Downsizing and 55+ Moves in Brentwood and the East Bay

Downsizing usually means selling one home and buying another, often after many years in the first one. I help owners plan both sides: what the current home is worth, how California's Proposition 19 can carry your property tax base, and which 55+ community or smaller home fits the way you want to live.

How I help downsizers

  • Prop 19 planning. Homeowners 55 and older can transfer their property tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times. The order you buy and sell in affects how much of it you keep.
  • Timing the sale and the purchase so you are not carrying two homes longer than you need to.
  • Choosing a community. 55+ communities differ in governance, dues, amenities and ownership type, such as co-op versus condo in Rossmoor.
  • Preparing your home for sale, with a clear list of what is worth doing and what is not.

Guides for downsizers

Downsizing questions

Can I keep my property tax base if I downsize after 55?

Often, yes. Under Proposition 19, homeowners 55 and older can transfer their base year value to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times, if they meet the rules.

Should I sell first or buy first?

It depends on your finances and the Prop 19 value tests. Buying first holds you to 100 percent of the old home's value; selling first allows 105 or 110 percent, depending on timing.

What 55+ communities are in the area?

Brentwood has Trilogy, Summerset and The Meadows at Marsh Creek, and Walnut Creek has Rossmoor, among others. Each has its own documents, dues and rules.

What is my home worth today?

Request a free home valuation and I will prepare one based on recent local sales.

Thinking about downsizing?

Find out what your home is worth

Tell me where you are now and where you would like to be, and I will help you map out both sides of the move.

Call or text 925-250-9611, or email Jaz@HomesWithAccent.com. I speak English, Punjabi and Hindi.

Jaz Chand, Broker Associate | Homes With Accent
The Jaz Team at Merrill Signature Properties | DRE #01751823
Phone/Text: 925-250-9611 | Jaz@HomesWithAccent.com

General information only, not tax or legal advice. Prop 19 eligibility depends on your facts; confirm with the county assessor and your tax professional.