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

If you’re a homeowner in Miami with a low mortgage rate, you might be feeling a bit stuck lately. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether it’s for more space, a different neighborhood, or finally finding a home that feels just right. But then the reality of today’s interest rates hits, and suddenly, the 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 a great deal—even if their current home no longer fits their lifestyle.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it’s a significant factor in the current market. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been wavering, unsure whether to stay or move, 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 perhaps the most crucial question to ponder. When you look beyond the mortgage rate, beyond the numbers and spreadsheets, is your home still supporting your day-to-day 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 shifted—maybe you’re working from home more often, caring for aging parents, or you’ve welcomed a new family member. It’s also possible that you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What used to feel like 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 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 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 today’s interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially viable. What matters is how the overall 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 equity could serve as your down payment on a new home, reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payment, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider the lifestyle benefits a move could provide.

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

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s also a quality-of-life choice. When you weigh both the gains and 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 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, 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.

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 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 help you find 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 future.

If you’re uncertain about what comes next, let’s have a conversation. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, look at real numbers, and explore what’s possible. This isn’t about pushing 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.