group serves seniors and their families throughout Toronto's midtown and east-end corridors, including Leaside, Lawrence Park, Summerhill, Don Mills, Yonge and Eglinton, Willowdale, Bayview Village, Victoria Village, North York Centre, and The Beaches. Jacquie Othen, SRES, is reachable at 416-486-8282 for a free, no-obligation consultation. If your property falls outside these neighbourhoods, we will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit or whether a different SRES agent in your area would serve you better. We would rather give you accurate information than take on a client we cannot serve at the level this type of work requires.
One Conversation. A Clear Plan. No Pressure.
Whether you're planning your own move, helping a parent get started, or managing an estate, the first call with Jacquie gives you a clear picture of your options, timeline, and the process before you make any decisions. Most families tell us they wish they'd called sooner.
Or use the form above: book your free assessment · clientcare@othengroup.com