“The only cost with a cash house is maintenance and taxes.”
I like paid off.
There is a lost opportunity cost to having capital sitting in your house, which will change value regardless of how much equity is there.
It is also a very inviting target for attorney’s, unless you live in a homestead state and claim it.
Opportunity cost isn't a big deal for someone single with Stage 4 cancer.
One size does not fit all. What works for me may not work for everyone.
And it's small enough that a woman can't move in. Free! Free at last! 3 ex-wives is plenty. ;)
/johnny