The problem is you're stuck with a big house, and no one can afford to buy it. Getty Images Getty Images loading...Today, it's much more difficult to downsize in this housing market even if your house is paid for. For some shoppers in Washington state the only way that they can make this happen is by paying cash. Getty Images Getty Images loading...Another aspect to this whole problem is there seems to be some sort of generational divide between younger generations and empty nesters deciding to hang on to their home rather than sell and take a loss. Getty Images Getty Images loading...As long as interest rates are high and availability of suitable housing is scarce, this problem is going to continue.