Your next move starts with knowing your number.

Tim looks at recent sales of comparable homes near you, what is for sale and pending right now, and your home's condition and upgrades. You get a realistic price range plus an estimate of what you would walk away with after selling costs.

It depends on your equity, your loan options and how much risk you are comfortable with. Selling first gives you certainty on proceeds; buying first avoids a double move but usually needs a bridge loan, HELOC or cash. Tim walks you through both with real numbers, and your lender confirms what you qualify for. See the move-up options.

Your main costs are commission, county and city transfer taxes, escrow and title fees, and any prep work you choose to do. Before you decide anything, Tim gives you an estimated net sheet so there are no surprises.

Possibly. Under California's Proposition 19, homeowners 55 and older (and some others) can transfer their property tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times, if the purchase happens within two years of the sale. Rules on value apply, so confirm your situation with your county assessor or tax advisor. More on downsizing.

If the home has been your primary residence for at least two of the last five years, federal law lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. Gain above that may be taxable, so bring your numbers to your CPA early.

Usually the ones buyers notice first: decluttering, paint, lighting, curb appeal and fixing obvious maintenance items. Tim tells you which projects are likely to pay off for your home and which ones to skip.