According to Realtor.com and the Census, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day over the next two years. Recent data also shows that about 15% of older Americans plan to retire in 2026, with another 23% planning to retire in 2027.

 

If you’re thinking about retiring soon as well, here are a few things to keep in mind.

 

Now is a great time to think about what you want your life to look like in retirement. Even though your finances may change, you don’t want to feel like you’re settling for less.

 

Chances are, what you really want is for life to feel easier.

 

Easier to enjoy

Easier to manage

Easier to maintain day to day.

 

You can see this reflected in the data when you look at why people over 60 are choosing to move. According to the National Association of Realtors, the top four reasons have less to do with market timing or maximizing profit and more to do with lifestyle.

 

And the best part is that it’s more financially doable now than many homeowners realize.

 

Here’s what makes it possible. With home values rising over the years, many longtime homeowners are finding they’re in a stronger position than they realized to make that move.

 

According to Cotality, the average homeowner today has around $299,000 in home equity. For older Americans, that number is often even higher since they’ve owned their homes longer.

 

When you stay in one home for years or even decades, two things usually happen at the same time:

 

• Your home value has time to grow
• Your mortgage balance shrinks or may even disappear

That combination often gives you more options than you might expect, even in today’s market.

 

 

If retirement is coming up and you’re starting to think about what your current home and equity could allow you to do, the first step isn’t selling. It’s taking the time to understand your options.

 

Let’s chat. A simple, no-pressure conversation can help you explore what downsizing could look like and whether it’s the right move for you.