Stuck Between Moving and Staying? These 3 Questions Can Help You Decide

If you’re a homeowner in The Valley with a low mortgage rate, you might be feeling a bit stuck lately. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether that’s finding a larger space, relocating to a different neighborhood, or finally discovering a home that feels just right. But then the reality of today’s interest rates hits, and suddenly, that idea gets pushed aside.

This scenario is playing out for many homeowners across the country. Millions locked in at historically low rates in 2020 or 2021 are now hesitant to let go of what feels like an unbeatable deal—even if their current home no longer fits their lifestyle.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it can be a strong influence. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been hesitating, unsure whether to stay or go, there are three questions that can help you gain clarity—and make a decision you feel good about.

Is your current home still working for your life—or just your loan?

This is perhaps the most crucial question to consider. When you look past the interest rate and the numbers, does your home still support your daily life?

Maybe what once felt spacious now feels cramped. Or perhaps your home feels too large and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs may have changed—maybe you’re working from home more often, caring for aging parents, or you’ve welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What was once a dream home now feels like a never-ending to-do list.

It’s easy to push those feelings aside and focus solely on your current mortgage rate. But when your home no longer fits your lifestyle, it’s worth considering what it’s costing you to stay—not just financially, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically. The right home doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should make your daily life easier, not more complicated.

What would a move really cost you—and what might it make possible?

There’s no denying that interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially feasible. What’s important is how the entire picture looks for you.

Many homeowners in The Valley are sitting on significant levels of equity. As of early 2024, the average mortgage-holding homeowner in the U.S. holds approximately $299,000 in equity, according to ICE’s Mortgage Monitor report. That’s an increase from $274,000 at the end of 2022 and a substantial rise from $182,000 at the start of the pandemic, based on CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights report.

This equity could serve as your down payment on a new home, reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payments, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider what lifestyle benefits a move could offer you.

Perhaps it would bring you closer to family, provide your kids access to better schools, or give you that home office or outdoor space you’ve been longing for. Maybe it means downsizing and freeing up extra cash each month. Or finally settling in a neighborhood where you feel more at home.

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a quality-of-life choice. When you weigh both the gains and the costs, you might find that the numbers aren’t as one-sided as they initially seem.

If you stay, are you staying intentionally—or just avoiding a hard choice?

It’s perfectly fine to stay where you are. In fact, for some people, that’s the best decision. But it should be a conscious choice, not just a default option.

Ask yourself: If I decide to stay for the next three to five years, what changes or investments would I need to make to ensure this home truly works for me? Would I renovate the kitchen that’s no longer functional? Convert the spare room into a proper office? Redesign the backyard so it actually gets used?

Staying doesn’t have to mean settling. Sometimes, finding peace with your current home involves making a plan to improve it—whether through small updates, strategic renovations, or simply adjusting how you use your space.

However, staying without a plan can lead to years of quiet frustration. In many cases, those small compromises can add up to something more costly than moving would have been.

Final Thoughts

Feeling “stuck” can be frustrating. But the good news is, you’re not as trapped as you might think. You’re simply facing a decision that deserves careful consideration.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. But asking the right questions—about your lifestyle, your goals, and your finances—can lead you toward clarity. Whether you decide to stay or go, the aim isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s to make a choice that supports your life and your future.

If you’re uncertain about what comes next, let’s talk it through. We’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons, examine real numbers, and explore what’s possible. Not to pressure you into a sale, but to provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that feels right for you.