Downsizing in Santa Barbara:
What You Need to Know

Downsizing is not just a real estate transaction. For most families, it is one of the most emotionally and logistically complex experiences they will navigate — and it deserves a different kind of support than a standard home sale.

I am SRES® certified (Senior Real Estate Specialist) specifically because I believe the families who are going through this transition deserve an agent who understands it at a deeper level than just pricing and marketing. Here is what the process actually looks like — and how I approach it.

When Downsizing Makes Sense

Most families begin thinking about downsizing in one of these situations:

• Children have left home and the current property is more than you need or want to maintain
• Health or mobility considerations make a different living situation more practical
• Significant equity in the current home can fund a comfortable next chapter
• A family member is navigating aging and their home needs to be sold or transitioned
• An estate, trust, or probate situation requires professional coordination

Each situation is different, and each deserves a thoughtful approach rather than a transactional one.

The Equity Opportunity in Santa Barbara County

Longtime homeowners in Santa Barbara County are often sitting on extraordinary equity. A home purchased for $400,000 in the 1990s may now be worth $1.5M–$3M+ depending on location. This equity, when carefully deployed, can fund a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade — whether that means moving to a single-level home, relocating closer to family, purchasing in a 55+ community, or simply freeing up capital for retirement.

Proposition 19: The Tax Benefit Most Families Don't Know About

California's Proposition 19 (effective April 2021) allows homeowners age 55 and older to transfer their existing property tax base to a replacement home of equal or lesser value anywhere in California. This means a longtime Santa Barbara homeowner paying property taxes based on a 1990s assessed value can potentially carry that low tax base to a new home — resulting in significant ongoing tax savings.

The rules are specific and the window for qualifying transfers matters. I always recommend consulting a tax advisor or estate planning attorney for your specific situation, but it is worth understanding this benefit before you make any decisions about timing or destination.

Probate and Trust Sales: What Makes Them Different

Probate and trust sales are a significant part of my SRES practice. These transactions involve additional complexity:

• Court involvement: Some probate sales require court confirmation, which adds time and procedural steps
• Multiple decision-makers: Trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and attorneys may all have roles in the process
• Property condition: Homes that have been in a family for decades often need preparation — cleanouts, repairs, and updates — before they can be marketed
• Emotional complexity: Families are often grieving while simultaneously making major financial decisions

I coordinate all of it. Trusted local vendors for cleanouts and hauling. Painters and handypeople for light repairs. Staging guidance. Regular video updates for out-of-town family members. Communication with attorneys and fiduciaries. My job is to make this easier for the family, not harder.

My Approach to Downsizing

I start with a conversation — not a sales pitch. I want to understand your situation, your goals, your timeline, and your concerns. From there I build a realistic plan with clear steps and honest timelines. I never push a decision that is not right for the family, and I am happy to move at whatever pace makes sense.

If you have a family member navigating this situation — or if you are thinking about it yourself — I am a phone call away. No pressure. No scripts. Just honest help from someone who takes this work seriously.

You can also visit SantaBarbaraSRES.com for more information about senior real estate services across Santa Barbara County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SRES Realtor and why does it matter for downsizing?

An SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) is a Realtor with specialized training in the unique needs of clients 50 and older — including downsizing, probate sales, trust transactions, and major life transitions. Ursula Santana is SRES certified and focuses on providing compassionate, coordinated support through these often emotionally complex processes.

How does Proposition 19 affect downsizing in California?

Proposition 19 allows California homeowners age 55+ to transfer their existing property tax base to a replacement home of equal or lesser value anywhere in California (effective April 2021). This can result in significant ongoing tax savings for downsizers. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

What is involved in a probate or trust property sale in Santa Barbara?

Probate and trust sales involve additional legal steps — court approval may be required in some probate cases, and communication with attorneys and fiduciaries is essential. As an SRES specialist, Ursula Santana has extensive experience coordinating these sales and can manage the process including vendor coordination, property preparation, and family communication.

How do I sell a Santa Barbara home that needs cleanup and repairs?

Ursula Santana coordinates trusted local vendors for cleanouts, donation pick-ups, light repairs, painting, and cleaning. This full-service coordination is part of her SRES approach — families should not have to manage logistics during an already challenging time.

Does Ursula Santana specialize in senior real estate in Santa Barbara?

Yes. Ursula Santana is SRES certified and serves seniors and their families across Santa Barbara County including Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Maria. Call (805) 455-9025 or visit santabarbarasres.com.

Ursula Santana, Realtor®

Top 2% Nationwide · SRES® · Bilingual EN/ES · CA DRE #01965452

A Santa Barbara County native with over a decade serving buyers and sellers across Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Maria. She lives in the Santa Ynez Valley with her family.