Friendly note: General info only—I’m not a CPA or attorney. I’m happy to coordinate with your pros or refer you to one of mine.

The short answer

Talk to your financial advisor before you list. A 30-minute huddle can clarify taxes, timeline, and where your money lives next so you’re not making big decisions in a moving week.

What we cover in that first three-way huddle (you • me • advisor)

1. Taxes & timing:

    • Will a primary residence exclusion apply (up to $250k single / $500k married, if you qualify)?
    • Would closing in Dec vs. Jan change your tax picture or estimated payments?
    • Do we need a retrospective or date-specific valuation for records (common if there was a spouse’s prior passing)?

2. Property taxes going forward:

    • If you’re staying in California, do you qualify for a Prop 19 tax-base transfer to your next home (age, timing, county rules)?
    • How will new monthly housing costs compare (taxes, HOA, maintenance)?

3. Cash flow & care planning:

    • How much of your proceeds stay liquid for the first 6–12 months?
    • Any upcoming care costs (in-home support, assisted living deposit) we should reserve for?
    • Will moving closer to family reduce paid-care hours or transportation costs?

4. Investment and account logistics:

    • Which accounts receive the proceeds (taxable trust account, joint account, etc.)?
    • Any RMD or Medicare IRMAA considerations if you realize gains this year? (Advisor topic)
    • Do you want to set aside a safety reserve for home modifications (grab bars, lighting, ramps) right away?

5. Documents & deed details (so accounts match):

    • How is your current home titled (trust vs. individual)?
    • Will your next home be titled the same way? (We align with your estate plan.)

My simple sequence (so nothing gets missed)

    • 1. Advisor call + paperwork checklist
    • 2. Discuss options, decide timeframe, and locate next home (or assisted living facility)
    • 3. Decide to whom, when, and where all personal belongings will go; which items go with you
    • 4. Moving first, get acclimated before selling
    • 5. Photos, list, showings (I handle all the logistics to prep the home)
    • 6. Open escrow; your advisor preps accounts to receive funds
    • 7. Closing week: Advisor confirms proceeds path; we verify wire by phone with escrow

Why this matters

Selling is a life event, not just a transaction. When your real-estate plan and financial plan are in the same conversation, you get calmer decisions, clearer taxes, and cash flow that actually fits your next chapter.