Let’s be honest—letting go of a 3% mortgage rate can feel like saying goodbye to a golden ticket. It’s one of the top reasons homeowners have been hesitant to move, even when their current home no longer fits their lifestyle.
But here’s what we’re seeing more of lately: people are choosing life over rate. And frankly, it’s about time.
Real Life > Low Rate
Maybe your home felt just right in 2020—but that was then. These days, we’re helping more clients who are realizing that a low rate doesn’t solve the daily frustrations of:
· Being short on space
· Living far from family
· Navigating stairs that no longer work for aging knees
· Or simply needing a fresh start after a major life change
The data backs it up. Even though 29% of mortgages were below 3% in May 2024, that share is falling fast. Meanwhile, more people are accepting 6%+ rates to make a move that actually fits their life today.
Why Are Homeowners Moving Anyway?
According to Realtor.com, a whopping 79% of homeowners considering selling are doing it out of necessity—not profit. And most of those reasons aren’t financial at all.
Some of the top motivators?
· Looking for a different community (46%)
· Need more space or need to downsize
· Want to be closer to family
· Life events—like marriage, divorce, a new baby, or caring for aging parents
· Job relocations or remote work transitions
Does one (or more) of those hit home for you, too?
What About Those Mortgage Rates?
We won’t sugarcoat it—rates are higher than what many homeowners got during the pandemic. But according to projections from major industry players like Fannie Mae, Wells Fargo, and Redfin, we’re not likely to see those historic lows return anytime soon.
The average forecast for year-end 2025 hovers around 6.53%. That’s not nothing—but it also means waiting on the “perfect” rate may just leave you stuck in a home that doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore.
The Real Question Is: What’s Life Asking From You?
We’ve met with so many homeowners recently who’ve been sitting on the decision to move for over a year. They’ve been patient, hopeful—even strategic. But the tide is shifting.
Life doesn’t wait for ideal interest rates. The right time to move isn’t just about market conditions—it’s about your needs.
So ask yourself:
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Is your home still working for your family?
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Are you making sacrifices just to hold onto a lower monthly payment?
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Would the right home improve your daily life, your relationships, your peace of mind?
If the answer to any of those is yes, it might be time to stop pressing pause.
Bottom Line
The house that served you well five years ago might be holding you back today. And while mortgage rates matter, they’re not the whole story.
The bigger story?
What kind of home do you need for the life you’re living right now?
We’re here to help you figure that out—without pressure, but with perspective. Let’s talk about your options, what’s happening locally in St. Petersburg, Odessa, and the surrounding areas, and how we can help you move forward—literally and figuratively.
—Annie + Kevin Rocks
Rocks Realty
📍 Serving St. Petersburg · Odessa · Tampa Bay
📞 Let’s connect and map out your next move.
