NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Housing Trends of the Over-50 Demographic
Quarterly Residential Vacancies and Homeownershippdf (U.S. Census Bureau, Jul. 28, 2026)
The second quarter 2026 homeownership rate was highest for those householders aged 65 years and over (78.6 percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (35.2 percent). Compared to the rates in the second quarter 2025, the second quarter 2026 rate was lower in the under 35 years of age group. The rates were not statistically different in the other age groups.
U.S. Senior Living & Care Investor Survey and Trends Report (Cushman & Wakefield, Feb. 6, 2026)
“U.S. senior living property market fundamentals continue to trend in a positive direction, posting 20 straight quarters of stabilized occupancy growth, reaching 90% in the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest level since 2017. After peaking at 6.1% in 2023, annual rent growth has averaged 4.7% YoY. Rent growth did decline to 4.5% in Q4 2025, a dip that is likely seasonal as the sector emerges from winter months. Rent affordability remains broadly unsolved, though new design trends are emerging. With the number of middle-income seniors projected to double by 2029, over half of this segment will not have adequate finances to afford conventional senior living and care. Active Adult communities continue to gain momentum in the market, achieving favorable rent growth indications that are consistent with conventional senior living, stabilized occupancy at 95.7%, with operating expenses and debt underwriting that is more consistent with conventional multifamily.”
2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report (National Association of REALTORS®, 2026)
“For the report, buyers 61 to 70 (Younger Baby Boomers) and buyers 71 to 79 (Older Baby Boomers) were broken into two separate categories as they have differing demographics and buying behaviors. Buyers 61 to 70 accounted for 27% of recent buyers, and buyers 71 to 79 accounted for 15%. Baby Boomers purchased for an array of reasons, primarily the desire to be closer to friends and family, retirement, and a smaller home. Younger Boomers were the most likely to purchase in rural areas, and 28% of Older Boomers purchased in small towns. Younger Boomers, along with Gen Xers and Older Millennials, expect to own their homes for the longest period of time, at 20 years. Younger Boomers typically moved the furthest distance at a median of 45 miles. Buyers aged 80 to 100 (The Silent Generation) represented one of the smallest shares of buyers, at just 4%.”
The ‘Sliver Tsunami’ in Real Estate is Here: Are You Ready? (NAR REALTOR® News, Oct. 27, 2025)
“For years, the real estate industry has heard the “Silver Tsunami” was coming—the long-predicted wave of baby boomers expected to sell, downsize or age in place. But that wave is here. More than 70 million Americans are now aged 65 or older… Baby boomers remain active buyers and sellers, motivated by retirement, proximity to family or the appeal of smaller, low-maintenance living. Yet, some may delay downsizing until health, mobility or emotional barriers make it unavoidable—turning what could be a planned transition into a stressful rush.”
Working with Seniors
Cheapest Places to Retire in the US (U.S. News and World Report, 2026)
“Retiring in one of the cities below could do wonders for your wallet. For the 2026 Best Places to Retire rankings, we analyzed 859 cities to find the best places to retire. Based on the median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners, these are the cities with the lowest cost of living in the country:
- Eagle Pass, TX
- Decatur, IL
- Bay City, MI
- Harlingen, TX
- Mission, TX
- Enid, OK
- Brownsville, TX
- Laredo, TX
- Wichita Falls, TX
- Pharr, TX
How to Market to Senior Buyers, Retirees (Real Trends, Mar. 30, 2021)
Tap into a new market by including seniors in your advertising plan. Understand senior buyers’ priorities and needs, available financing options, and their marketing preferences.
Navigating Seniors and Their Families (SRES® Blog, Mar. 22, 2021)
Be prepared when seniors bring other families into the home buying process. It’s important to build trust and make sure all parties feel heard. Everyone should work toward a common goal of what is best for the buyer.
