How Debbi can help Seniors Dance into their Next Chapter

Baby Boomers Hold the Keys: Unlocking Equity and Embracing Life’s Next Chapter
By Debbi DiMaggio, Senior Real Estate Specialist
www.SeniorsNextChapter.com
Did you know that Baby Boomers hold more home equity than any other generation?
After decades of homeownership, many Boomers are now sitting on a goldmine. In fact, according to recent studies, Baby Boomers control over 40% of the nation’s housing wealth. Yet many remain in large homes that no longer suit their current lifestyle—homes that are filled with memories, yes, but also stairs, unused rooms, and maintenance demands.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and downsizing expert, I help Baby Boomers and seniors make sense of their options—and more importantly, their opportunities.
Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Sell
Whether it’s the desire to be closer to family, explore a new lifestyle, or simplify your surroundings, many seniors are beginning to ask:
“What’s next for me?”
With today’s real estate market still seeing steady demand, this is an ideal time to unlock the equity you’ve built and use it to fund a new chapter of your life—one filled with freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Common Reasons Boomers Are Making a Move:
- Downsizing to a more manageable home or condo
- Relocating to be near children and grandchildren
- Transitioning to independent or assisted living communities
- Leveraging equity to travel, invest, or enhance retirement
- Minimizing upkeep and maximizing quality of life
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Let’s face it—selling a home after 20, 30, or even 40+ years can feel overwhelming. The emotional weight, the logistics, and the “Where do I start?” questions can stall progress before it even begins.
That’s where I come in.
As the founder of Seniors Next Chapter, I specialize in supporting seniors and their families through this exact process. I combine deep real estate expertise with compassion, patience, and a carefully curated network of trusted professionals—from movers to estate sale organizers, home stagers to contractors.
Here’s How I Help:
- Step-by-Step Guidance: From preparing your home for sale to finding your next place, I walk you through every step.
- Customized Plans: No two transitions are alike. I create a tailored roadmap based on your goals and timeline.
- Trusted Resources: I connect you with downsizing services, relocation experts, legal and financial advisors.
- Compassionate Support: I’ve helped many clients navigate this life transition—and I treat every situation with care and understanding.
Start Planning Your Next Chapter Today
Whether you’re ready to move in the next few months or just beginning to think about the future, it’s never too early to start a conversation.
If you’re curious about your home’s value, the current market, or what’s possible with the equity you’ve built over the years, I’d be honored to help.
Visit www.SeniorsNextChapter.com
Schedule a free consultation
Let’s talk about your goals, your dreams, and how we can make them happen—together.
Because the next chapter should be filled with joy, freedom, and possibility.
And it starts with the right guidance.
—
Debbi DiMaggio
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
Founder, Seniors Next Chapter
www.SeniorsNextChapter.com
Debbi writes on Real Estate, Her Podcast, Mindset, Helping and Inspiring Others To Live Their Best Life, Travel and Sometimes, Health and Wellness. Connect with Debbi @ 510.414.6777 Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com or instagram.com/debbidimaggio
How to Prepare Your Luxury Home for Open Houses That Actually Sell

How to Prepare Your Luxury Home for Open Houses That Actually Sell
When you’re ready to sell a luxury home, the stakes aren’t just high, they’re personal. Every room speaks, every detail whispers something about care, potential, and the kind of life waiting inside. But buyers don’t just walk in and fall in love. They arrive with filters, assumptions, and invisible checklists. Your job isn’t to overwhelm them with flash. It’s to let the house breathe, to make it obvious: This is where their next chapter begins.
Set a Serene Color Palette
Buyers need room to project. That means starting with a clean emotional slate — and yes, that begins with color. Skip anything bold or “statement” and instead lean into soft neutral foundations. These tones calm the eye and make spaces feel expansive, even before square footage is considered. Whites, taupes, and subtle grays also photograph beautifully, a critical factor if your buyer saw the house online first. The goal is less personality, more possibility.
Illuminate Your Home’s Best Features
Luxury isn’t loud, it’s deliberate. And that applies outdoors too. When dusk falls, make sure your home keeps talking. Use outdoor lighting to highlight important architectural details like columns, textures, or landscaping focal points that deserve the spotlight. Proper illumination doesn’t just boost curb appeal; it creates a sense of occasion. You’re not just showing a house, you’re staging a moment.
