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

If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles County with a low mortgage rate, you might feel a bit stuck these days. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether that’s finding a larger space, relocating to a different neighborhood, or finally settling into 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 an unbeatable deal—even if their current home no longer suits their lifestyle.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it’s a significant factor in today’s housing market. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to stay put or make a change, consider these three questions to help clarify your situation and guide you toward a decision you feel good about.

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

This is a crucial starting point. When you look beyond the mortgage rate and the spreadsheets, does your home still support your daily life?

Maybe what once felt spacious now feels cramped, or perhaps your home feels too big and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs might have shifted—maybe you’re working from home more often, caring for aging parents, or have welcomed a new family member. Or it could be that you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What was once a dream home may now feel 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 in financial terms, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically. The right home doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should enhance your daily life rather than 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 back. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially feasible. What matters is how the entire picture looks for you.

Many homeowners in Los Angeles County are sitting on substantial 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 significant jump 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 even help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider the lifestyle benefits a move could bring. Perhaps it would bring you closer to family, provide access to better schools for your kids, or offer that home office or outdoor space you’ve been dreaming about. Maybe it means downsizing and freeing up extra 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 choice. When you weigh both the potential 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 choose to stay where you are. In fact, for some, that’s the best decision. But it’s essential that this choice is made consciously, not as a default.

Ask yourself: If I decide to stay for the next three to five years, what changes or investments would I need to make to ensure this home truly works 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 developing 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 lead you toward clarity. Whether you choose to stay or go, the aim isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s about making a move 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 pressuring you into a sale; it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that feels right for you.