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

If you’re a homeowner in Southwest Florida with a low mortgage rate, you might find yourself feeling a bit stuck these days. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—seeking 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 that 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 give up 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 today’s real estate market. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been on the fence, unsure whether to stay or go, consider these three questions to help you gain clarity and make a confident decision.

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 financial 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 big and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs may have evolved—maybe you’re working from home more, caring for aging parents, or have welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What once felt like a 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 aligns with your lifestyle, it’s worth considering what it’s costing you to stay—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally, too. The right home doesn’t have 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 ago. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially feasible. What’s essential is how the entire picture looks for you.

Many homeowners in Southwest Florida 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 substantial rise from $182,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, based on CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights report.

This means many Floridians have built significant equity in their homes, which could serve as a down payment on a new property. This equity could reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payments, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

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

Maybe 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 dreaming of. Perhaps downsizing could free up extra cash each month or finally settling in a neighborhood that feels like home would enhance your quality of life.

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a quality-of-life choice. When you weigh the potential benefits against the costs, you might find that the numbers aren’t as one-sided as they seem at first glance.

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, that’s the best decision. But it’s important that this choice is made consciously, rather than being a default reaction.

Ask yourself: If I choose 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 become outdated? Convert a spare room into a functional office? Redesign the backyard to make it more usable?

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

However, staying without a plan can lead to years of quiet frustration. Often, those small compromises accumulate 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 might think. You’re just facing a decision that deserves careful consideration.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. But by asking the right questions—about your lifestyle, goals, and finances—you can find clarity. Whether you decide to stay or move, 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 your next steps, let’s have a conversation. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, examine 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 to move forward in the direction that feels right for you.