Navigating a Move When You Have a Low Rate

Why People Still Move — Even With Today’s Rates

There are really three types of buyers and sellers in today’s market: urgent, active, and passive.

Urgent movers are people who need to move, usually because of major life events, death, divorce, disability, or debt. The timing isn’t optional.

Active movers are people who want to move because life has changed: downsizing, marriage, growing families, or career shifts. Their current home no longer fits the next phase of their life.

Passive movers are people who would move if the right opportunity presented itself. They’re not searching daily, but the right home could change that quickly.

Here’s the key takeaway:
people in all three categories are still moving, even with today’s affordability challenges and mortgage rates.

And to be clear, we’re not the type of realtors telling you, “Now’s the time to buy!” or “Winter has the best buyers!” If anything, we probably talk ourselves out of business more than we talk people into it.

Our job is to give you clarity and options so you can make a decision that actually fits your life.

If You’re an Urgent Mover

Urgent moves come with stress and uncertainty. The goal here is stability and clear next steps.

Selling quickly does not mean underpricing. The focus is on creating strong demand early so you’re not negotiating from a weak position.

Most urgent sales can realistically go from listing to closing in 30–45 days, depending on the situation. Temporary housing, rent-backs, or short-term rentals can add flexibility when timing is tight.

An urgent situation doesn’t mean you have to give away equity. With the right structure, you can still sell well and move forward confidently.

If You’re an Active Mover

Active movers usually have the biggest question: buy first or sell first?

There’s no universal answer. It depends on your finances and how competitive the current market is.

If carrying two mortgages isn’t an option, buying first isn’t realistic. In that case, the plan usually involves selling first, using temporary housing, negotiating a rent-back, or accessing a HELOC to manage timing.

Inventory patterns also matter. Some segments see new listings regularly, while others have long gaps. Understanding how often homes like the one you want actually come up helps determine the right strategy.

Navigating the Low-Rate “Handcuff”

No one has a crystal ball for where rates are going, and we’re not going to pretend otherwise. The most important question is simple: what can you comfortably afford? Once you know that number, the next step is focusing on the areas and price ranges where that affordability exists.

While the monthly payment matters, it’s not the whole picture. You’re not investing in a payment, you’re buying an asset. Choosing the right home, in the right location, with solid long-term fundamentals matters just as much as the interest rate.

The Real Cost of Waiting

Waiting can feel safe, but it has a real cost. Historically, home prices rise around 4% per year. On a $500,000 home, waiting five years puts that same property closer to $608,000.

That’s a $108,000 increase, before factoring in increased competition or limited inventory if rates eventually fall.

The right move is based on what your life requires right now, not on trying to time the rate cycle.

If You’re a Passive Mover

Passive movers aren’t rushed, and that’s often a great position to be in.

The most helpful step is setting a trigger list. These are the conditions that would actually make you consider moving:

• If something comes up in a specific neighborhood
  
  
• If a home under a certain price hits the market
  
  
• If a ranch, townhome, or low-maintenance option becomes available
  
  
• If a property with a specific layout or feature appears
  
  

You’re not planning to move today, but having clarity means you’re ready when the right opportunity shows up instead of reacting after it’s gone.

The Bottom Line

People move because life changes. Rates and headlines matter, but they don’t override a home that no longer fits.

Whether you’re an urgent, active, or passive mover, there’s a smart path forward, one that protects your finances, respects your timeline, and removes unnecessary stress.

Our role isn’t to push you into a move. It’s to give you the clarity and options to make the right decision when it actually makes sense.