So, the question many homeowners are now asking isn’t simply “Should I sell?” It’s: “What should I do with all this equity?” Here are just some of the conversations happening around kitchen tables in Larchmont right now.
1. Is now the right time to cash in?
You may have been thinking about selling in the next few years, but why wait with this seller’s market? Baby Boomers have quietly become one of the biggest forces in today’s housing market. Nationally, Boomers recently surpassed Millennials as the largest generation of homebuyers, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. But downsizing today looks very different than it once did. One of the biggest shifts I am seeing? Downsizers are no longer automatically leaving town.
Many long-time Larchmont residents no longer want sprawling homes with constant upkeep, but they also don’t want to leave the community they’ve spent decades building their lives in. I’m seeing more empty nesters move into updated condos, townhomes, or smaller homes closer to the village and train. In fact, Larchmont’s walkability continues to command a premium. For many empty nesters, the appeal is obvious: less maintenance, more flexibility, and the ability to walk to dinner, coffee, the train, or Manor Park. The surprising part? Many downsizers are discovering that simplifying their lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing value or quality of life.
2. Should we tap into the equity we built without selling?
Some homeowners are capitalizing on the increase in their home values to make other aspects of their lives better. Examples include: helping children with future home purchases, funding college, creating investment portfolios, or purchasing second homes. These are all ways to make the most of your newfound fortune without selling your home. The reality is that many Larchmont homeowners are sitting on wealth that accumulated quietly over time. Unlike volatile stock portfolios, much of that wealth is tied to a tangible asset that they can continue to enjoy living in every day while prioritizing other items.
3. Should we trade up now before prices rise even further?
Some homeowners are using their equity as a launchpad. Nationally, Millennials are entering peak earning years and continue to fuel demand for suburban homes with walkability and strong schools. Nearly 90% of younger buyers say walkability matters, and many are willing to pay more for it. As it turns out, all generations value walkability, not just the Boomers! That demand continues pushing prices upward in commuter towns like Larchmont. For homeowners considering a larger home, expanded yard, or simply a different neighborhood within the Sound Shore, waiting can become expensive. Trading up may feel daunting, but substantial equity gains have given many homeowners purchasing power they didn’t realize they had.
4. Maybe we Stay Put and Beautify? (but think strategically)
For many families, the answer isn’t moving at all. Instead, they’re leveraging newfound equity to improve the home they already love. In a market where buyers pay premiums for turnkey homes, thoughtful renovations often compound value. And with inventory in Larchmont down roughly 35% over the past 10 years, many homeowners are deciding it’s easier to improve than compete for another home nearby. So go ahead and build that dream kitchen or bathroom that you’ve always wanted with the equity sitting in your house. Just don’t forget about resale and investing wisely. Sure, an indoor lap pool off the home office may seem like a great idea to entice you to swim more laps during the work day, but don’t forget that smell of chlorine throughout the house may not be a selling point to the next generation of home buyers!
The Bottom Line
The home value appreciation we’ve seen in Larchmont isn’t just about market timing. It reflects enduring demand for a great community, walkability, schools, and lifestyle. And whether your next move is renovating, downsizing, moving up, or simply staying put with a fresh perspective, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:
For many homeowners, their house has become more than a home; it has become one of their most important financial assets. So, if you’ve owned your home for a while, it may be worth taking a fresh look at what it represents in today’s market, and contact your friendly neighborhood Realtor.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
