But that was a different era, with a different economy. Today, at Enduro Mortgage, we talk with homeowners across the Front Range who are discovering a hard truth: the common-sense plan of yesterday has become a financial trap for today.

If you’re a Baby Boomer feeling that the rules have changed, or a Gen X-er watching your parents navigate this, you’re not wrong. It’s time for a new American retirement plan, built for life in Colorado right now.

The Downsizing Myth in the Centennial State

The core idea of downsizing was to sell a large asset and move into something smaller and less expensive, freeing up cash. In 2025, that math no longer adds up. Here’s why:

• The Sticker Shock of "New": You might sell your home for a great price, but you'll be buying your new, smaller home at today's peak market values.

• The Property Tax Trap: This is the big one. Even if you qualify for the excellent Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption on your current home (which cuts your home's assessed value for tax purposes), that benefit is tied to your tenure in your home. When you buy a new property, it's assessed at its full, current market value, which can mean your new, smaller home comes with a surprisingly larger property tax bill.

• The Hidden Costs of Community: Many new retirement communities come with steep monthly HOA fees. In the Denver metro area, it's not uncommon to see these fees range from $250 to over $500 a month, a brand-new bill that can quickly erase any savings from a smaller footprint.

"Don't Move. Improve." — The Smarter Colorado Strategy

We see the appeal of the new 55+ communities. They offer shiny amenities for a modern lifestyle. But ask yourself this: Do you really want to move, or do you just want a beautiful, accessible bathroom? Do you want a new address or a cozy, energy-efficient home that’s ready for a Colorado winter?

This is the new American choice: Don't Move. Improve.

Instead of selling your greatest asset, you can reinvest in it. A reverse mortgage can fund the upgrades that Colorado retirees want most:

• A Modern, Accessible Bathroom: A mid-range bathroom remodel in the Denver area is a smart investment in your comfort and safety for years to come.

• An Energy-Efficient Makeover: New windows, better insulation, and an upgraded furnace are essential for managing Colorado's four-season climate and your utility bills.

• A Finished Basement: In a state where square footage is golden, finishing the basement adds incredible value and functional living space for hobbies, guests, or a home gym.

• A Designer Kitchen: Why compromise on a new house for a designer kitchen when you can create the perfect one in the home you already love?

Finding Your Community Without Leaving Your Home

The number one reason retirees consider moving isn't for a smaller house. It's for a bigger life. It's the desire to belong. But a new address doesn't guarantee new friends. True belonging comes from engagement.

Imagine using your home's equity to create the life you want, right where you are:

• Fund Your Passions: Have the freedom to join a new social club, take classes through the Foothills Park & Recreation District's Active Adult Programs, or buy that annual pass to the Denver Botanic Gardens.

• Make an Impact: Dedicate your time to a cause you love. Organizations like Cultivate in Boulder County or county-level programs like Jeffco Parks & Open Space Volunteers are incredible ways to build meaningful connections.

The Coup de Grâce: The Ultimate Financial Freedom

We’ve talked about the myth of downsizing, the power of improving your home, and the joy of funding a life full of community. But it all hinges on one, transformative fact—the coup de grâce of the new American retirement plan.

With a reverse mortgage, you can accomplish all of this while eliminating your required monthly mortgage payments.

Imagine your budget without that single largest expense. The money that used to go to the bank can now go towards everything we just discussed. It’s the financial breathing room that makes everything else possible.

(You will still own your home and remain on the title, while being responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance.)

You’ve done the hard work. You’ve built the equity. It’s time to let your asset pay you back. If you’re ready for a retirement plan built for today, not yesterday, contact Enduro Mortgage for a straightforward conversation.