The Conversation That Sparked It All

When Sandy Goe invited me to her Live with Sandy Goe series, I didn’t expect the interview to touch so many hearts. We discussed something that affects every family — what happens when life changes suddenly and you have to make quick, emotional decisions for a loved one.

For many families, that moment comes when a senior parent or relative can no longer safely live at home. The process of moving, selling a home, and managing the legal and financial aspects can be overwhelming. That’s where my work as a Certified Real Estate Planner and Senior Transition Concierge comes in.

Building, Protecting, and Transferring Generational Wealth

My business was born from personal experience. When my family began helping our seniors transition, we realized how unsupported most families truly are. There were so many questions we didn’t know to ask — about memory care, trusts, taxes, and what to do with the home.

I built my business around a single mission:

To help families build, protect, and transfer generational wealth through real estate — with compassion, clarity, and coordination.

That means being more than a Realtor®. It means being a planner, an advocate, and often, a family’s easy button.

Case Study: The Aunt Who Couldn’t Go Home

One of the stories I shared with Sandy illustrates this perfectly.

A family living out of state called me in crisis — their aunt in Santa Barbara could no longer return home and needed immediate placement in memory care. They had one week to act.

That’s when my Concierge Service went into action:

• I connected them with a Senior Move Manager (a NASMM member) to handle the move properly.

• Coordinated with trusted vendors to clear, clean, and prepare the home.

• Worked closely with the Power Team of Four — attorney, CPA, financial planner, and real estate planner — to create a strategic plan for the trust and property.

The result? Within days, the home sold for top value, and the family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was cared for and their legacy protected.

The Power Team of Four: A Family’s Financial Backbone

I often say, “The affluent family has a family attorney, CPA, and financial planner — but who’s managing the family real estate?”

That’s where I come in. Together, we form what I call the Power Team of Four:

• Trust or Estate Attorney – to structure the estate properly.

• CPA – to understand capital gains and tax implications.

• Financial Planner – to align assets with life goals.

• Real Estate Planner – to execute a plan that supports wealth growth and legacy.

This team doesn’t just manage transactions; we build long-term strategies that protect families for generations.

The Concierge Approach: Turning Overwhelm into Order

The Downsizing Concierge was born out of necessity — to replace chaos with coordination.

Families often rush to hire movers without realizing that a Senior Move Manager can save them time, stress, and even money. These professionals coordinate the entire process, from packing and sorting to managing estate items and securely shredding sensitive documents.

My role is to oversee the entire transition, ensuring that every trusted professional — from move manager to estate attorney — works in harmony.

It’s not about doing everything myself. It’s about knowing who does it best and bringing them together for a seamless, dignified transition.

Empowerment Through Education: Monthly Seminars & Webinars

Every month, I host Lunch & Learn seminars in Santa Barbara on topics families often overlook until it’s too late, such as:

The 21 Responsibilities of a Trustee:

• Wills, Trusts & Probate Demystified

• Senior Living Options in Santa Barbara

• Real Estate Planning for Retirees & Investors

These are real conversations about how to prepare before life forces the issue.

“It’s better to be five years too early than five minutes too late.”

When people understand their options, they make decisions that serve their family’s best interests — not just today, but for decades to come.

Your Legacy, Simplified

At the end of the day, my work is about simplifying what’s complex.

Life transitions are never easy, but when you have the right plan and people in place, they don’t have to be chaotic.

My mantra remains simple:

“When life happens, hit the easy button.”

If your family is preparing for a transition, facing a trust sale, or simply trying to plan ahead, I invite you to start the conversation today.

Let’s Connect

📍 Melissa Tierney | Certified Real Estate Planner & Senior Transition Concierge

Keller Williams Realty, Santa Barbara

📞 (805) 456-3667

📧 melissatierney@kw.com

🌐 tierneysb.co

📅 Book a Strategy Session