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

If you’re a homeowner in Northwest Atlanta with a low mortgage rate, you might feel a bit stuck right now. Perhaps you’ve considered making a move—whether that’s finding a larger space, relocating to a different area, or finally discovering a home that feels just right. But then reality sets in with today’s interest rates, and suddenly, that idea gets shelved again.

This scenario is playing out for many homeowners across the country. Millions locked in at historically low rates back in 2020 or 2021 are now hesitant to let go of what seems like a fantastic 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 market. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to stay or go, consider these three questions to help clarify your situation and make a decision you feel good about.

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

This is a crucial question to start with. 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 seems cramped. Or perhaps your home feels too large and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs might have evolved—maybe you’re working from home more often, caring for aging parents, or have welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What used to be 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 mortgage rate. But when your home no longer meets your lifestyle needs, 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 enhance your daily life, not complicate it.

What would a move really cost you—and what might it make possible?

There’s no denying that interest rates are higher than they were a few years back. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially feasible. The key is to look at the complete picture.

Many homeowners in our area 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 means many homeowners here have built considerable equity, which could serve as a down payment on a new home. It could reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payment, or even help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider what lifestyle benefits a move could bring. Perhaps it would bring you closer to family, provide your kids with access to a better school district, 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 that feels more like home.

Moving isn’t just about finances; it’s also about enhancing your quality of life. 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 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 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? 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 for improvement—whether through small 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 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 might think. You’re just 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 guide 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 your next steps, let’s have a conversation. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, look at real numbers, and explore what’s possible. Our goal isn’t to pressure you into a sale, but to provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that feels right for you.