Older Americans Weigh TODDs for 29.6 Million Homes Worth $13.8 Trillion

1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 3

34.1% of U.S. housing value — 29.6 million homes worth $13.8 trillion — is held by boomers and older Americans, pushing estate lawyers to press seniors to decide how heirs will receive property.
Transfer on Death Deeds have emerged as a low-cost option in more than 30 states, letting a home pass directly to named beneficiaries and avoid probate with paperwork that can cost hundreds, not thousands.
TODDs work best for smaller, simpler estates, especially when a home is the main asset and financial accounts already have named beneficiaries.
Trusts remain the preferred tool for larger or more complex estates because they can address incapacity, multiple heirs, changing family circumstances and creditor risks that TODDs do not cover.