So random contrived example based on appriasals I've seen around here (east bay). House paid off a while ago, paid $250k who knows when, property taxes $4k/yr (

So random contrived example based on appriasals I've seen around here (east bay). House paid off a while ago, paid $250k who knows when, property taxes $4k/yr (prop 13), house currently could sell for $1.7M. Person is 65, kids have long moved out. Without prop 13 lets say they would pay $17000 property taxes, maybe less since it would be equitably distributed. So that's $13000 they need to find to not get kicked out. You say they don't want to move out, can't they simply refinance? Take out $1M against the house. Then draw down on that money to cover the excess taxes you owe and pay the mortgage, this should get you 20 more years in the house, maybe more depending on how the market plays out, could be less if there is a recession but then you the alternatives are you lost the house already since you couldn't afford the higher taxes or the current system where all the new comers/people who relocate are covering for you.