Common Family Situations
Every family's circumstances are different.
The goal is understanding your options before making major care, housing, or financial decisions.
Mom Needs Assisted Living But The House Hasn't Sold
Families are often surprised to learn that a move may need to happen before a home sale is complete.
The House Is Valuable But Cash Is Tight
Many older adults have significant equity but limited monthly income.
Dad Passed Away And The Family Is Unsure What To Do Next
The financial, legal, and housing decisions following a death can be overwhelming.
We Need Care But Don't Want To Rush The Sale Of The Home
A rushed decision can create unnecessary stress and financial consequences.
The Family Wants To Keep The Home
Sometimes selling immediately may not be the preferred option.
We Don't Know What Care Will Cost
One of the biggest challenges families face is understanding the true cost of care.
Not Sure Where To Start?
We're here to help you understand your situation, explore options, and connect with trusted local resources — at no cost to you.
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Share a few details about your situation and we'll help you identify next steps and key considerations.
Sometimes selling is the right choice. If you decide to sell, our network of specialized real estate agents understands senior transitions and can help you:
Answered by
Jessica Solomon
CA DRE #01972520 | Agent, Celerity Real Estate (DRE #01965367)
Jon Standring
CA DRE #01893163
Maximize Value
Strategic pricing and presentation to get top dollar
Minimize Taxes
Timing strategies to reduce capital gains impact
Compassionate Process
Understanding the emotional aspects of letting go
The hardest part of paying for care is rarely the total cost. It is the timing. Care is paid month by month starting now, while the money families have is either fixed or tied up in the home.
The bill starts on day one
Care is billed monthly, and most communities want the first month plus a deposit before anyone moves in. The care does not wait for a house to sell, and the second month arrives whether or not the first one has been figured out.
Income stays where it is
Most families are working with Social Security and perhaps a pension. Those amounts are fixed, and they were set for a monthly budget that did not include care. Meanwhile the new cost is recurring, not a one time expense.
Equity is real, but it is not cash
A home in Santa Barbara can hold a large amount of value and still leave a family short in the checking account. Equity cannot be handed to a community on move in day. Turning it into money takes a decision and then it takes time.
A sale moves slower than care does
Getting a house ready, listing it, showings, an offer, appraisal, and escrow commonly runs two to three months, and longer if the property needs work or the family is not aligned. Care decisions usually arrive on a much shorter clock.
What the gap looks like in Santa Barbara
- Assisted living starts at $2,000 a month in the smallest homes and runs to $11,750 in the larger communities, with a typical starting rate near $7,000.
- Memory care runs about $9,000 a month and private skilled nursing about $13,500.
- In home care is billed by the hour at $38 to $65, averaging near $45, so 44 hours a week is about $8,574 a month.
- A move often happens first, and the house sale settles later.
Because the timing is tight, many families end up waiting longer than they intended. A hospital discharge or a fall sets the date instead of the family, and the decision gets made under pressure. Understanding the gap early is what gives a family room to choose.
Straight answers about paying for care and using home equity.
Not Sure Which Option is Right?
Every family's situation is different. Get personalized guidance on the best way to fund care while protecting your family's equity.