· @RobertAldana
A move later in life is rarely just about real estate. It can mean leaving the home where you raised your children, deciding what to do with decades of belongings, and planning the next chapter around your health, your family and your budget.
It also looks different for every person. That is why we created the Legacy Division of the Robert Aldana Team: a group within our team devoted entirely to helping seniors and their families make that move with confidence.
Why we call it “right-sizing”
Most people assume seniors are always downsizing. Many are, but not all. Some want a smaller, simpler home with less to clean and maintain. Others are moving into a larger home so children and grandchildren can live under one roof, sharing costs, care and time together.
That is why we call it right-sizing. The goal isn’t bigger or smaller. It is the home that fits the life you want to live now, whether that means one person, a couple, or three generations at the same dinner table.
What seniors need in a home
A young family shopping for a house is often thinking about school districts and extra bedrooms. A couple in their thirties may not think twice about a three-story townhome. Seniors look at a house through a different lens: will this home still work for me in five, ten or fifteen years?
The features that matter most often include:
- Single-level living. The primary bedroom, a full bath, the kitchen and the laundry all on the main floor, with no stairs required for everyday life.
- Accessible bathrooms. Walk-in or curbless showers, grab bars, comfort-height toilets, non-slip flooring and room to move safely.
- Easy entry. Few or no steps at the front door, wider doorways and hallways, and lever handles instead of round knobs.
- A convenient garage. Direct, level access from the garage into the house, so groceries and errands don’t involve stairs or a long walk in the rain.
- A low-maintenance yard. Outdoor space to enjoy, without a large lawn, steep slopes or a landscaping bill that keeps growing.
- Good lighting and simple systems. Bright, well-lit rooms and a home that is easy to heat, cool and maintain.
- Location. Close to doctors, pharmacies, shopping, family and friends, and the activities that make life enjoyable.
Not every home needs every feature. But knowing what to look for, and what can be added or modified later, makes a big difference in finding a home that truly fits.
Where to live next: stay close or start fresh
Some seniors want to stay right here, close to family, longtime friends, their doctors and the community they love. For them, the answer may be a smaller home nearby, or a local 55+ or retirement community with amenities, activities and help when it’s needed.
Others are ready for a change. Many longtime homeowners in Santa Cruz County are sitting on significant equity, and selling here can open the door to a comfortable lifestyle somewhere with a lower cost of living. We regularly see clients consider:
- Arizona, for the sunshine, active-adult communities and lower housing costs
- Florida, for its warm weather, no state income tax and large retirement communities
- Nevada, no state income tax and the short distance to family and friends that may still reside in California
- Texas, for its lower price points, no state income tax and great medical centers, some of the best in the country
- Other parts of the United States and in California, such as the Central Valley or the Sierra foothills, to stay in-state and closer to family while stretching their dollars further
There is no right or wrong answer. The best choice depends on your finances, your health, your family and how you want to spend your time.
More than a sale
For seniors, selling a home is often the last step in a long list of decisions, and the earlier steps can feel overwhelming. Families frequently need help with:
- Decluttering and downsizing belongings. Sorting through a lifetime of memories, and deciding what to keep, gift, sell or donate.
- Wills, trusts and estate planning. Making sure the sale lines up with the family’s legal and financial plans, and that the right people are involved.
- Preparing the home for sale. Small repairs, touch-ups and updates that help the home sell for top dollar without a major renovation.
- Moving and resettling. Coordinating movers, timelines and the details of getting settled in the new home.
- Family communication. Keeping adult children and other loved ones informed, especially when they live out of the area.
We don’t expect anyone to figure this out alone. Our team works with trusted professionals, including estate attorneys, financial advisors, senior move managers, organizers, contractors and movers, so our clients have the right help at every step.
Introducing the Legacy Division
After decades of helping families buy and sell homes in Santa Cruz County, we’ve seen how different a senior’s move is, and how much better it goes with the right guidance. The Legacy Division brings that experience together in one place for seniors and their families in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties.
We’re proud to welcome Genevieve Jordan to lead this work alongside me. Genevieve has a genuine passion for serving seniors. She brings patience, compassion and attention to detail to every client, and she will guide families through each step, from the first conversation to the closing table.
One of the most important parts of the Legacy Division is our agent referral network. When a client decides to move to Arizona, Florida or another part of California, they shouldn’t have to start from scratch with a stranger. We’re building relationships with experienced, trusted agents in the areas where seniors most often relocate, with a focus on agents who understand senior clients. That way, when you’re ready to buy in your new hometown, we can connect you with someone we already know and trust, and stay involved to make sure both sides of your move go smoothly.
Let’s talk about your next chapter
Whether you’re just starting to think about a move, helping a parent plan theirs, or ready to list your home today, we’d love to help. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a conversation about what you need and the options that fit.
Reach the Legacy Division at [email protected].
Robert Aldana, REALTOR®, The Robert Aldana Team at Keller Williams, Scotts Valley
Genevieve Jordan, REALTOR®, Vice President of The Legacy Division