What Is the Process of Downsizing in San Diego for Seniors?

For retirees in San Diego, downsizing is a process that balances lifestyle changes, financial planning, and emotional decisions about leaving a longtime home. The steps include evaluating your needs, preparing your property for sale, and choosing a new home that better fits retirement living.

This involves far more work and planning than just selling your current home and moving into a smaller space. In San Diego, downsizing also means navigating a market where demand is strong, and options range from urban condos to senior-friendly communities. With the help of a Certified Senior Advisor and real estate professional like Melina Rissone, retirees can take a calm and confident approach to downsizing. The goal is to make a transition that supports comfort, independence, and peace of mind.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs & Goals

The first step in downsizing is to look at what matters most to you in retirement. Do you want to stay close to family, live in a walkable neighborhood, or choose a community with senior-friendly amenities? In San Diego, retirees often prioritize access to healthcare, proximity to the coast, and neighborhoods with low-maintenance homes.

Melina helps retirees outline their priorities, ensuring the downsizing process feels intentional rather than rushed. By focusing on what’s important, you can make decisions that align with your lifestyle and long-term plans.

Step 2: Prepare Your Current Home for Sale

Even if the goal is to simplify, preparing your home for sale can make a big difference in your financial outcome. Downsizing often means decluttering, donating, or passing down belongings to family members. In San Diego, homes that are clean, staged, and presented well often sell faster and at higher prices, even in an as-is condition. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in a home, and each of these measures is an important step toward that end.

Melina Rissone works with trusted local partners, including downsizing specialists and estate organizers, to make the process easier for retirees. By approaching preparation step by step, seniors can reduce stress and focus on the bigger picture of their move.

Step 3: Explore Housing Options for Seniors

San Diego offers a wide range of downsizing options to fit different needs and budgets. Seniors who want convenience and accessibility may choose single-level homes in Clairemont or Serra Mesa, while those seeking a more urban lifestyle often look to luxury condos in Bankers Hill, Downtown, or Little Italy, where amenities and walkability are key.

For those prioritizing community and social connections, senior living communities in University City, La Jolla, and Rancho Bernardo provide built-in support and activities. Active adults may also find appealing choices in 55+ neighborhoods like Oaks North or Seven Oaks in Rancho Bernardo, which combine independent living with a strong sense of community. Others may prefer smaller townhomes or cottages in areas like Point Loma or Pacific Beach, which offer both vibrant coastal culture and relatively low upkeep. No matter the preference, downsizing in San Diego often means trading square footage for more manageable living.

Melina’s deep knowledge of San Diego real estate ensures that retirees understand their choices and can compare options based on cost, location, and amenities. By tailoring recommendations to your goals, she helps you choose a home that makes retirement both practical and enjoyable.

Step 4: Navigate the Sale & Purchase Timeline

For many seniors, timing is a major concern. Selling your current home and buying your next one requires careful coordination to avoid gaps in housing. Some choose to sell first and rent temporarily, which can reduce financial pressure but may mean moving twice. Others prefer to purchase before selling, often using tools like a bridge loan, home equity line of credit, or reverse mortgage for purchase to make the transition smoother. Some seniors opt for a leaseback arrangement, allowing them to stay in their current home for a short period after closing while preparing for the move.

The best approach depends on your finances, comfort level, and how quickly you want to settle into your next home..

Downsizing with a Plan in Mind

Downsizing as a retiree involves emotional, financial, and logistical considerations. Melina Rissone combines her expertise in San Diego real estate with her training as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) to support seniors through each stage of the process. She brings a compassionate approach, listening carefully to your needs while ensuring your financial interests are protected.

Her network of trusted local professionals including movers, senior service providers, and estate planners, adds an extra layer of support. With Melina, retirees know they’re not navigating the downsizing process alone.

Downsizing is a major transition into a new stage of life. By evaluating your goals, preparing your home, and exploring senior-friendly housing options, you can make the process a positive and empowering experience. If you’re considering downsizing, reach out to Melina Rissone, and she’ll guide you through every step with care and professionalism.

Melina Rissone, Associated Real Estate Broker Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Real Estate Collaboration Specialist – Divorce (RCS-D) in San Diego. I help people going through divorce in San Diego figure out what to do with the house—whether you're ready to sell now or just need a neutral opinion. I help seniors looking to retire in San Diego figure out what to do with the house—whether you're ready to sell now or just need a neutral opinion.

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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
Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.
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.

We were looking to buy a place in SD Northpark and luckily we met up with Melina to show us multiple condo. She is very friendly, personable and very professional agent. We would not hesitate to work with her again.
-Chau N.