Nest Realty broker Debbie Elliott has earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation from the SRES Council of the National Association of Realtors, according to a news release.

Elliott joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the designation, stated the release.

“Seniors’ housing needs are significantly different than those of a first-time home buyer or growing family, and the SRES designation ensures that your Realtor has an expert understanding of seniors’ unique lifestyle and financial needs,” Elliott said in the release.

To earn the designation, agents are required to complete "a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers ages 55 and older," officials said.

Before becoming a Realtor, Elliott had a 35-year career in public relations and marketing and owns Wilmington-based Talk Inc., a public relations company.