Banish Unpleasant Odors
People fall in love with homes through emotion, and nothing kills that faster than scent. You can clean like a saint and still lose a buyer if the house smells lived-in. Don’t mask smells; resolve them. From drains to pet zones, neutralize every source and eliminate any lingering odors completely. Your goal isn’t to fill the space with perfume, it’s to make buyers forget scent exists. Let the home’s natural light and materials do the talking instead.
Upgrade Flooring to Reflect Quality
Nothing says “we invested in this place” like what’s under your feet. Flooring grounds the buyer’s first impression. If the budget allows, choose timeless premium flooring like wide-plank hardwoods or large-format natural stone. These finishes outlast trends and photograph with quiet authority. They also feel better underfoot, something buyers rarely say out loud but always register subconsciously. Swap out anything tired, creaky, or synthetic; your floors should feel as serious as the price tag.
Layer Light for Depth and Warmth
Light isn’t just utility — it’s atmosphere. One pendant won’t cut it in a luxury space. Think in layers: ambient, task, and accent. Accentuate with modern lighting to bring depth and intention to each room. Updated fixtures read as “turnkey” even if the rest of the home is classic. The result? A home that feels both elevated and easy to step into.
Organize the Office With Thought
Home offices have become deal-makers. But cluttered desks and scattered cables kill the vibe. First, clear the visual noise — no stacks, no tangles, no tech museum. Then create systems for organization that are intuitive and visible: bins for documents, trays for supplies, maybe a hidden shredder. Finally, don’t forget lighting — layers of warm light make the space feel productive but calm. You’re not just selling a room; you’re selling a future Monday that feels good.
Set a Welcoming Scented Tone
What buyers feel often starts with what they breathe. Subtle fragrance can set the emotional tone the moment someone walks in. Consider using fresh citrus scents like lemongrass or orange blossom — they read as clean, bright, and modern. Use diffusers or fresh citrus peels sparingly; skip synthetic plug-ins entirely. The scent should feel invisible but uplifting, never performative. When the house smells like spring, the decision starts to feel inevitable.
Buyers don’t remember everything, but they do remember how they felt. That’s the power of a fully prepared luxury home: it doesn’t just look good, it feels inevitable. When lighting, scent, texture, and clarity align, decision-making gets easier. You’re not staging for compliments. You’re building conviction. Let the home do the quiet persuading, and make the next owner feel like they’ve already moved in.
Sell your luxury home with confidence by connecting with DiMaggio Betta Group today, where expertise meets exceptional service.
Leaving A Legacy by Chase Betta

Electrifying our homes isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about responsibility. The decisions we make today can help leave the earth in a better place and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
Home Electrification in Piedmont: Making the Transition Together by Chase DiMaggio Betta
At the DiMaggio Betta Group, we believe real estate isn’t just about buying or selling homes—it’s about supporting our neighbors through every chapter of homeownership. Today, one of the most meaningful ways to invest in your home—and your future—is by making it more energy-efficient, or fully electric.
For many Piedmont residents, this can feel overwhelming. Our homes are beautiful, but often older, drafty, and built before modern insulation or energy standards. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a local guide: Jim Glauber, a Piedmont resident, retired pediatrician and healthcare consultant, and certified home electrification coach. Jim began electrifying his own home four years ago. That personal journey sparked a passion to help others do the same. His home is now 100% electric, powered by clean energy for heating, cooling, cooking, hot water, laundry, and more, and was recently awarded the 2025 City of Piedmont Sustainability Award.
Jim received his Rewiring America Coaching Certification in February 2024 and now offers free, independent guidance to other homeowners ready to explore electrification. He’ll help you build a plan tailored to your priorities, pace, and budget—no sales, no pressure, just practical support.
What can home electrification look like?
- Weatherization: Air sealing and insulation in attics and floors can dramatically cut energy loss—especially important in drafty older homes.
- Heat Pumps: For heating and cooling, they’re more efficient and provide consistent indoor comfort.
- Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: Efficiently deliver hot water and often support home heating too.
