Leaving California? How to Sell Your Simi Valley Home and Time Your Move

Quick answer: If you're leaving California, the two things to plan first are taxes and timing. Many sellers can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly) on their main home under IRS rules, and California has its own withholding form at closing, so talk with a CPA before you list. Then line up your Simi Valley sale with your purchase in the new state, so the two close together and you always have somewhere to live.

We've helped Simi Valley families move to Tennessee, Arizona, Florida, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Here's what we walk every one of them through.

1. Start With the Tax Questions

The first question almost every seller leaving California asks us is, "Will I have to pay capital gains?" The general rule: the IRS lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly) when you sell your main home, if you owned it and lived in it for at least two of the five years before the sale (IRS Publication 523). Gain is roughly your sale price, minus selling costs, minus what you paid plus qualifying improvements.

Longtime owners in Simi Valley can have gains above those limits, so get a real answer early. Bring your CPA your purchase price, a list of improvements you've made, and an estimated sale price. We can give you the estimated sale price and selling costs.

2. Know About California's Withholding Form

When California real estate sells, the state can require withholding of 3 1/3% of the sales price at closing unless the seller qualifies for an exemption (California Franchise Tax Board, Form 593). A sale of your principal residence can qualify for an exemption. Escrow will ask you to complete Form 593 before closing. If the home was a rental or second home, ask your CPA how this applies to you.

Moving out of state doesn't change the fact that you're selling California property, so plan your taxes with a CPA who knows California rules.

3. Time the Sale With Your New Home

The biggest fear we hear is being stuck between homes, especially when the new home is hundreds of miles away. We tell every client the same thing: you are never going to be left without a home. If you're buying in another state, you'll usually work with a local agent there. We coordinate directly with that agent so your Simi Valley sale and your new purchase close together, so you move once.

Frank E. is a good example. He had moved up with us years earlier, and when he decided to move to Arizona to be near his son, he stayed in his Simi Valley home while it was on the market and house hunted with an Arizona agent. We worked with that agent so both closings happened together. He always had somewhere to be.

Not sure which order is right for you? Read Buy first or sell first in Simi Valley.

4. Know What You'll Walk Away With

Your equity is what pays for the next chapter, so know the real number before you commit to a home in the new state. Your proceeds are your sale price minus your loan payoff, commission, escrow and title fees, the Ventura County transfer tax, and any repairs or credits. See the full breakdown in How much does it cost to sell a house in Simi Valley?

For many of our clients, that equity goes a long way. When Frank E. sold, his Arizona home cost him less than half of what his Simi Valley home sold for, and he got about the same size house, with a pool.

5. Sell Well, Even If You're in a Hurry

Being ready to leave doesn't mean you have to take less. A home that's priced right, prepared, and marketed well from day one sells on your timeline without leaving money behind. We market listings across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn from the first day, not just on the MLS. Start with our 30-day checklist to get your Simi Valley home ready to sell.

6. Plan for Selling From a Distance

Some sellers stay in the home until closing. Others have already moved, or need to leave before the sale is done. Either way, tell us early. We can handle showings, coordinate vendors for repairs, and keep you updated by phone and email, and escrow can usually arrange for documents to be signed where you are. Ask your escrow officer about signing options for your sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I owe capital gains tax when I sell my Simi Valley home and leave California?
Many sellers don't. The IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly) on your main home if you owned and lived in it for two of the last five years. Longtime owners can have more gain than that, so ask a CPA about your situation.

Does California withhold taxes when I sell?
California can require withholding of 3 1/3% of the sales price at closing unless you qualify for an exemption, such as the sale of your principal residence. You'll complete Form 593 with escrow before closing.

Can I sell my Simi Valley home and buy in another state at the same time?
Yes. We coordinate with your agent in the new state so the sale and the purchase close together, so you're never left without a home.

Can I sell my home if I've already moved out of state?
Yes. We can handle showings and vendors locally and keep you updated, and escrow can usually arrange for you to sign documents where you are.

Where are Simi Valley sellers moving?
Our clients have moved to Tennessee, Arizona, Florida, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Redfin search data for April to June 2026 showed Simi Valley homebuyers looking to leave searched most for Las Vegas, San Diego, Bakersfield, Phoenix, and Portland.

Related Articles

• How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Simi Valley?
• Buy First or Sell First in Simi Valley
• 30-Day Checklist to Get Your Simi Valley Home Ready to Sell
• Simi Valley Neighborhoods and Real Estate Guide

Thinking About Leaving California?

We'll give you a real number for your home, an estimate of what you'd walk away with, and a plan to time your sale with your move. No pressure. Schedule a call or call or text 805-424-6226.

Sources

• IRS Publication 523, "Selling Your Home" (home sale gain exclusion).
• California Franchise Tax Board, 2026 Instructions for Form 593, Real Estate Withholding, viewed October 13, 2026.
• Redfin migration search data for Simi Valley, April to June 2026, viewed October 12, 2026 (searches, not completed moves).

Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia, Real Estate Toolbox at eXp Realty
Steve Hise CA DRE #01702055 | Tricia Garcia CA DRE #02032007

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change and every situation is different; talk with a CPA or tax professional about your sale.