Reverse Mortgage Basics
Protections for Reverse Mortgage Borrowers (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Jan. 12, 2026)
“If you are a reverse mortgage borrower affected directly or indirectly by COVID-19, the CARES Act and guidance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can protect you from default and foreclosure if you have an HECM reverse mortgage.”
10 Facts Heirs Need to Know About Reverse Mortgages (AAG, May 18, 2021)
When a reverse mortgage borrower passes away, loan repayment falls to the heirs. Understand the rights, responsibilities, and options for heirs in the event of a borrower’s death.
New Protections from Foreclosure of Reverse Mortgages (National Consumer Law Center, May 18, 2021)
“Even with a reverse mortgage, homeowners can lose possession of a home for any number of reasons… this article provides information on the risks of foreclosure even for reverse mortgages, sets out new protections from that foreclosure, and also summarizes other rights to avoid foreclosure on a reverse mortgage.”
What is a Reverse Mortgage (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Aug. 28, 2026)
“A reverse mortgage loan, like a traditional mortgage, allows homeowners to borrow money using their home as security for the loan. Also like a traditional mortgage, when you take out a reverse mortgage loan, the title to your home remains in your name. However, unlike a traditional mortgage, with a reverse mortgage loan, borrowers don’t make monthly mortgage payments. The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home. Interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. With a reverse mortgage loan, homeowners are required to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance, use the property as their principal residence, and keep their house in good condition.”
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)
“Reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity with seniors who have equity in their homes and want to remain in their homes or supplement their income. The only reverse mortgage insured by the U.S. Federal Government is called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), and is only available through a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-approved lender. The HECM is the FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity to use for home maintenance, repairs, or general living expenses. HECM borrowers may reside in their homes indefinitely as long as property taxes and homeowner's insurance are kept current.”
Reverse Mortgages: HECM Considerations for Real Estate Agents (National Association of REALTORS®)
“When considering options for home financing, some people might shy away from reverse mortgages initially, thinking it's a trick or a last-ditch financial option for homeowners in great need. But a reverse mortgage can be a game-changer for clients who meet the rigorous eligibility requirements. As a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS ®, you may come across clients in their golden years looking to cash in on their home's equity. That's where reverse mortgages come into play. With the correct information, you may be able to educate your clients so they can make a suitable financial decision.”
Reverse Mortgage Calculator (Mortgage Calculator)
Free calculator to help consumers estimate their future equity balance on reverse mortgage loans.
Useful Websites
AARP Livability Index (AARP)
A project of the AARP Public Policy Institute, the Livability Index rates communities on factors such as housing, health, and transportation for older adults.
Information for Senior Citizens (U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development)
HUD’s collection of financial assistance resources and guides to help seniors make decisions about their housing.
NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers)
The National Association of Senior Move Managers is a membership organization for Senior Move Managers, recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to senior move management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults.
Senior Housing Choices (SeniorResource.com)
Compare different housing options for seniors, estimate costs of relocating versus aging at home, and find state specific senior housing resources.
SRES® (SRES® Council)
Seniors Real Estate Specialists® designees are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Boomer Basics (eBook)
Boomer Marketing (eBook)
Future Marketing: Targeting Seniors, Boomers, and Generations X and Y (eBook)
Gilbert Guide to Senior Housing (eBook)
Reverse Mortgages for Dummies® (eBook)
The Complete Guide to Reverse Mortgages (eBook)
How to Age in Place (eBook)
Where to Retire: America’s Best and Most Affordable Places (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Boomer Consumer: Ten New Rules for Marketing to America's Largest, Wealthiest and Most Influential Group (Great Falls, VA: Linx, 2007) HD 7293 T39
Reverse Mortgages for Dummies (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2005) HG 2051 L99r
The New Reverse Mortgage Formula: How to Convert Home Equity into Tax-Free Income (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2005) HG 2051 K29
Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Reverse Mortgages (Indianapolis, IN: Alpha, 2005) HG 2040.5 P76
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