A family of four joyfully unpacks boxes in a sunlit room. The father smiles as children play on bubble wrap, while the mother crouches nearby, creating a warm, lively scene.

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to simplify your life, cut expenses, or be closer to family in the Omaha metro or nearby communities like Papillion, Elkhorn, Bennington, Council Bluffs, or Lincoln, there’s a growing trend you’ll want to know about:

More homeowners in our region are buying their next home outright—without a mortgage. And if you’ve owned your home in Nebraska for a while, you might be able to do the same. Imagine owning your next home free and clear—no monthly mortgage payments to worry about.

A Growing Number of Nebraska Homeowners Are Mortgage-Free

Recent data shows that over 40% of U.S. homeowners don’t have a mortgage, and this trend is reflected here in Nebraska too. That means roughly 4 in 10 homeowners in the Omaha metro and Lincoln areas own their homes outright.

One big reason? Many Baby Boomers in Nebraska are aging in place, paying off their mortgages over time. You may be one of those homeowners—and you might not realize just how much buying power that gives you today. It’s time to put that power to work.

How Nebraska Downsizers Are Turning Equity into Opportunity

Your home equity is your strongest asset in today’s market. If you’re mortgage-free or close to it, you have the ability to buy your next home in cash—right here in Omaha, Papillion, or Lincoln. Buying cash means no mortgage payments in retirement, plus:

  • Less financial stress as you enjoy your next chapter
  • More monthly cash flow if you choose a smaller or less expensive home
  • A quicker, simpler buying process without financing delays

Here’s how it works: you sell your current home and use the proceeds to buy your next home in cash. While that may have seemed out of reach before, it’s becoming increasingly realistic for homeowners right here in our communities.

Cash Purchases on the Rise in Nebraska and Beyond

According to the latest research from John Burns Research & Consulting and Keeping Current Matters, cash purchases are rising nationally—and Nebraska is no exception. Local agents in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lincoln are seeing more buyers using cash to secure their next home.

For Baby Boomers especially, buying in cash means more control over your lifestyle. A smaller home in Papillion or Elkhorn could mean lower costs, less upkeep, and more freedom to spend time on what truly matters—all while staying debt-free.

Downsizing Isn’t Downgrading

In fact, downsizing is about upgrading your quality of life here in Nebraska. Whether it’s a cozy ranch-style home in Bennington or a convenient condo in downtown Omaha, there are great options to fit your needs and budget.

Bottom Line

You’ve worked hard to build equity in your Nebraska home. Now it’s time to let your home work for you.

Ready to explore what your current home is worth and what buying in cash could unlock for your next move? Let’s chat about your options and what your ideal next home looks like in the Omaha metro or Lincoln area.

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