Is your home really supporting your retirement — or secretly draining your wealth and health? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt (Healthspan Scientist, Realtor, and Coach) challenges the myth that “mortgage-free at 65” is the ultimate goal. You’ll learn why homeownership can be both a blessing and a burden, and how to turn your biggest asset into a tool for wealth longevity and healthspan.

We’ll cover:

• The hidden costs of staying in the “forever home”
• Why location, walkability, and social connection matter more than square footage
• Three strategies to unlock home equity: downsizing, house-hacking, reverse mortgage
• A practical framework for deciding what’s right for you
• Why your kids probably don’t want the house you’re holding onto

Bottom line: Your house isn’t a trophy. It’s a tool — and used strategically, it can multiply your freedom, independence, and longevity.

👉 Free Coaching Call:https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discovery

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Why Your House Might Be Shortening Your Lifespan

00:56 The Double-Edged Sword of Homeownership and Health

01:57 When Your Home Becomes a Financial and Physical Liability

02:25 The Power of Location: Walkability, Social Connection, and Aging Well

03:43 Strategy #1: Downsizing or Right-Sizing for Lifestyle Alignment

04:29 Strategy #2: House-Hacking to Unlock Cash Flow and Connection

05:23 Strategy #3: Reverse Mortgages Explained—Modern HECMs Demystified

06:22 The Hidden Costs of Clinging to the “Forever Home”

07:38 A Framework for Deciding: Audit, Health, Opportunity, Numbers

08:52 Common Objections: Mortgage-Free at 65 and Leaving the House to Kids

10:15 Your Next Steps: How to Turn Home Equity into a Longevity Multiplier

11:18 Closing Challenge and Call to Action

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Lifestyle Longevity Assessment: https://bit.ly/3Ajb46K

Connect with Rachael: https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discovery

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Rachael Van Pelt, PhD, is a healthspan scientist, coach, Realtor, and investor dedicated to helping pre-retirees design a lifestyle that supports health, wealth, and happiness for the long haul. With a unique blend of expertise in longevity research, lifestyle coaching, and real estate, Rachael specializes in guiding clients toward their ideal next chapter—whether it’s downsizing, embracing a sunbird lifestyle, or simply optimizing the home they love. Through her innovative approach, Rachael empowers her clients to choose the path that enhances their health and longevity, ensuring that their retirement years are as vibrant, fulfilling, and financially secure as possible.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research. 

inPlace Professionals, LLC. 

2024 All rights reserved. 

Broker eXp Realty, LLC 

Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt