Apr 2, 2026
While many Americans likely love their homes, it’s possible to love your home too much, and for too long.
That’s the warning from personal finance expert Suze Orman, who says the popular idea of aging in place can quietly chip away at your wealth if you’re not careful (1).
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For many Americans, staying put feels like the safest and most comfortable option in retirement. It avoids the stress of moving, preserves years of memories and, at least on the surface, keeps life simple.
But Orman is pointing to new research that suggests holding onto your home too long can come with a hidden financial cost that many homeowners don’t see coming.
Why waiting to sell can cost you thousands
A report from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that older homeowners tend to receive lower sale prices when they finally decide to move on (2). Sellers in their 80s, for example, typically get about 5% less than comparable sellers in their 40s. On a $400,000 home, that works out to roughly a $20,000 difference, a gap that reportedly grows the longer a homeowner waits.
“I think we can all agree that losing 5% of potential sales value is going to be a significant amount of money,” Orman wrote.
The issue isn’t age itself, but what tends to happen to homes over time. Properties owned by older adults are more likely to show signs of deferred maintenance — whether it’s aging roofs, outdated systems or kitchens and bathrooms that haven’t been refreshed in years.
These details matter to buyers and can significantly affect both demand and the final sale price. As Orman points out, if your plan is to stay in your home for the long haul, you can’t afford to treat maintenance as optional.
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The ‘easy way out’ that can backfire
Beyond the condition of the home, selling behavior also plays a role.
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The Center for Retirement Research’s study found that some homeowners may decide to take what feels like the easy way out when it’s time to sell, often opting for private, off-market deals rather than listing their homes on the multiple listing service (MLS). While this approach may seem more convenient, it can ultimately limit how much a seller walks away with.
When a home isn’t exposed to a broad pool of buyers, it loses the competitive tension that drives higher offers — a disadvantage especially in hotter markets known for bidding wars. Without multiple bids, sellers have less negotiating power and fewer opportunities to maximize their price. In a market where visibility can make a significant difference, skipping the MLS can quietly reduce a home’s final value.
Even upgrades come with risks
Some homeowners try to address these issues by investing in renovations before selling, but that strategy requires careful consideration. Certain updates can add value, particularly smaller projects that improve first impressions. Relatively simple upgrades like replacing a front door or improving closet space tend to deliver strong returns at resale.
But larger renovations don’t always pay off, especially if they are done without a clear understanding of the costs versus potential gains. There’s also a growing concern that older homeowners may be more vulnerable to home improvement scams, where contractors target older Americans with high-pressure tactics, requests for upfront cash or promises that don’t materialize into completed work.
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What homeowners should do now
None of this means you need to rush into selling your home before you’re ready, but it shows the importance of having a plan — especially if your goal is to stay put for as long as possible. Maintaining your home consistently over time is one of the most effective ways to preserve its value, while small and regular updates can go a long way toward avoiding larger and more expensive problems later.
When the time does come to sell, it’s also important to resist the urge to prioritize convenience over value. Involving family members or trusted professionals can help ensure that your home is properly marketed and reaches the widest possible audience. That extra effort can make a meaningful difference in the final sale price.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Suze Orman (1); Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (2).
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance contributor for Moneywise, where he writes about the real financial choices facing everyday Americans—from saving for retirement to navigating housing and debt.
