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If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably caught yourself thinking, “I’d love to move… but I just can’t give up my 3% rate.” And honestly? That’s completely understandable. A rate that low is like finding money on the sidewalk every month—it’s hard to let go. But here’s the truth: a low mortgage rate won’t fix a home that no longer fits your life.

The Lock-In Effect Is Loosening

For years, many homeowners have been trapped by what experts call the “lock-in effect.” Basically, it’s the fear of moving because your next mortgage will come with a higher rate. But according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), this hesitation is slowly starting to fade.

More and more people are moving, even if it means taking on a higher rate. The share of mortgages over 6% is hitting a 10-year high—showing that homeowners are starting to accept today’s rates as the new normal.

Why Move When Rates Are Higher?

Sometimes life just doesn’t wait. Families grow, jobs change, priorities shift, and suddenly, your home doesn’t meet your needs anymore—regardless of how amazing your rate is. Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, sums it up perfectly:

“More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t stand still—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood. Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate.”

Life Happens—The 5 Ds of Moving

First American breaks down the big reasons homeowners move into what they call the 5 Ds:

• Diplomas: Higher earning potential after school means bigger dreams—and bigger homes.
  
  
• Diapers: Your family’s growing, and you’ve outgrown your space.
  
  
• Divorce: Life transitions call for a fresh start.
  
  
• Downsizing: Kids moved out? Time to simplify.
  
  
• Death: Want to be closer to family or rethink priorities? Life’s too short to stay put.
  
  

No matter your reason, the takeaway is simple: staying put just because your mortgage rate is low may be holding your life on pause.

Are You Ready to Press Play?

According to Realtor.com, almost two-thirds of potential sellers have been thinking about moving for over a year. That’s a long time to hit pause on your dreams. Maybe the real question isn’t “Should I move?” but “How long am I willing to stay somewhere that no longer fits my life?”

Mortgage rates are already down from earlier peaks and are expected to dip a little more in 2026. Combine that with life’s real needs, and it could be the perfect moment to make a move.

Bottom Line

Life doesn’t wait for the perfect rate—and maybe you shouldn’t either. With rates easing and real reasons to move, exploring your options might be easier than you think.

📞 Ready to see what’s possible? Call or text us today at 855-935-MORE.