Do Americans pay off their homes?

Hi I'm confused? I a new generation inmigrant in the US (legal), and I see most people are paying 30 year mortgages.

My question is, don't people ever pay off those loans, and then when paid in full and die, inherit the one or two kids and generate wealth? Or why does it seem that every new generation of Americans is living day to day instead of inheriting this type of wealth from generations in this country?

I'm confused.

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