Senior Downsizing Guide (55+)
For many senior homeowners in California and Georgia, the right move isn’t to stay put forever—it’s to move into a home that’s easier to manage, closer to family, or better suited to this stage of life.
This page covers the downsizing process and how it compares to reverse mortgages, refinancing, and keeping your current home as a rental.
Why Seniors Downsize
- Lower monthly housing costs
- Move closer to adult children or caregivers
- Reduce maintenance, stairs, or yard work
- Free up equity for retirement savings or medical needs
Downsizing Steps Overview
- Clarify your goals: payment comfort, location, features, accessibility.
- Estimate your net proceeds: sale price minus payoff, fees, and costs.
- Choose your next financing: cash, purchase loan, or reverse mortgage for purchase (when available).
- Coordinate timelines: selling, buying, movers, and any short-term housing if needed.
Downsizing in California & Georgia
In California and Georgia, downsizing might mean:
- Moving from a larger home in the Inland Empire to a lower-maintenance condo or single-story home
- Leaving a long-time home in Oceanside or Metro Atlanta for a home closer to family, healthcare, or senior amenities
We’ll connect your home sale, purchase, and financing so the transition feels as smooth as possible.
Downsize vs Reverse vs Refi vs Rent
Downsizing is one of several paths:
- Reverse Mortgage: Stay in your current home and tap equity.
- Refinance in Retirement: Keep your mortgage, but adjust terms for comfort.
- Keep and Rent Out: Turn your current home into an income-producing property.
The best path depends on your health, family plans, and financial goals.
Next Steps: Personalized Downsizing Plan
We can map out how downsizing would work for you: estimated sale proceeds, new home options, likely payment, and how it fits with Social Security, pensions, and other income sources.