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

If you’re a homeowner in Sheboygan County with a low mortgage rate, you might be feeling a bit stuck these days. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether it’s for more space, a change of scenery, or finally finding a place that feels just right. But then the reality of today’s interest rates hits, and the thought quickly fades away.

This scenario is common across the country. Many homeowners locked in at historically low rates in 2020 or 2021. Now, with interest rates on the rise, those same homeowners are hesitant to let go of what feels like a fantastic 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 market. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to stay or go, there are three questions that can help you gain clarity and make a confident decision.

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

This is probably the most crucial question to consider. When you look beyond the interest rate and the numbers, is your home still supporting your day-to-day life?

Maybe what once felt spacious now feels cramped. Or perhaps your home seems too large and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs might have shifted—maybe you’re working from home more, caring for aging parents, or you’ve welcomed a new family member. Or it could be that you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What was once your dream home now feels more like a list of chores you can’t keep up with.

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 and mentally as well. 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. But that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially viable. What matters is how the full picture shapes up 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 what lifestyle benefits a move could bring you. Maybe it would bring you closer to family, provide your kids access to better schools, or offer that home office or outdoor space you’ve been craving. Perhaps it means downsizing and freeing up 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 gains and the 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. For some, that’s absolutely the right decision. But it’s essential that this choice is intentional, not just a default option.

Ask yourself: If I decide 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 means planning improvements—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 careful consideration.

You don’t have 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 decide 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 talk it through. We’ll 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 to move forward in the direction that feels right for you.