- Induction Cooktops: Cleaner indoor air, faster cooking, and easier cleanup.
- Heat Pump Dryers: A modern electric alternative to gas dryers—quiet, efficient, and ventless.
- Solar + Storage: Solar energy paired with storage solutions can reduce grid reliance and energy costs.
- Electrification doesn’t have to happen all at once. Jim helps homeowners understand what matters most to them—whether that’s indoor air quality, lower bills, or climate impact—and then builds a custom plan from there.
With IRA tax credits, local rebates, and energy savings, many upgrades have a return on investment in just a few years. Want to learn more or get started?
Jim recommends this helpful guide: How To Get Started with Home Electrification
The DiMaggio Betta Group is proud to support these efforts because greener homes improve quality of life, long-term value, and community sustainability. Interested in exploring what’s possible for your home?
And as always, the DiMaggio Betta Group Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com or 510.414.6777.
Ask us to connect you to Jim or reach out here: jim.glauber@gmail.com
Supporting Transitions Through Divorce: Finding Strength in Change

Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, filled with emotional upheaval and uncertainty. Over the years, we have had the privilege of guiding individuals through this challenging chapter, helping them reclaim their confidence, redefine their path, and build a fulfilling new life.
Through our extensive real estate expertise and personal experience, we specialize in guiding couples through the complexities of real estate transactions during divorce, offering support, clarity, and solutions to help them navigate this challenging transition.
Healing takes time, and each journey is unique. Our goal is to provide compassion, guidance, and practical tools to help you move forward—at your own pace—toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.
You are not alone. Together, we can embrace this new chapter with strength, resilience, and purpose.
How Professionals in the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP) Help Their Clients
Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, requiring not just legal support but also financial guidance, emotional well-being, and real estate expertise. As professionals within the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP), we understand the complexities involved and are committed to guiding our clients with compassion and strategic solutions. Here’s how we make a difference in their lives:
1. Providing a Team of Experts
Divorce impacts multiple aspects of a person’s life, from finances and housing to mental health and child custody. The NADP brings together a network of specialists, including attorneys, financial advisors, real estate experts, and therapists, to ensure a holistic approach to divorce proceedings. This collaboration minimizes stress and provides clients with a seamless, well-supported transition.
2. Ensuring Financial Stability and Future Planning
Financial concerns are often a primary stressor during divorce. Our financial advisors and certified divorce financial analysts (CDFAs) help clients understand asset division, tax implications, and long-term planning to ensure financial stability. We guide them in making informed decisions that align with their future goals.
3. Real Estate Guidance for a Fresh Start
For many, the family home is one of the most significant assets in a divorce. As real estate professionals specializing in divorce transactions, we help clients evaluate their options—whether selling the property, buying a new home, or navigating co-ownership situations. Our goal is to ensure that clients make decisions that support both their financial and emotional well-being.
4. Legal Support with Compassion
Navigating the legal system during a divorce can be overwhelming. NADP attorneys and mediators work to protect our clients’ rights while also offering alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, to reduce conflict and cost. We prioritize solutions that promote fair outcomes and minimize unnecessary legal battles.
5. Emotional and Psychological Support
Divorce is not just a legal and financial process—it’s an emotional journey. Our network includes therapists, life coaches, and support groups that help individuals manage stress, rebuild confidence, and transition into their next chapter with clarity and strength.
6. Child-Centered Approach
For divorcing parents, the well-being of their children is paramount. Our professionals, including family law attorneys and child psychologists, assist in developing co-parenting strategies, custody arrangements, and communication techniques that prioritize the best interests of the children while maintaining a sense of stability.
7. Streamlining the Process
By working with NADP professionals, clients benefit from a coordinated team approach, reducing the confusion and inefficiencies that often come with handling divorce matters separately. We streamline the process, saving time, reducing emotional strain, and providing a structured plan for moving forward.
A New Beginning with Expert Guidance
Divorce marks the end of one chapter but also the beginning of another. Through our expertise, compassion, and strategic guidance, NADP professionals empower clients to transition with confidence, knowing they have the support of a knowledgeable team dedicated to their success.
