What the 2026 National Association of REALTORS® report reveals about retirement, family connections, and the next chapter of homeownership.
For many homeowners, the house they purchased years ago was exactly what they needed at that stage of life. It may have been the place where they raised their children, celebrated holidays, welcomed grandchildren, and created decades of memories.
But as life changes, so do our housing needs.
A home that worked beautifully for a growing family may not be the ideal fit for retirement. The stairs may become less convenient. The yard may require more attention than it once did. Family members may live farther away. Or perhaps the homeowner simply wants more freedom to travel, enjoy activities, and spend less time maintaining a property.
After more than 40 years helping people buy and sell homes throughout Greater Lansing, I've learned something important: Deciding where to live as we grow older is rarely just a real estate decision. It's a life decision.
The National Association of REALTORS®' 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers offers some interesting insight into how Americans are approaching these decisions.
1. Today's Repeat Homebuyers Are Older Than Ever
One of the most interesting findings in the 2026 NAR report is that the median age of repeat homebuyers has reached 62 years old.
That tells us something important about today's housing market. A substantial share of people purchasing another home are doing so at a stage of life when retirement, family relationships, lifestyle preferences, and long-term planning may be especially relevant.
Not every older buyer is downsizing. Some are moving closer to family. Others are relocating to a preferred community, purchasing a home with a more convenient floor plan, or finding a property that better supports their interests.
The important point is that homeownership doesn't stop evolving when we reach retirement age.
In fact, for many people, that's when some of the most meaningful housing decisions begin.
2. Homeowners Are Staying in Their Homes Longer
According to the 2026 NAR report, the median length of time sellers owned their homes before selling reached 12 years, a record high.
Of course, many Greater Lansing homeowners have lived in their homes much longer.
I've worked with people who have owned the same home for 20, 30, 40 years, or more.
When someone has lived in a home for several decades, preparing to sell involves much more than putting a sign in the yard.
There may be years of accumulated belongings, important family memories, deferred maintenance, and questions about what should happen next.
Sometimes adult children are involved in the conversation. In other situations, the homeowner is making the decision independently but wants reassurance that they're considering all the options.
This is why I encourage people to begin thinking about their housing plans well before a move becomes necessary.
Planning ahead gives homeowners more choices and greater control over the process.
3. Being Close to Family Is Becoming More Important
Another notable finding from NAR's 2026 research is that 46% of buyers identified convenience to friends and family as a factor influencing their neighborhood choice.
For older homeowners, that consideration can become increasingly important.
Perhaps the children and grandchildren live in another community. Maybe a homeowner wants to be closer to family members who can provide occasional assistance. Others simply want more opportunities to participate in family activities.
Throughout Greater Lansing, communities such as Delta Township, Grand Ledge, DeWitt, Holt, Haslett, Okemos, and East Lansing offer a variety of housing choices.
For some homeowners, the next move may be only a few miles away. For others, it may mean leaving the area to be closer to family.
There is no single right answer.
The best decision depends on personal priorities, financial circumstances, relationships, and the lifestyle someone wants to enjoy.
4. Downsizing Doesn't Always Mean Moving Into a Smaller Home
When people hear the word downsizing, they often think it simply means purchasing a smaller house.
But downsizing can mean different things to different people.
For one homeowner, it may mean moving from a two-story home into a ranch-style property with fewer stairs.
For another, it may mean choosing a condominium where exterior maintenance responsibilities are reduced.
Someone else may want a home with similar square footage but a more convenient layout.
And some people discover that their current home remains the best option, especially after making a few practical modifications.
I encourage homeowners to think beyond square footage and ask a more important question:
What kind of home will best support the way I want to live over the next five, ten, or fifteen years?
That question often leads to a more productive conversation than simply asking whether it's time to downsize.
5. Multigenerational Living Is Another Option Families Are Considering
The 2026 NAR report also found that 14% of buyers purchased a multigenerational home.
These arrangements can take many forms.
Some families want aging parents nearby while preserving separate living spaces. Others are combining households for financial reasons, caregiving considerations, or the opportunity to spend more time together.
A multigenerational arrangement might involve a home with a separate living area, an accessible bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, or sufficient space to accommodate different household needs.
However, these decisions require careful planning.
Privacy, accessibility, finances, property layout, and long-term expectations all deserve attention before making a commitment.
The goal should be a living arrangement that works for everyone involved.
6. The Financial Side of Moving After 60
For homeowners who have owned their property for many years, accumulated home equity may be one of their most significant financial resources.
