True Confessions: Why Fiduciary Care Matters—Especially for Seniors Selling a Home

One of the questions people don’t always think to ask is: “How do I know my real estate agent is truly looking out for my best interests or the best interests of my loved ones?”

In today’s True Confessions with your trusted real estate professionals in Denver, Colorado, I want to share something that has been deeply present in my real estate business over the last few months—serving elderly homeowners during a real estate transaction.

Recently, I’ve been working with two different senior clients—one in Centennial, Colorado, and one in Virginia Village in Denver. Both clients have limited vision, difficulty hearing, do not drive, and do not use computers or electronic signature software. That means every document, every negotiation, and every decision has required in-person conversations, printed paperwork, scanning, uploading, and careful communication with all parties involved.

From the outside, this might sound “atypical” in today’s digital real estate world. Most transactions now rely on e-signatures, mobile apps, and online portals. But what this experience has highlighted is something far more important than convenience—it has underscored vulnerability and trust.

The Role of a Fiduciary Real Estate Advisor

When working with senior homeowners, the role of a real estate agent goes far beyond listing a home. It becomes a position of fiduciary responsibility—a legal and ethical obligation to act solely in the client’s best interest.

In both of these cases, these clients have lived in their homes for nearly 50 years, building significant home equity over decades in the Denver real estate market. That equity is not just financial—it represents their future care, lifestyle, and next chapter of life.

As their real estate advisor, every step of the process required intentional guidance:

• Reviewing and explaining contracts in person

• Ensuring negotiations were fair and clearly understood

• Coordinating logistics without digital tools

• Protecting their equity and proceeds

• Navigating trust documents, powers of attorney, and bank account titling

These are the moments where the difference between a transactional agent and a true fiduciary advisor becomes very clear.

Why This Matters—Especially for Seniors

The truth is, both of these clients could have easily been taken advantage of by someone unwilling to slow down, take extra time, or prioritize their well-being over speed and convenience.

Unfortunately, that does happen.

That’s why working with an experienced real estate professional who understands senior real estate transactions, estate considerations, and fiduciary duty is so critical—especially for older homeowners or families helping aging parents sell a home.

A Privilege, Not an Inconvenience

For me, this work is not a burden—it is a privilege.

Walking alongside these clients, protecting their interests, and helping steward the equity they spent a lifetime building is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do at the Reed Estate Team.

If you know someone who is preparing for a real estate transaction—particularly a senior homeowner who needs extra care, advocacy, and guidance—we would be honored to serve in that role.

Because real estate isn’t just about property.
It’s about people.
It’s about home for today and hope for tomorrow.