Your home. Your timeline. Your decision.
Moving out of a home you've lived in for 20, 30, or 40 years is a big step. We'll walk through it at your pace, from sorting a lifetime of belongings to finding the right next place. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is decided until you're ready.
You'll talk with Nickole directly. Bring a son, daughter, or friend if you'd like. We'll talk with you, not around you.
"I don't even know where to start."
That's the most common thing we hear. Here are the worries behind it, and how we handle each one.
"I can't face sorting all our things."
You don't have to do it alone, or all at once. We work with Caring Transitions, who help sort, pack, and hold estate sales. You keep what matters, and they handle the rest.
"I don't want to move twice."
We can plan the sale around your move. Sometimes that means asking the buyer to let you stay a short time after closing, so you're never without a home.
"My property taxes will go up."
Maybe not. California homeowners 55 and older can often take their current tax base with them to a new home anywhere in the state. Ask us how it works.
"I'm worried about being taken advantage of."
You should ask hard questions of anyone helping you sell. We put everything in writing, explain every number, and you can have anyone you trust review it.
Four steps, one at a time
A first conversation
At your kitchen table or by phone. We talk about where you'd like to live next and when. No forms, no commitment.
A clear picture of the numbers
What your home could sell for, what you'd walk away with, and what your next home might cost. All on paper, in plain words.
Help with the belongings
Keepsakes first. Then sorting, family gifts, donation, estate sale, and haul-away, with people we trust.
A move on your schedule
We time the sale and the move together, so you're never rushed out the door.
Under Prop 19, homeowners 55 and older can often transfer their current property tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times. Time limits and conditions apply.
Married couples can often exclude up to $500,000 of profit on the sale of their main home from federal income tax ($250,000 if single). Long-time owners should check with a tax professional first.
General information as of October 2026, not tax advice. Please confirm with a tax professional before you decide.
Helping a parent make this move?
It's one of the hardest conversations in a family. A few things that help:
- Let your parent lead. People settle into a move far better when it's their decision.
- Start with where they'd like to live, not with selling the house.
- Find out early whether the home is in a trust, and who holds power of attorney.
- Come to the first meeting together, so everyone hears the same numbers.
- Ask us for the "What Happens to All the Stuff?" guide. It helps families talk through belongings.
We'll put both options on paper. You choose.
Some homes are ready to list. Others need more updating than makes sense at this stage of life. Here's how the two choices compare.
| Topic | List it on the marketSold through Keller Williams Vaca Valley | Sell it as-isDirect offer from Golden Porch of California |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Full market exposure. Usually the higher number. | Less than a market sale. That's the trade for speed and no work. |
| Belongings | We line up sorting, donation, and haul-away help before photos. | Take what matters. Leave the rest. |
| Repairs | Only the ones likely to pay you back. We'll tell you which. | None. |
| Showings | Yes, and we handle them. | No. One walkthrough. |
| Timeline | Depends on prep and the market. | You pick the closing date. |
| Best when | The house is in fair shape and getting the most money matters most. | The house needs major work, or time and distance matter more than price. |
Nickole Dauer
Nickole and her family-owned team help Solano County homeowners move on from long-time homes without the overwhelm. She's patient, she explains everything, and she'll never push you toward a decision you're not ready to make.
Local people we trust to help
Prefer that we call you?
Leave your name and number, and Nickole will call you at a time that suits you. Or call us any time at (707) 470-2509.
Would you rather just talk to someone?
Call and you'll reach our office. No phone menus to get through.
(707) 470-2509