That equity can create opportunities, but it also deserves thoughtful consideration.
Before making a move, homeowners should understand several important factors:
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The estimated market value of their current home.
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The likely net proceeds after selling expenses and any mortgage payoff.
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The cost of purchasing or renting their next home.
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Property taxes, insurance, association fees, and ongoing maintenance expenses.
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Potential tax implications and how a move fits into their broader retirement plans.
A smaller home doesn't automatically mean a lower overall cost of living.
For example, a condominium may reduce some maintenance responsibilities while introducing monthly association fees. A newer home may require fewer immediate repairs but have a higher purchase price.
These are reasons to compare the full financial picture rather than focus on price alone.
A real estate professional can help homeowners evaluate market conditions and housing alternatives, while financial and tax professionals can address questions within their areas of expertise.
7. Sometimes Staying Put Is the Best Decision
One thing I want to emphasize is that turning 60, 70, or 80 doesn't mean it's time to sell your home.
I've always believed that the right real estate decision is the one that makes sense for the individual homeowner.
For some people, staying in their longtime home is exactly the right choice.
They enjoy the neighborhood, feel comfortable with the property, have a strong support network, and can manage the home's responsibilities.
In those circumstances, remaining in place may be preferable to moving.
Other homeowners may benefit from making accessibility improvements, arranging maintenance assistance, or exploring additional services that allow them to remain comfortable at home.
A good housing plan should consider staying as well as moving.
The objective isn't to convince someone to sell. It's to help them understand their options.
8. Why Planning Before a Crisis Matters
One of the most difficult situations families face is having to make major housing decisions under pressure.
A health change, unexpected family circumstance, or sudden need for additional assistance can create urgency.
When that happens, there may be limited time to research housing choices, prepare a property, sort belongings, or coordinate a move.
Planning ahead doesn't mean committing to a move today.
It means beginning a conversation about what the future might look like.
Homeowners can start by identifying what they enjoy about their current home, what responsibilities are becoming less desirable, and what alternative housing arrangements might offer.
They can also begin organizing important documents, considering property improvements, and talking with trusted family members or advisers.
Even small steps today can make future decisions more manageable.
9. What This Means for Greater Lansing Homeowners
National statistics provide an interesting perspective, but every local housing market is different.
In Greater Lansing, the availability and cost of ranch-style homes, condominiums, and other lower-maintenance housing options can vary considerably by community.
A homeowner considering a move from Delta Township to Grand Ledge, for example, may face different housing choices than someone considering Okemos, DeWitt, or Holt.
Before deciding to sell, it's important to understand both sides of the move.
What might your current home sell for in today's market?
What suitable housing alternatives are available?
How much preparation would your home need?
And perhaps most importantly, would moving improve your quality of life?
These are the questions I believe deserve answers before any homeowner makes a final decision.
10. Your Next Chapter Should Be Your Decision
After decades in real estate, I've seen how emotional these decisions can be. 
A home represents much more than its market value. It represents memories, accomplishments, family traditions, and a familiar way of life.
That's why I believe homeowners deserve time, patience, reliable information, and professional guidance without pressure.
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), my role is to help older homeowners and their families understand the real estate side of these transitions.
Sometimes that means preparing a longtime home for sale. Sometimes it means exploring housing alternatives. And sometimes it means helping someone recognize that staying right where they are makes the most sense.
The 2026 NAR report reminds us that housing decisions continue to evolve as we grow older.
The question isn't simply whether it's time to move. The question is whether your current home continues to support the life you want to live.
Thinking About Your Next Housing Chapter?
If you're considering downsizing, retirement housing, moving closer to family, or simply exploring your options, I invite you to visit my Senior Transition Resource Center.
You'll find information to help you evaluate your current home, understand housing alternatives, prepare for a possible move, and begin important family conversations.
There's no need to make a decision before you're ready.
Mike Bowler, Associate Broker | eXp Realty
SRES® | CRB® | ePRO®
517-755-8168
6639 Centurion Dr. Lansing, MI
Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website: MikeBowler.com
Visit My YouTube Channel
https://bit.ly/eXpRealtyMikeBowler
Research source
National Association of REALTORS®, 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, covering primary-residence transactions from July 2025 through June 2026.
NAR Economists' Outlook: Top 10 Takeaways from NAR's 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
National research findings are provided for educational context and should not be interpreted as Greater Lansing-specific market statistics.
