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Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates

June 25,2025 | Posted By Sonja Coffee in Selling
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Is Your Home Still Serving Your Life?

As much as we all love the comfort of a low mortgage rate, life has a way of changing, often faster than we expect. Over the past few years, many homeowners have chosen to stay put, holding tightly to historically low interest rates. But at some point, the realities of daily life, space, family, health, career changes start to outweigh the numbers.

This week, I’m sharing some important insights on why more homeowners are making moves despite higher mortgage rates, and what factors are motivating those decisions. If you’ve been feeling that gentle nudge that your current home may not fit your life as well as it once did, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look.
 

Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates

It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider.

While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are pushing more sellers off the fence despite today’s rates.

Data shows the share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% is dropping as more people move. And, as a result, the share of homeowners taking on a mortgage rate above 6% is rising, too (see graph below):
 
 
The Biggest Reasons People Are
Moving Right Now
Why are some homeowners willing to take on a higher rate? A survey from Realtor.com helps shed light on that. It shows 79% of homeowners considering selling today are doing it out of necessity. And that same survey says most of the necessary reasons people are moving are non-financial in nature (see graph below):
 
 
Do any of these reasons resonate for you, too?
 
  • You Need More Space: Whether it’s a new baby, children needing their own rooms, or having your parents move in so it’s easier to take care of them, outgrowing your space can happen fast.
 
  • You Need Less Space: The kids are out of the house now and you’re craving a life that’s a little simpler. Downsizing can be a major relief: fewer rooms to clean, less to maintain, and lower utility bills, too.
 
  • You Want to Be Closer to Family: Whether it’s to help with grandchildren or care for aging parents, sometimes the pull of being near loved ones outweighs the math.
 
  • A Relationship in Your Life Has Changed: Divorce, separation, or moving in together after a marriage or new partnership – all can create the need for a fresh start and a new place to call home.
 
  • Your Job Is Taking You Somewhere New: If you finally landed your dream job or your partner’s company is relocating, you may need to move too.

What About Mortgage Rates?
Yes, experts expect mortgage rates to ease, but slowly. The latest projections show only modest declines this year – not the 3% you may be hoping for (see graph below):
 
 
So, while waiting for a big drop in rates might sound strategic, it could just mean more time feeling stuck in a space that no longer fits. And for many, that waiting game has already gone on long enough.

According to Realtor.com, nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have been thinking about moving for over a year. If you’re one of them, maybe it’s time to ask:

How much longer are you willing to press pause on your life?
 

Bottom Line

The home that worked for you a few years ago may not fit your life today, and that’s perfectly okay. As life changes, so do our needs. It’s not just about mortgage rates, it’s about finding a place that truly supports the life you’re living now.

If you’re starting to wonder if it’s time for something different, I’m here to help you explore your options, with no pressure, just a conversation.

Give me a call today.

Wishing you a peaceful, productive, and healthy week ahead!
Sonja
909-917-8129
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