OT: California Dreamin': Density is the Future.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by donevwil

Same thing here in Sonoma County, smaller houses are HOT and sell fast, while larger ones less so and take time to sell. My wife and I want to downsize, but it's ultimately a lateral move financially after all the expenses. A nice 1200-1300sf house in a similar neighborhood is only marginally less expensive than our 2300sf house.

I'd be happy to buy something small but high quality and then trade with you.

[Mr.Appa]

Originally Posted by prototoast

I can't speak to the details of his situation, but if I were to sell my house and buy a house valued at the exact same amount, my property taxes would increase by 60%

Not if you are 55 or older I thought? Can't you pay the same property taxes when downsizing (prop 19): https://www.boe.ca.gov/prop19/#FAQs

It feels like yet another way that you are penalized for being born in the last 30 years.

Sincerely,
A disgruntled millennial

[jimcav]

prop 19! i didn't follow it, but it will be relevant to us in the future

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by donevwil

My wife and I want to downsize, but it's ultimately a lateral move financially after all the expenses. A nice 1200-1300sf house in a similar neighborhood is only marginally less expensive than our 2300sf house.

That’s what we did when the kid moved out. Sold a SFH and moved a few mikes away into a more walkable neighborhood. House is smaller and cost the same as we sold the previous one but was totally worth it.