After 33 years and four children, Baby Boomers Marta and Octavian Dragos say they feel trapped in what was once their dream home in El Cerrito, California.

Both over 70, the Dragos are empty nesters, and like many of their generation, they’re trying to figure out how to downsize from their 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home.

“We are here in a huge house with no family nearby, trying to make a wise decision, both financially and for our well-being,” said Dragos, a retired teacher.

But selling and downsizing isn’t easy, appealing or even financially advantageous for many homeowners like the Dragos family.

Many Boomers whose homes have surged in value now face massive capital gains tax bills when they sell. This is a kind of tax on the profit you make when selling an investment or an asset, like a home, that has increased in value.

Plus, smaller homes or apartments in the neighborhoods they’ve come to love are rare. And with current prices and mortgage rates so high, there is often a negligible cost difference between their current home and a smaller one.

  • Neato@ttrpg.network
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    10 months ago

    So now you’re doubting the article because you’ve got nothing else. Cherry picking numbers so you don’t have to face the arguments presented.

    • ShepherdPie@midwest.social
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      10 months ago

      You haven’t presented any argument other than saying “you’re wrong,” and yes I absolutely disagree with the article based on real, verifiable facts. Cherry picking numbers? The numbers in the article are fictional. You can go check out Trulia or Zillow and see the selling price for a home that size and the purchase price of a condo in the same area.