Today's mortgage rates hover around 6.5% to 6.7%, more than double the rates many homeowners locked in during 2020 and 2021. Mortgage News Daily reported average 30-year rates around 6.67% this week. Freddie Mac reported a national average of 6.52%. As a result, many seniors feel "stuck."

Thinking about downsizing to a maintenance-free community? Before you buy, learn what HOA fees typically cover and what expenses may still be your responsibility. From lawn care and roof replacement to termite protection and warranties, here's what every retiree should know.

There comes a moment for many homeowners when the house suddenly feels different. Maybe the stairs feel steeper. Maybe the yard work takes longer. Maybe a quiet house now feels a little too quiet after the kids moved away. Or maybe nothing is “wrong” at all. But somewhere in the back of your mind, a question keeps showing up: “Should I stay here… or would life be easier somewhere else?”

Bob Wiltse, REALTOR® April 23, 2026 Imagine this. You wake up at 3 a.m. and need a glass of water. The hallway is dark. Your balance isn’t what it used to be. One wrong step could change everything. Now imagine the lights turn on the moment you swing your legs out of bed. No fumbling. No risk. Just a safe, lit path to the kitchen handled automatically. That’s the power of a smart home built for the way you actually live. More and more homeowners over 60 want to stay right whe