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

If you’re a homeowner in Greater Cincinnati 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, that idea gets pushed aside.

This scenario is playing out for many homeowners across the region. Countless individuals 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 meets their needs.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it’s a significant factor in today’s real estate landscape. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been on the fence, unsure 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 a crucial question to consider. When you look beyond the mortgage rate and the numbers, does your home still support your daily life?

Maybe what once felt spacious now seems cramped, or perhaps your home feels too large and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs might have changed—maybe you’re working from home more often, caring for aging parents, or have welcomed a new family member. Or perhaps 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 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 also emotionally, mentally, and physically. The right home doesn’t have 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 a viable option for you. What’s important is how the entire picture looks for your situation.

Many homeowners in Greater Cincinnati 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 payments, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider what lifestyle advantages a move could bring you.

Perhaps 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. Maybe it means downsizing and freeing up more cash each month. Or finally settling in a neighborhood where you feel more at home.

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s also 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 first 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 move. But it’s essential that this decision is made intentionally, not just as 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 costly than moving would have been.

Final Thoughts

Feeling “stuck” can be frustrating. The good news is, you’re not as trapped as you 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, your goals, and your finances—you can gain clarity. Whether you decide to stay or go, the goal isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s about making a move that supports your life and your future.

If you’re unsure 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. Our aim is to provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that’s right for you.