From Selling to Supporting: Where Sage & Elder's Home Move Management Services Began

During a hectic sales event, I was leading a group tour of the luxury retirement apartments I was tasked with selling. One woman in the group explicitly stated she wasn't interested in buying an apartment; she just wanted to see what was available. As we moved through the building, passing the yoga studio, sauna, and gardens, she began to open up, explaining that her husband refused to consider moving but was very ill and needed her care. She realised that soon she would be alone and would need to leave their current home, which was too large and demanding to maintain. After showing her a beautiful south-facing two-bedroom apartment, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, 'I love it, and I might not be able to move yet, but you've given me a real gift. I'm no longer afraid of the future, knowing there's a place like this I could move to.' She left the event, and following company protocol, I contacted her a few days later to thank her and encourage her to visit again. However, I knew that by the time she was ready to move, there might not be any apartments left in that development. I wondered what would happen to her. Who assists people like her in finding a new home when there isn't a lot of marketing activity around a new development? And with that thought, the first ideas for Sage & Elder emerged.

A light and airy retirement apartment living space.

About a year later, I contacted a customer who had reserved an apartment for the third time that week. He was having difficulties with his solicitor because he couldn't locate his national insurance number and was unsure about completing some forms. Consequently, a month after accepting an offer on his house sale, he still hadn't progressed with the legal work. Although he had an excellent selling agent who was communicative and efficient in finding a buyer, it wasn't their responsibility to guide him through every step. Since he was buying from a developer specialising in sales to older customers, we provided significant support throughout the process. However, he repeatedly became overwhelmed, missed important deadlines, or simply stopped communicating when he reached a stage he didn't realise required his attention. It occurred to me that while many skilled professionals are involved in the home buying and selling process, there was no one specifically working for the customer, guiding them through the process and ensuring they received emotional and practical support. The concept of Sage & Elder began to form in my mind.

As my role with the developer was coming to an end, I was eager for a new challenge but was certain I wanted to remain in a customer-facing role. I had discovered my true passion in assisting individuals with the transition of relocating later in life. I had helped over 75 people find new homes and witnessed them daily settling into a simpler, happier, and more supported life on the other side. I experienced the challenges, the highs and lows, and derived immense satisfaction from helping people through the process of not only purchasing a new home but also embarking on a new life that met their needs as they aged.

The Sage & Elder Home Move Report

By the end of 2025, I decided to leave my job and started Sage & Elder Home Move Specialists. My services are dedicated to providing comprehensive home move management and property finding for individuals over 60. I assist from the initial contemplation of moving, helping to determine the requirements of the move and planning collaboratively, to researching and visiting potential new homes, asking pertinent questions, and aiding in the decision-making process. I manage the practical logistics of planning the move and transitioning into the new home. I support my clients with patience, empathy, and a listening ear, while keeping track of milestones and coordinating with all professionals involved to ensure their goals are achieved and their move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Vicky hard working on her new business

In recent months, I have been meeting with people to introduce my services and extensively exploring the options available for homeowners in Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire, and Somerset. I've been developing numerous helpful resources to assist people in planning their moves and have been working on creating really useful content. This marks the first blog post in my new blog, Sage Advice, which I hope will serve as a valuable source of guidance and inspiration. I'm delighted to announce that I have been accepted as a member of The Property Ombudsman and have obtained my DBS certificate. I am currently awaiting confirmation of my affiliation with the Society of Later Life Advisers and have registered with HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering. Meanwhile, I have been building a network of professionals who offer financial, legal, and practical support during relocation, ensuring I have a dependable team to recommend to my clients. I've met many incredible individuals and am enjoying the chance to share my passion for supported later life home moves.

To learn more about Sage & Elder and the services I provide, you can explore our offerings here. Whether you're contemplating a relocation or are a professional serving older clients, I am eager to connect with you.

Call 01225 258914 or email me at vicky@sageandelder.co.uk