How Melina Rissone Helps San Diego Seniors Sell with Ease

Melina Rissone’s expertise as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), combined with over 20 years of San Diego real estate experience, uniquely positions her to help seniors in San Diego sell easily, confidently, and for top dollar. She understands the unique challenges older adults face when selling, from downsizing and navigating health needs to securing financial stability for the next stage of life.


As one of the most trusted real estate agents in San Diego, Melina provides compassionate guidance and clear strategies that protect seniors’ best interests every step of the way. For her, the process goes beyond a transaction: She knows that planning for your next chapter is just as important as the sale itself.

Understanding the Needs of Seniors in Real Estate

Senior homeowners often face different priorities than younger sellers. Many are looking to downsize, move closer to family, or transition into senior living communities. Others may want to simplify their lifestyle and reduce the costs and responsibilities that come with maintaining a larger home. In San Diego, where home values remain high, selling strategically can make these transitions more financially secure.

Melina Rissone understands that selling for seniors isn’t just about getting the highest price (although that’s important too!). It’s about creating a plan that balances practical needs with emotional ones, ensuring her clients feel supported every step of the way.

Expertise as a Certified Senior Advisor in San Diego

As a CSA, Melina brings specialized training and insight into the unique issues seniors face when selling their homes. This designation emphasizes ethics, communication, and a holistic approach to working with older adults. Combined with her experience as an Associate Broker and a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), it positions her to provide guidance that goes far beyond the basics of buying and selling.

Seniors can trust that they’re working with someone who understands their challenges, whether that means coordinating with family members, reviewing options for senior-friendly housing, or connecting clients with trusted local resources for downsizing.

A Tailored Selling Process for Seniors

Melina’s approach to senior real estate is personalized to meet the needs of each client. She specializes in:

  • Clear communication: Explaining the process step by step so seniors feel informed.

  • Customized marketing: Highlighting a home’s value to attract the right buyers in the San Diego real estate market.

  • Coordination with family and advisors: Working with adult children, attorneys, or financial planners as needed.

  • Planning the next move: Whether relocating within San Diego, moving out of state, or transitioning into a senior living community.

By tailoring the selling process, Melina ensures seniors never feel rushed or overlooked.

Local Insight: San Diego Senior Housing

San Diego remains one of the most desirable cities in the country for both retirees and families. Many areas, from Point Loma to University City to Bankers Hill, continue to see strong demand from buyers of all ages. San Diego’s mix of coastal communities, historic neighborhoods, and newer 55+ developments gives seniors a wide range of options when planning their next phase of life.

Many long-time homeowners here find that selling later in life means unlocking decades of equity built in highly desirable neighborhoods. Seniors often leverage this accrued value to fund retirement living, healthcare, or relocation. With Melina’s knowledge of specific San Diego neighborhoods, she’s able to help seniors time their sale to maximize both value and peace of mind.

Why Seniors Choose Melina Rissone

What sets Melina apart is not only her real estate expertise, but also her dedication to serving seniors with compassion and respect. She understands that selling a longtime family home can be emotional, and she creates a process that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

Seniors appreciate her ability to connect them with trusted local services, from downsizing specialists to estate planners, making the transition smoother. By combining her knowledge of San Diego homes with her role as a CSA, Melina provides a comprehensive level of care that gives seniors confidence in their decisions.

Your Next Stage, Made Easier

Selling a home later in life can feel daunting, but with the right guidance, it can instead be a positive and empowering experience. San Diego seniors deserve a Realtor who understands both the market and the unique challenges of this stage of life.

If you or a loved one are considering selling a home in San Diego, contact Melina Rissone today. As a Certified Senior Advisor and local real estate expert, she will guide you through the process with professionalism, patience, and care at every step. Contact Melina Rissone today!

Book a Consultation

Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going through divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years.

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.

  • Certified Senior Advisor by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors

  • RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.

  • SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.

  • Melina is bilingual in English and German.

  • Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.

  • Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.

  • Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.

Melina is a true professional! She is responsive and thorough. She offers important insights through the home buying and selling process. She has a network of connections so that specialists may be brought in when needed. Melina was our real estate broker when buying a home in 2017. And she is the person I have returned to as we consider selling. Melina is a top notch broker in San Diego!
                                                                     -Catherine