A few weeks ago, I sat down with a couple in Redlands who were asking a question I hear more and more these days:
“Leonard, we love our house, but it’s starting to feel like more space and more upkeep than we need. Could we sell and buy something smaller… without taking on another mortgage?”
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to lower your expenses, be closer to family, or make life easier, there’s a growing trend you should know about.
Many homeowners are selling and buying their next house outright, with no mortgage and no monthly payments. And if you’ve owned your home for a while, this may be more within reach than you think.
A Record Number of Mortgage-Free Homeowners
According to recent Census data analyzed by ResiClub, over 40% of U.S. homeowners now own their homes free and clear, the highest percentage on record.
That means 4 out of 10 homeowners are mortgage-free.
One big reason? Time. Baby Boomers (and some Gen Xers) who have stayed in their homes for years have built up significant equity or paid off their mortgages completely.
If that’s you — sitting on years of appreciation here in Redlands, Highland, or Yucaipa, you may have untapped buying power that could change the way you approach your next move.
Turning Your Equity Into Your Next Home — Without a Loan
Here’s how many of my clients are leaping:
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Sell your current house likely at a strong price because of today’s low housing inventory in the Inland Empire.
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Use the proceeds to buy a new, smaller, or better-located home in cash.
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Enjoy zero monthly mortgage payments while reducing your expenses and maintenance costs.
The result?
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More financial freedom as you age.
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You can generate more cash flow by choosing a lower-priced home.
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A more straightforward, faster transaction (cash offers often move quickly and win more easily).
It’s a strategy that’s becoming increasingly popular and not just nationally. I’m seeing it play out locally as well. Clients in South Redlands are cashing out and moving closer to grandkids in Yucaipa. Highland homeowners with large two-story houses are trading down to single-level homes for easier living and less upkeep.
Why This Works Especially Well Right Now
All-cash purchases are on the rise nationwide, according to data from John Burns Research and Keeping Current Matters. Agents everywhere, myself included, are seeing more buyers leverage equity to skip financing altogether.
For Baby Boomers and long-term homeowners, this isn’t just about moving. It’s about creating the lifestyle you want:
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A smaller, easier-to-maintain home.
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Closer proximity to family or medical care.
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More time and resources for travel, hobbies, and freedom.
And here’s the key: downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading.
It’s about right-sizing your home to fit this next chapter and upgrading your quality of life.
How I Help My Clients Do This
At The Len Group | Keller Williams Redlands, I work closely with homeowners who are exploring this path. Here’s what I do:
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Pinpoint your home’s actual market value, not just a Zestimate.
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Map out your options — from cozy single-level homes in Yucaipa to stylish condos in downtown Redlands or tucked-away Highland neighborhoods.
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Design a smooth transition plan, including timing the sale and purchase, so you don’t feel rushed.
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Negotiate your next chapter, protecting your equity and maximizing your proceeds.
Bottom Line
You’ve worked hard for your house. Now it might be time to let it work hard for you.
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing — or just curious what your current home could sell for — this could be the perfect moment to explore your options.
Let’s talk about what your next move could look like.
I’ll give you a clear picture of your home’s value and help you plan a transition that’s financially smart and stress-free.
