Core Insights - The total home equity held by Americans aged 62 and older reached a record $14.39 trillion in mid-2025, indicating a strong trend in housing wealth accumulation among older homeowners [3] - The median home equity for homeowners aged 65 and older is $250,000, which is 47% higher than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the significant increase in housing wealth during this period [2][4] - Home equity is a critical asset for many retirees, especially among Black and Latino homeowners, where it constitutes a large portion of their net worth [3][8] Home Equity Trends - The average home equity for homeowners with mortgages is now $307,000, reflecting the overall increase in property values and mortgage paydowns over time [3] - Almost one in three homeowners aged 75 and older now carries a mortgage, a significant increase from 1998, with a median mortgage debt of approximately $107,000 for this age group [4] - The median per-capita home equity for Medicare beneficiaries increases with age, from $134,450 for those aged 65 to 74 to $179,700 for those aged 85 and older, indicating that older homeowners are more likely to own their homes outright [6] Income and Home Equity - Retirees with incomes between $50,000 and $199,000 reported a median of $253,000 in total household savings (excluding home equity), compared to a median of $211,000 in home equity for the same group [7] - Lower-income baby boomers have 3.8 times their annual income tied up in their homes, compared to 1.1 times for higher earners, emphasizing the importance of housing wealth for those with smaller retirement accounts [8] - Home equity constitutes a significant portion of net worth across racial lines, with 81% for Black homeowners and 89% for Latino homeowners aged 62 and older, compared to 47% for white homeowners [8]

Core Viewpoint - Visa is identified as a true retirement asset, emphasizing its ability to reduce drawdowns and compound wealth in a stable manner, rather than providing rapid short-term gains [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Visa is highlighted as a stable investment option suitable for retirement portfolios, focusing on long-term wealth accumulation [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - The analyst has over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, with a strong focus on equity valuation and market trends [1]. - Previous experience includes a role as Vice President at Barclays, leading teams in model validation and stress testing, indicating a deep expertise in both fundamental and technical analysis [1]. - The analyst collaborates with a research partner to deliver high-quality, data-driven insights, combining strengths in risk management and long-term value creation [1].