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

If you’re a homeowner in Southeastern PA 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 area, or finally securing 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 region. Millions locked in at historically low rates in 2020 or 2021 are now hesitant to let go of what feels like a great deal—even if their current home no longer fits their lifestyle.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the “lock-in effect,” and it can be quite influential. 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 can feel good about.

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

This is a crucial question to consider. When you look beyond the interest rate, beyond the numbers and spreadsheets, does your home still support the way you live day to day?

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 shifted—maybe you’re working from home more, caring for aging parents, or you’ve welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve just outgrown the space emotionally. What was once your dream home now feels like a never-ending to-do list.

It’s easy to set those feelings aside and focus solely on your current 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 enhance your daily life, not complicate it.

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. But that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t a viable option. What’s important is how the full picture shapes up for you.

Many homeowners in our area 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 up from $274,000 at the end of 2022—and even more from $182,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, based on CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights report.

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

And let’s not forget the potential lifestyle benefits a move could bring.

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

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a quality-of-life decision. When you weigh both the gains and the costs, you might discover 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 folks, that’s the right choice. But it should be a conscious decision, not just 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? Transform the spare room into a proper office? Redesign the backyard so it actually gets used?

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

You don’t have to have all the answers today. 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 goal isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s to make a decision that supports your life and future.

If you’re unsure about what comes next, let’s talk it through. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, look at real numbers, and explore what’s possible. Not to pressure you into a sale—but to give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that’s right for you.