How to Use Your Home Equity to Make a Move in St. George

If you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are you’ve built up substantial equity—especially in a high-demand market like St. George. Real estate values here have risen dramatically in recent years. For retirees and homeowners planning a lifestyle change, your home equity can be the key to making your next move possible. The big question is: how should you put that equity to work?

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Thanks to steady demand from both locals and out-of-state buyers, property values in St. George have climbed steadily, leaving many homeowners with more equity than they realize. In some cases, that’s hundreds of thousands of dollars waiting to be put to work for your retirement lifestyle.

Ways to Leverage Your Equity

Here are some of the most common (and practical) ways St. George homeowners are using their equity today:

• Sell and Downsize: Many retirees sell their larger homes and use the proceeds to purchase a smaller, low-maintenance property. This not only reduces expenses but also frees up cash for travel, hobbies, or investing in retirement income. (Read our downsizing guide here.)
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC allows you to borrow against your equity without selling your home. This is helpful if you want to buy before selling, fund home upgrades, or keep financial flexibility for the unexpected.
• Cash-Out Refinance: Replace your existing mortgage with a new one and pocket the difference in cash. This option makes sense if you want to stay put but still access funds for retirement needs, healthcare, investing in an income property, or even helping family.
• Bridge to Active Retirement Living: Some homeowners use equity to transition into lifestyle communities with golf, pools, or fitness amenities while maintaining financial flexibility. In St. George, this might mean moving into communities like SunRiver or Entrada.

Why Equity Matters in St. George

The St. George market is unique compared to national averages. High demand from retirees relocating from states like California, Arizona, and Nevada has driven property values upward. This means your equity can stretch further here—whether that’s upgrading to a home closer to the golf course, downsizing into a lock-and-leave townhome, or funding new retirement adventures.

Things to Watch Out For

While leveraging equity can be powerful, it’s important to have a clear plan. For example, tapping equity through a refinance or HELOC increases your monthly payments, which may not be ideal if you’re moving to a fixed income in retirement. Selling and downsizing avoids that issue, but it means parting with a home you may love. The key is matching your financial goals with your lifestyle priorities.

Making the Right Move for Your Future

Every homeowner’s situation is different. Some use equity to retire debt-free, while others use it to travel, invest, or move closer to family. The best choice depends on your financial picture and retirement goals. That’s why talking with a local real estate professional who understands both the market and retirement living in St. George is so valuable.

Your home equity is one of your most powerful financial tools. Let's talk about how to leverage it toward your individual goals!