In this insightful episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel of SB SOS sit down with Michael T. Daly, Chief Deputy at the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s Office, to break down the complexities of Proposition 19. This law significantly impacts property taxes, intergenerational property transfers, and downsizing for seniors in California.

Michael explains key aspects of Prop 19, including base year value transfers, primary residence requirements, and exclusions for seniors, disabled veterans, and disaster victims. The episode is packed with valuable guidance for Santa Barbara seniors, homeowners considering a move to senior living communities, and families planning estate transfers or managing family trusts.

👉 Like, comment your questions, and subscribe for more senior-focused tips and expert interviews from Santa Barbara.

🔗 Learn more at https://sbsos.care

#Proposition19 #SeniorLiving #EstatePlanning #SantaBarbaraRealEstate #SBSOS #TheSeniorScoop #PropertyTaxTips

In this video of The Senior Scoop, meet your hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel, the passionate duo behind SB SOS. Discover how their unique life journeys—from aviation and corporate Australia to construction and event planning—shaped their mission to provide personalized downsizing, estate sales, and real estate services to seniors in Santa Barbara.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how SB SOS began: a call to help a senior in need led to the creation of a trusted, full-service organization now known across town as “the SOS Girls.” With a hands-on team, two vans on the road, and a reputation built on compassion and expertise, SB SOS helps seniors relocate smoothly and with dignity.

You’ll also hear about Deborah and Kelsey’s own downsizing adventure—living on a yacht in Santa Barbara Harbor—and how their personal experience informs the services they offer.

👉 Like this video, leave a comment with your questions or stories, and subscribe for more senior-focused conversations and expert guidance.

📞 Visit https://sbsos.care or call (805) 946-0060 to learn more.

#SeniorLiving #DownsizingHelp #SBSOS #TheSeniorScoop #SantaBarbara #EstateSales #SeniorSupport #RealEstateForSeniors

In this episode of The Senior Scoop, Deborah sits down with Jon McCuskey of Prosperity Mortgage to demystify the mortgage process for seniors navigating home transitions in Santa Barbara. Whether you're downsizing, moving to a senior living community, or needing to access equity without selling your home, this conversation is packed with insights tailored to your needs.

Jon shares expert advice on mortgage options for seniors—including refinancing, equity lines, and bridge loans—and explains how to avoid taxable events and reduce financial stress. Learn how asset depletion loans can help retirees qualify, even on fixed incomes, and why hands-on, in-home service can make all the difference.

Debunking common mortgage myths, this episode empowers seniors and their families to explore flexible, affordable financing solutions during big life changes. If you're unsure about your options or have been turned away by banks, this discussion could be a game-changer.

Whether you’re downsizing, moving into a senior living community, or tapping into your home’s equity, Jon breaks down every step to make the process smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

🔗 Connect with Jon McCuskey:

📞 (805) 946-0060

🌐 prosperitymortgage.com/jon-mccuskey

👍 If you found this helpful, please Like, Subscribe, and tap the 🔔 to stay updated on future Senior Scoop episodes!

👉 Like, comment with your questions, and subscribe for more trusted guidance from Santa Barbara’s senior experts.

🔗 Learn more or connect with us at https://sbsos.care or call (805) 946-0060.

#SBSOS #SeniorScoop #SantaBarbaraRealEstate #MortgageTipsForSeniors #SeniorLiving #HomeEquity #DownsizingHelp #JonMcCuskey #ProsperityMortgage

Selling a longtime home can be an emotional and complex process, especially for seniors navigating escrow for the first time in decades. In this episode of The Senior Scoop, host Deborah Samuel sits down with Janice Bowie, an escrow expert with nearly 40 years of experience, to break down the escrow process for seniors, key real estate challenges, and how to avoid common pitfalls when selling a home.

🏡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ How to prepare for selling a senior-owned home

✔️ Understanding escrow, trusts, and title transfers

✔️ Reverse mortgages & their impact on home sales

✔️ Common delays in escrow and how to prevent them

✔️ The role of mobile notaries in assisting seniors

If you or a loved one are considering selling a home, this episode is packed with essential tips for a smooth and stress-free transition.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on senior living, real estate, and financial planning! 💬 Share your questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

📞 Want to connect with Janice? Call (805) 845-7902 or check the link below! ⬇️

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Deborah Samuel, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

REALTOR® | SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST - SRES®, DRE# 02119798

https://www.deborahsellssb.com/

Ph 805-570-6680

In this introductory episode of The Senior Scoop, meet your hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel of SB SOS, Santa Barbara’s trusted senior relocation and real estate team. Learn why they launched this podcast—and how it’s here to help seniors and their families navigate every step of the aging journey.

From downsizing and home sales to health, finances, and pets, Deborah and Kelsey will bring on local Santa Barbara experts to share practical insights and resources. Whether you’re preparing for a move, aging in place, or supporting an aging loved one, The Senior Scoop is your go-to guide.

🎙️ Topics previewed in this episode:

👉 What SB SOS does for Santa Barbara seniors

👉 Real estate support & downsizing services

👉 Upcoming expert interviews on health, trusts, wills, and more

👉 Tips for navigating life transitions with clarity and care

Subscribe for episodes filled with expert interviews and senior-centered guidance.

🔗 Learn more at https://sbsos.care

#TheSeniorScoop #SeniorLiving #DownsizingHelp #EstatePlanning #SantaBarbaraPodcast #SBSOS #RealEstateForSeniors #AgingInPlace #SeniorSupport

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Deborah Samuel, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

REALTOR® | SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST - SRES®, DRE# 02119798

https://www.deborahsellssb.com/

Ph 805-570-6680