We have all heard it lately, and it’s a completely fair question:

“Why would I move when I’ve got a 3 percent mortgage?”

That was a fantastic, generational rate. It feels safe to keep it, but here is the critical truth most homeowners are not thinking about: Keeping a low rate does not always mean keeping the right home.

Your 3% rate is a wonderful financial asset, but it is not a life strategy.

From Pressure to Planning: The Pivotal Question

Life keeps moving. Families grow. Jobs change. Priorities shift. And that home that worked perfectly a few years ago might already feel too small, too big, or just not quite right for the life you are building today.

So, instead of asking if you are “ready to sell,” I prefer to ask this more insightful question:

What are the chances you will still be living here in five years?

That question shifts the conversation from the emotional pressure of losing a low rate to the strategic planning of achieving your long-term goals.

The Financial Cost of Waiting

If you know a move is likely within the next three to five years, waiting to protect your rate can become a false economy. You are saving on one side of the equation while losing on the other.

  1. Home Prices Will Keep Rising: Home prices are projected to keep rising slowly but steadily over the next few years. In most markets, annual appreciation (even modest appreciation) will outpace the money you save by keeping your low rate.
  2. Rates Won’t Return to 3%: Rates might dip slightly, allowing for a future refinance, but experts agree they are not returning to 3%. The cost of a new mortgage is the price of admission to your next chapter.
  3. The Price-Rate Trap: If you wait two years, your next home could cost you $20,000 to $40,000 more due to appreciation. This price increase often negates any savings you accrued from your low monthly payment. Waiting means paying more for the next home.

The real goal is to capture the highest price for your current home (thanks to your built-up equity) and secure the right house for your future, even if the new payment is higher.

Focus on Life, Not Leverage

Your low mortgage payment is a fantastic tool, but it should serve your life, not confine it. Don’t let a temporary, low interest rate prevent you from finding the space, neighborhood, or lifestyle that truly fits your goals.

If you are ready to evaluate the true financial impact of staying versus moving, let’s connect. We can run a side-by-side analysis to determine the cost of waiting versus the reward of moving now.