Industry Leader Insights: Beyond ‘The Great Stay’: How Homeowners Are Changing The Way They Access Equity

Americans aren’t moving like they used to, and that could permanently change how they access home equity. In this edition of Industry Leader Insights, HECM World speaks with Brian Fox, co-founder at Benutech, about the rise of the “stay-put economy.” Benutech’s analysis shows traditional refinance activity falling almost 80% between 2021 and 2025, while equity lending increased 15%. So what happens when homeowners protect their low-rate first mortgage, remain in place longer and look for other ways to unlock housing wealth? Brian discusses why this shift may be structural, what it means for older homeowners, why downsizing no longer delivers the same financial relief—and how reverse mortgages could become an increasingly important “stay-put” financial tool. Watch the full interview now. Read the full article here and make sure you subscribe at hecmworld.com so you don’t miss a thing. View the Benutech report https://www.benutech.com/the-stay-put-economy-how-rising-rates-transformed-american-homes-from-stepping-stones-into-fortresses