If you or someone you know is navigating divorce, reach out to the DiMaggio Betta Group, NADP professionals; we are here to provide the support and expertise needed to move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Debbi’s NADP Profile | Connect with the DiMaggio Betta Group and let them guide you through this difficult transition.
Join Us for A Workshop and Panel Discussion for Seniors

Seniors Next Chapter | Navigating Your Next Move | Demystifying the Downsizing Process
You’re Invited: Join Us on May 10th from 11-1:30PM | Panel and Workshop for Seniors and those Supporting Seniors
- Debbi DiMaggio, DiMaggio Betta Group, Real Estate Advisors for the Generations
- Kimberly Sweeney, Moving Angels | Certified Senior Move Manager, Collectibles Advisor
- Laura Klein, Spruce Home Advantage
- Liz Lummis O’Neil, New York Life Insurance Company (Long Term Care Insurance)
- Isaac Kim, Wealth Management | Tax Deferred Exchange
- Mele Shavers | Authentic Home Care (Aging In Place)
- Esther Kestenbaum, Preferred Placement
- Zach Griffin, Mortgage Consultant
- Shane Barnard Law, Trust Attorney
Sponsored By: Dylan Sanders, AMS Relocation | Bekins Moving Company, Experts in Moving Older Adults
As seniors prepare to downsize and move to their last home, they often face several concerns and needs.
Here are the top five:
- **Emotional Support**: Leaving a long-time home can be emotionally challenging. Seniors may need assistance coping with the feelings of loss and nostalgia, along with support from family or counseling services.
- **Decluttering and Organizing**: Sorting through years of belongings can be overwhelming. Seniors often need help deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, making this process smoother and less stressful.
- **Finding the Right Living Arrangement**: Choosing a suitable new home, whether it’s a smaller house, apartment, or assisted living facility, is crucial. Seniors may require guidance in researching options that fit their needs and budget.
- **Financial Planning**: Downsizing can impact finances significantly. Seniors often need help understanding the financial implications, including the sale of their current home, moving costs, and budgeting for their new living situation.
- **Health and Mobility Considerations**: Seniors may have specific health or mobility needs that influence their new living arrangements. They may need assistance in finding a home that accommodates these requirements, including accessibility features or proximity to healthcare facilities.
Addressing these concerns can help ensure a smoother transition to a new, more manageable living situation.
Note: Debbi can also connect you with experienced and compassionate Real Estate Advisors and Organizers in cities and states beyond the East Bay Area, a service she has successfully provided for many years.
Come with Questions or Reach Out Ahead of Time So We Can Come Better Prepared | Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com 510.414.6777
Debbi DiMaggio is an accomplished author, the host of Mastering the Art of Real Estate, and a seasoned real estate expert with a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market. With over 30 years of experience in luxury real estate, Debbi has earned a reputation for her insightful approach and dedication to client satisfaction.
She believes in the importance of building genuine relationships to create lasting connections and trust with her clients in both her writing and real estate endeavors. When she’s not selling homes or writing, Debbi enjoys inspiring others to pursue their dreams, traveling, meeting new people, and her charity work with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and Race to Erase MS. Connect with Debbi at SeniorsNextChapter.com | 510.414.6777
Debbi DiMaggio is a highly experienced real estate professional with more than 30 years in the industry, specializing in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, and LA markets. She has built a reputation for her deep understanding of residential real estate and her unwavering commitment to exceptional client service. Debbi’s extensive knowledge and keen negotiation skills have earned her numerous accolades making her a trusted advisor for first time home buyers to seasoned buyers and sellers. Debbi holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation, reflecting her dedication to assisting seniors in downsizing and transitioning to their next phase with empathy and expertise.
In addition to her real estate career, and podcast host of, “Mastering The Art of Real Estate,” she is a mentor and coach. Debbi is also a published author and has written extensively on the nuances of residential real estate in her books, “The Art of Real Estate” and “52 Ways To Achieve Success in Real Estate,” as well as for Piedmont Living Magazine and The Piedmont Post, as the real estate editorial expert. Debbi is currently working on her newest books, “From Locker Room to Boardroom: Athletic Mindsets Driving Business Success” and “100 Days of the Empty Nest.”