A senior I consulted with in Fullerton mentioned that climbing stairs to the second-floor bedroom is no longer as easy as it used to be.

Since knee surgery, going up and down the stairs several times a day has become burdensome, and they have started looking for single-story condos or townhomes with bedrooms on the first floor.

They are also considering whether it makes sense to sell their current home and move or if it would be better to remodel a room on the first floor.

According to the median prices for different types of housing in Fullerton, single-family homes are around $1.1 million, townhomes are about $960,000, and condos are approximately $580,000. The gap between single-family homes and condos is over $500,000. In simple terms, this means that by moving to a condo with a single-story layout, they could secure additional retirement funds equal to that difference.

Heating and cooling costs should also be considered. Southern California Edison (SCE) will raise rates by about 10% starting in October 2025.

If the terminology is unfamiliar, think of it this way: a typical household using 500 kilowatt-hours per month will see their bill increase from $171.17 to $193.23.

In winter, SoCalGas heating costs will also rise, with last winter's bill of $130 potentially increasing to around $315 this winter.

If moving to a condo or townhome, there will be a new HOA (Homeowners Association) fee. In simple terms, this is a monthly fee paid in exchange for yard maintenance, exterior repairs, and the operation of common facilities.

In the Orange County area, basic condos and townhomes range from $150 to $400 per month, while mid-range communities with pools or clubhouses are priced between $300 and $600 per month. If you want a single-story layout without stairs, it's worth considering whether this HOA fee is justifiable.

One way to reduce property tax burdens is through Prop 19, which can be utilized by those over 55.

This program allows homeowners to transfer the low tax assessment of their current home to a new home within California. It can be used up to three times in a lifetime.

California property tax is generally 1% of the assessed value, but local bonds and special assessments often bring the actual rate to between 1.1% and 1.3%.

If you are moving to Fullerton from another state, it's important to note that the property tax and insurance structures may differ significantly from your previous location.

If you are coming from a state with no property tax, the California tax rate may feel unfamiliar, but utilizing Prop 19 can help alleviate some of that burden. If you are relocating directly from Korea, it is advisable to conduct a home inspection before purchasing to check not only the stair structure but also the overall condition of the house. Especially if you have knee or back issues, it's a good idea to walk around and check the height of stair railings and thresholds.

Here are the characteristics of different types of housing:

• Single-family homes - Spacious but often have stairs and the highest maintenance costs.
• Townhomes - Lower purchase prices but often have two-story layouts with stairs, so it's essential to check the structure.
• Condos - Many have single-story layouts, making them easier to navigate, and they are the least expensive to purchase.
• Active senior (55+) communities - Strengths include single-story designs and amenities, but it's important to check age restrictions before moving in.

If climbing stairs has become difficult, it's crucial to examine the home's structure itself, not just the purchase price or maintenance fees.

Even among condos or townhomes, the floor structure can vary from listing to listing. When viewing properties, it's a good habit to check which floors the bedrooms and bathrooms are on.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional before any actual transactions or Prop 19 applications.