DiMaggio Betta Group February 18, 2025

Transferring Your Tax Basis

Transferring Your Tax Basis in California: What You Need to Know

If you’re a homeowner in California, you may be able to transfer your property tax basis to a new home, thanks to Proposition 19. This can result in significant tax savings, especially if you’ve owned your home for many years and have a lower assessed value.

Understanding Proposition 19

Proposition 19, which took effect in April 2021, allows eligible homeowners to transfer their property tax basis to a new home under certain conditions. This means that if you qualify, you won’t have to pay property taxes based on the current market value of your new home but instead retain the lower tax basis from your previous residence.

Who Qualifies?

To transfer your tax basis, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be 55 years or older
  • Be severely disabled
  • Be a victim of a natural disaster or wildfire

Key Benefits of Proposition 19

  • Transfer to Any County in California: Unlike previous laws that limited transfers to select counties, Proposition 19 allows transfers anywhere in the state.
  • Up to Three Transfers: Homeowners 55+ or disabled can transfer their tax basis up to three times in their lifetime.
  • Move to a More Expensive Home: If your new home costs more than your original one, you can still transfer your tax basis, but the difference in value will be added to your new assessment.

How to Apply

  1. Purchase or identify your new home within two years of selling your previous home.
  2. Complete the required forms with your county assessor’s office.
  3. Submit documentation proving your eligibility (e.g., age verification, disability status, or proof of loss due to a disaster).
  4. Await confirmation from the county assessor regarding your adjusted tax basis.

Maximizing Your Savings

For those looking to downsize or relocate within California, Proposition 19 provides an excellent opportunity to maintain lower property taxes while moving into a new home that better suits your needs.

If you’re considering a move and want to explore how transferring your tax basis can benefit you, reach out to our team at the DiMaggio Betta Group. We’re here to help guide you through every step of the process!


For personalized real estate advice, contact us today at www.dimaggiobettagroup.co!

Here are a few helpful links:

ClientsDiMaggio Betta Group February 7, 2025

From Long Island to Montclair: Crafting a Vibrant New Chapter in Retirement

I’m always on the go, but these incredible clients of ours make it look like I’m standing still! Finding Community in a New Town: Meet Alan and Carole from Long Island, New York. Our joyful, energetic clients, Alan and Carole, have embraced life in the Bay Area with open arms. They’ve shared a heartwarming note highlighting the incredible activities and events they’ve discovered, showing just how much this vibrant community has to offer. Their story is a beautiful reminder that new beginnings often lead to wonderful adventures and connections.
Alan and Carole
Since moving to the Montclair Village it was important for us to continue pursuing the social life we enjoyed back in Long Island. We joined Meetup.com which led us to join groups like: Hiking and Improvisation (I taught Improv for years); Walnut Creek-East Bay Over-60 Social Group (where we have met many couples by bonding with good conversation, food and wine); Live Jazz & Blues (attend Jazz events all over the East Bay); Casual Short Story Book Club (we read short stories based on an authors collection, meet at a local bar and over drinks and conversation we discuss the stories.). Since moving we have often gone to Riggers Loft in Richmond to listen to live music; The Back Room for Jazz, The Monkey House for music and entertainment, Yoshi’s and The Sound Room (for Jazz). We are huge fans of The Moth, a monthly entertainment held at Freight and Salvage and we also attend Freight and Salvage for various musical events. Regarding theater, which was very important in our lives, we joined the Shotgun Theater in Berkeley, attend shows at Berkeley Rep and Berkeley Playhouse. I am always looking out for unusual events and a few weeks ago we attended Pub Choir held at August Hall in San Francisco.  It was a fun evening with 800 of us learning a song in 3 part harmony, rehearsing it several times before being filmed. Carole’s interest in photographing street art has led her to join several Photography Meetup groups that meet in SF once a month. It has also led us to discover many neighborhoods in the East Bay as well as in Sacramento, Livermore. Carole has an instagram page: @BrooklynCarole where she posts, on a daily basis, photographs of the street art she has shot all over the world. Through her interest she has met and interacted with many of the artists. To fulfill our cultural needs we joined both SF MOMA and the de Young Museum! We are a fun loving Senior couple that enjoy meeting new people, going on hikes, attending cultural events, joining museums and spending time with our family who live in both East Bay and Marin County.
Alan and Carole holding photos of New York and California

We’re absolutely thrilled to see Carole and Alan make such a wonderful transition, and it’s been an honor to be part of their journey. They were kindly referred to us by a past client—a gesture we truly value and appreciate. Helping clients move into their next chapter is always a joy. I hope their story brought a smile to your face, just as it did to mine.  Allow the DiMaggio Betta Group to help you with your next move, your next chapter?  It would be an honor.

PS. And who knows? You might be inspired to follow their lead and try one of their exciting activities yourself!

Our clients, Alan and Carole
DiMaggio Betta GroupHome Resources + Recommendations February 4, 2025

Building Resilience: Essential Mitigation Strategies for Homeowners Against Natural Disasters

Homeowners can adopt a variety of effective mitigation strategies to reduce the risks associated with natural disasters and improve the resilience of their properties. Let’s prepare ahead so we can mitigate losses as much as possible.

firefighter

Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Flood Mitigation: Elevate the Home: 

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating your home above the base flood elevation. This can involve raising the foundation or using flood vents.

-Install Flood Barriers: Use flood walls, levees, or berms to protect your property from rising water.

-Sump Pumps: Install sump pumps with battery backup systems to remove water from basements or crawl spaces during heavy rains.

2. Wind and Storm Resistance: Reinforce Roofs: 

-Use hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls, and consider impact-resistant roofing materials that can withstand high winds.

-Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or impact-resistant glass to protect windows and doors from flying debris.

-Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become projectiles during storms

3. Fire Prevention: Create Defensible Space: 

-Clear vegetation and debris within a designated distance from your home to reduce fire risk. Maintain a buffer of at least 30 feet with minimal flammable materials.

-Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Use fire-resistant plants and materials in landscaping to minimize the risk of fire spreading to your home.

-Install Firebreaks: Create firebreaks by removing combustible materials and using gravel or other non-flammable materials in landscaping.

4. Seismic Preparedness: 

-Secure Heavy Items: Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and other items to walls to prevent them from tipping over during an earthquake.

-Foundation Reinforcement: Retrofit your home’s foundation to better withstand seismic activity. This may include bolting the house to its foundation and reinforcing walls.

-Install Flexible Utilities: Use flexible connections for gas lines and plumbing to reduce the risk of leaks during an earthquake.

5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability:

-Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Invest in energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and windows to reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort during extreme weather.

-Install Solar Panels: Consider solar energy systems to decrease reliance on the grid, especially during power outages caused by natural disasters.

-Rainwater Harvesting: Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for irrigation or other uses, reducing dependence on municipal water supplies.

6. Emergency Preparedness:

Create an Emergency Kit: Prepare a disaster supply kit with essential items such as food, water, medications, flashlights, and first aid supplies.

-Develop an Evacuation Plan: Plan escape routes and designate meeting places for family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

-Stay Informed: Sign up for local alerts and notifications regarding severe weather or other emergencies to stay informed and prepared.

7. Insurance Considerations:

Review and Update Insurance Policies: Ensure you have adequate coverage for natural disasters relevant to your area, such as flood or earthquake insurance. Regularly review your policies to adapt to changes in your property or risks. Check with your insurance provider for potential discounts on premiums for implementing certain mitigation measures.

By implementing these mitigation strategies, homeowners can significantly reduce the risks posed by natural disasters and enhance the resilience of their properties. Taking proactive steps not only protects your home but also contributes to the safety and well-being of your family and community. Piedmont offers a program to help neighborhoods prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. If you’re interested in getting started, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to guide you through the process.

Contact the DiMaggio Betta Group if you are in need of an insurance quote. 

or Call 510.414.6777 | Debbi DiMaggio, Always Happy To Take Your Call and Help Guide You Through Whatever It Is You May Need.

Live Local East Bay January 17, 2025

East Bay Parks and Rec

A List of A Few Parks and Recreation for You To Enjoy. Ask us about others around the Bay Area, as there are many to choose from.

Mt Diablo

Sibley

Lafayette Resevoir

MacDonald Trail, Parkridge Trailhead

Oakland Hills Swim and Tennis Club

Piedmont Stables, 6525 Redwood Rd

Woodminster Summer Musicals

Chabot Space & Science Center

Roberts Regional Recreation AreaJoaquin Miller Park

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Rec Center

Piedmont Center for the Arts

read on

For a tour of our vibrant neighborhoods in the East Bay, reach out to Debbi DiMaggio or Adam Betta.

little girl kissing a horse

DiMaggio Betta Group December 13, 2024

The Holiday Edit

‘Tis the season to embrace the festive buzz—sipping, shopping, indulging in delightful treats, and celebrating with friends, clients, colleagues, and family. It’s also a time to give back, spread kindness, and savor moments of joy and connection.
Amidst the festivities, don’t forget to relax, unwind, and reflect. Ponder your dreams, set goals for the year ahead, and cherish the simple pleasures—like sitting by a cozy fire, basking in the glow of a white Christmas tree adorned with a pink ribbon.
This season, give yourself the gift of stillness. Take a moment to go within—to dream, to recharge. If you don’t carve out that time, life’s pace will whisk it away.
Let’s not let the rush overshadow what truly matters. Hug those you love, share smiles, and spread kindness. A simple smile or a warm touch can remind someone they’re seen, valued, and not alone.
From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, warmth, and cherished memories.
Debbi
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Giving Back November 24, 2024

Season of Giving

Don’t miss out … Season of Giving with Corcoran Icon Properties in Piedmont.

Season of Giving Details

 

Move your feet, before you eat at the Piedmont Turkey Trot. 

Breakfast with Santa, December 7th from 10:30-12:30PM

Bring an unwrapped toy to support the Piedmont Fire Department, Toys for Tots Drive

And, or Virtual Food Drive and Build Day with Give Back Homes.

 

Let us know how the DiMaggio Betta Group can make your season bright. We are helping our clients and friends donate what they do not need any longer. Please reach out and we will pick up your donations. 510.414.6777 Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com

Home Selling November 6, 2024

Corcoran Partners with Spruce Home Advantage to Help Sellers Increase the Value of Their Home

Corcoran Icon Properties has partnered with Spruce Home Advantage, a comprehensive pre-sales home renovation company, to enhance the selling potential of your home. Together, we provide a variety of services aimed at increasing your home’s value.

DownsizingHome Selling October 22, 2024

Harvesting Fresh Spaces: A Fall Cleaning Guide

Harvesting Fresh Spaces: A Fall Cleaning Guide. Ready to transform your home this season? Here are some quick tips for your seasonal cleaning.

DiMaggio Betta GroupDownsizing October 14, 2024

Navigating the Downsizing Journey: How The DiMaggio Betta Group Supports Seniors

Home Selling October 13, 2024

Navigating the Downsizing Journey: How The DiMaggio Betta Group Supports Seniors

Downsizing can be a significant life change for seniors, often bringing a mix of emotions, challenges, and opportunities. At The DiMaggio Betta Group, we understand that this transition can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.