1What Happened
Metro Detroit home values are forecast to rise 9.5% in 2026, with city of Detroit values tracking slightly above 10% and suburbs up 6-8%. Active inventory in the metro area is up approximately 15% year-over-year. On the reverse mortgage front, current HECM rates are at 7.680% APR fixed (adjustable from 5.250%), and multiple financial publications are calling May 2026 a strategically sound time to explore a reverse mortgage given current market conditions.
2The Detroit Angle
Many retirees are sitting on significant home equity they've never monetized. As Metro Detroit home values climb, the amount available through a reverse mortgage or strategic sale/downsize increases with them. For retirees who need income but are reluctant to draw down investments, tapping home equity is often an underutilized lever. The rising inventory also means the downsizing conversation is more realistic.
3Janine's Take
For my clients who've owned their homes for decades, that's an enormous amount of equity — and in most cases, it's sitting completely untapped. Home equity strategy is one of the six pillars I coordinate for clients, and it's often the one that surprises people the most. A reverse mortgage, a strategic downsize, or a refinance can transform locked-up equity into reliable retirement income.
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