Orange County Real Estate Blog

Straight answers from Dar Mardan, Realtor® + CPA, on selling, buying, taxes, Prop 19 and downsizing in Newport Beach, Irvine and across Orange County.

What Newport Beach's New High-Rises Mean for Residents Who Want to Downsize

Photo: Ariel Blanco / Unsplash Can you downsize without leaving Newport Beach? Yes, and soon with more choices. The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Related California's twin towers at the old Big Newport theater will add about 300 luxury, single-level condos near Fashion Island, built for owners who wan

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Selling Your Home in Retirement? How the Gain Can Raise Your Medicare Premiums and Taxes

Retirees selling a long-held Orange County home usually ask 1 question: how much capital gains tax will I owe? That is only the first domino. A large gain also counts as income, and income is what drives your Medicare premiums, how much of your Social Security gets taxed, whether you can claim newer

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How to Keep Your Family's Memories When You Downsize (Without Keeping Everything)

You keep your family's memories when you downsize by separating the memory from the object. Scan the photos, slides, and letters. Record the stories while the people who know them can still tell them. Decide who gets which heirlooms with a fair, written process. Put those decisions in your estate pl

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