EP934: Buyers Return, Older Americans Carry the Economy, and Reverse Mortgage Consolidation Continues

This week’s HECM World Weekly breaks down the latest housing and economic data shaping the future of retirement finance. The housing market is becoming more rational again. Sellers are adjusting expectations, buyers remain active when affordability makes sense, and mortgage activity continues slowing under the weight of higher rates and elevated housing costs. At the same time, new research shows Americans age 50+ now generate $12.5 trillion in economic activity annually — reinforcing just how central older homeowners have become to the broader U.S. economy. But there’s another side to the story: Older Americans are also carrying more debt, facing higher living costs and increasingly relying on housing wealth to support retirement stability. In this episode: Why the housing market is starting to normalize What slowing mortgage activity means for aging in place Why affordability is driving almost every housing decision now The growing economic influence of Americans 50+ Rising debt pressure among retirees The emotional complexity behind the Great Wealth Transfer Onity’s approved reverse MSR sale to Finance of America The latest May 2026 HECM endorsement numbers The broader takeaway? Retirement planning is increasingly becoming housing planning. Read the full article here: https://hecmworld.com/2026/06/05/podcast-buyers-return-older-americans-carry-the-economy/ Subscribe for weekly reverse mortgage industry news, housing insights and retirement finance analysis from HECM World.