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

If you’re a homeowner in Central Indiana 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 home that feels just right. But then you remember today’s interest rates, and suddenly, that idea gets pushed aside.

This scenario is common across the country. Many homeowners locked in at historically low rates during 2020 or 2021 are now hesitant to let go of what seems 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 the current market. 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, 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 changed—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 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 interest rates are higher now 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 Central Indiana 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 up from $274,000 at the end of 2022 and significantly higher than the $182,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, based on CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights report.

This means that homeowners here are likely sitting on substantial equity, which could serve as a down payment on a new home or help reduce the amount you need to borrow.

And then there’s the other side of the equation: what lifestyle benefits could a move bring you?

Perhaps it would bring you closer to family, provide your kids with access to better schools, or offer that home office or outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of. Maybe it means downsizing and freeing up some 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 first appear.

If you stay, are you staying intentionally—or just avoiding a hard choice?

It’s perfectly fine to stay where you are. For some, that’s the right choice. But it’s essential that this decision is made consciously, not just as a default.

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, finding peace with your current home involves making a plan to improve it—whether through minor updates, strategic renovations, or simply adjusting how you use your space.

However, staying without a plan can lead to years of frustration. Often, those quiet 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 decide to stay or go, the goal isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s to make a choice that supports your life and 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. 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’s right for you.