🪃1 in 3 Boomers Staying Put
A recent🔗 Redfin survey from early 2025 revealed a surprising—and important—trend: 1 in 3 Baby Boomers say they will never sell their homes. And an additional 30% say they won’t sell for at least 10 years. This shift has serious implications for housing inventory, prices, and market dynamics.
🔍 Why Boomers Are Staying Put
Boomers (born 1946–1964) own nearly 28% of all U.S. homes, many of which were purchased decades ago at lower prices with now-golden mortgage rates in the 2–4% range. According to Redfin, about 67% of Boomers have lived in their current homes for 16+ years, and 55% say they simply like their home and have no reason to move. Some have paid off their mortgages entirely.
Others are understandably reluctant to give up their current mortgage for a new one with a rate closer to 7%. 🔗Redfin’s Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather says this trend is “making it increasingly difficult for younger buyers to find affordable options that suit their needs.”
⚠️ What This Means for the Housing Market
When Boomers stay put:
🏘️ Inventory tightens
💰 Prices stay high
⏳ Younger buyers struggle to enter the market
🔁 Homeownership turnover slows way down
And while the market may see modest increases in new inventory, Redfin forecasts limited price relief through the end of 2025 (🔗Redfin Market Trends).
This trend isn’t just frustrating—it’s reshaping how and when Americans move, buy, or refinance.
💵 Good News: Boomers Still Have Equity Options
If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term (or already are), there’s great news—you can still put your home equity to work without giving up the roof over your head. Whether you want to fund renovations, pay off debt, or help out family, there are flexible lending options available:
🏡 HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
Borrow as needed from your equity—perfect for home upgrades or ongoing expenses.
💰 Home Equity Loan
Get a lump sum with predictable monthly payments.
🔁 Cash-Out Refinance
Replaces your current mortgage with a new one at the amount you need, including cash back from your equity.
🔗 Learn more about all three options here.
🔓 Reverse Mortgage (for homeowners age 62+)
A reverse mortgage allows you to convert your home’s equity into income—with no monthly mortgage payments required. It can be a helpful tool for covering living expenses, medical costs, or simply enhancing your lifestyle as you age.
🔗Learn more about reverse mortgages here.
These solutions let you stay in the home you love—and leverage the equity you've built to support your current and future needs.
🧠 What We Can Do As an Industry
The real solution is a mix of smart policy and consumer education:
Build more starter homes and affordable options
Create downsizing incentives for those who want to move but feel financially stuck
Promote multigenerational living through ADUs or in-law suites
Offer education on lending tools and wealth-building strategies for both aging homeowners and new buyers
📞 Let's Talk Options
Whether you’re a Boomer considering your next move—or planning to stay right where you are—I’m here to help you explore smart, customized lending solutions that make the most of your home’s value.
📲 Let’s chat about what’s possible. Reach out today for a personal review of your options. Whether it's a HELOC, reverse mortgage, or simply a conversation about what's next, I'm just a call or DM away.
