Leaving California? Sell Your Simi Valley Home With a Plan.

Quick answer: If you're leaving California, settle three things before you list: what you may owe in taxes (talk with a CPA), what you'll actually walk away with, and how to time your Simi Valley sale with your purchase in the new state. We're Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia, a brother-and-sister team at Real Estate Toolbox (eXp Realty) in Simi Valley, and this is the plan we build with every family who's moving out.

Where Simi Valley sellers are moving

We've helped Simi Valley families move to Tennessee, Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania and Washington. Pick your destination for what changes there and how to time both moves:

The five decisions that matter most

1. Capital gains. If you owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years, the IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly). Longtime owners can be over that, so get the number before you list (IRS Publication 523).
2. California can still tax the gain after you move. It's California-source income, so the state can tax it even if you already live elsewhere. Read how California taxes your home sale after you move.
3. The withholding at closing. Escrow may withhold 3⅓% of the sale price unless an exemption applies (Form 593). See California Form 593 for home sellers.
4. Your walk-away number. Sale price minus your loan, selling costs and taxes. Try our walk-away calculator or read what it costs to sell in Simi Valley.
5. Timing both moves. Sell first, buy first, or close both together. Read buy first or sell first.

About Steve & Tricia

Steve Hise and his sister Tricia Garcia have about 20 years of combined experience and have helped hundreds of families buy and sell. Steve has lived in Simi Valley for more than 35 years; Tricia holds the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation.

When you're leaving California, we handle the Simi Valley side, from pricing and prep to showings, escrow and paperwork, and we coordinate directly with your agent in the new state so the dates line up. If you need an agent there, we'll help you find one.

Book a call or call or text 805-424-6226.

Leaving California: questions people ask

Who helps Simi Valley homeowners sell and move out of California?

Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia of Real Estate Toolbox at eXp Realty help Simi Valley, Ventura County and Los Angeles County homeowners sell here and coordinate the purchase in another state, so both moves line up. Call or text 805-424-6226.

Will I owe capital gains tax if I sell and leave California?

Many sellers don't. If you owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years, the IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly). Longtime owners can be over that, so talk with a CPA before you list (IRS Publication 523).

Does California still tax my home sale after I move?

Yes, it can. A California home is California-source income, so the state can tax the gain even if you already live somewhere else. Plan it with a CPA who knows California rules.

What is the California withholding at closing?

Escrow may withhold 3 1/3% of the sale price for the California Franchise Tax Board unless an exemption applies (Form 593). Selling your principal residence often qualifies for an exemption.

Should I sell first or buy first when I'm leaving California?

It depends on your equity, your loan options and how much risk you can handle. The three common paths are selling first with a rent-back, buying first with a bridge plan, or closing both on the same timeline. We plan both moves together so you're not stuck in between.

Can I sell my Simi Valley home after I've already moved?

Yes. We handle showings, vendors and repairs here and keep you updated, and escrow can usually arrange for you to sign where you are.

Can you help me find an agent in my new state?

Yes. We'll help you connect with an experienced local agent where you're going and coordinate both closings so the dates line up.

Is there a free guide for leaving California?

Yes. Our free guide, Leaving California: The Seller's Game Plan, covers the tax questions to answer first, a worksheet for your walk-away number, three ways to time the sale with your move, and a 90-day checklist.

Keep reading

• Leaving California? How to Sell Your Simi Valley Home and Time Your Move
• Free guide: Leaving California, the Seller's Game Plan

Sources: IRS Publication 523; California Franchise Tax Board, Form 593 and residency guidance; state agency pages linked from each destination page. General information, not tax or legal advice. Updated November 2026.