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

If you’re a homeowner in the San Diego Metropolitan Area with a low mortgage rate, you might be feeling a bit stuck lately. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether that’s finding more 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 the idea quickly gets shelved.

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 give up what feels like an unbeatable deal—even if their current home no longer meets their needs.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it’s a significant factor in today’s market. But just because you feel stuck doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’re unsure whether to stay put or make a move, consider these three questions to help you find clarity and make a decision you can feel good about.

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

This is perhaps the most crucial question to ask. When you look beyond 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, caring for aging parents, or have welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve just outgrown the space emotionally. What used to be your 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 emotionally, mentally, and physically. The right home doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should make your daily life easier, not harder.

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

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

Many homeowners today 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 notable rise from $182,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, based on CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights report.

This means many local homeowners have built substantial equity, which could serve as a down payment on a new home. It could reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payment, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

And don’t forget about the lifestyle benefits a move could offer. Maybe 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 craving. Perhaps it means downsizing and freeing up more 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 decision. When you weigh both the potential gains and costs, you might find that the numbers aren’t as one-sided as they first appear.

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

It’s perfectly fine to choose to stay where you are. For some, that’s absolutely the right decision. But it should be a conscious choice, not a default option.

Ask yourself: If I choose to stay for the next three to five years, what would I need to change or invest in to make this home truly work 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, coming to terms with your current home means 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 expensive 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 just facing a decision that deserves some careful consideration.

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

If you’re uncertain about what comes next, let’s talk it through. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, look at real numbers, and explore what’s possible. This isn’t about pressuring you into a sale; it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that’s right for you.