If you’re locked into a 3% mortgage rate, it’s completely natural to hesitate before giving that up. Even if the idea of moving has crossed your mind, there’s probably a voice in your head saying, “Why would I ever let that go?”
But by focusing solely on the rate, you might be unintentionally sidelining what really matters—your lifestyle, goals, and needs. After all, most people don’t move because of interest rates; they move because something in their life calls for change.
So instead of asking, “Why would I give that up?”—try asking this:
How likely is it that you’ll still be living in your current home five years from now?
Take a moment to envision your life in the near future. Are you planning to expand your family? Are your kids getting ready to leave the nest? Is retirement approaching—or already here? Maybe your home is already feeling a bit too tight for comfort.
If nothing major is expected to change and you truly love where you live, staying might be the right choice. But if there’s even a small chance a move could be on the horizon—whether that’s next year or a few years down the road—it’s worth thinking ahead.
Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next home might cost you.
What the Experts Say About Home Prices over the Next 5 Years
Every quarter, Fannie Mae surveys over 100 housing market experts to get their take on where home prices are headed. And the message is consistent: prices are expected to keep rising through at least 2029 (see graph below):
These projections don’t suggest massive jumps year after year—but they do point to steady growth. Some local markets might experience slower gains, flat periods, or minor dips in the short term. But zoom out, and the bigger picture becomes clear: home prices tend to rise over time.
Even modest increases, compounded over the next five years, can add up quickly. Waiting could cost more than you think.
Let’s look at a quick example. Suppose you’re planning to buy a home around the $400,000 mark. If you wait five years to make that move, expert projections suggest that same home could cost you nearly $80,000 more (see graph below):
In other words, the longer you wait, the more your future home may cost.
So, if a move is even remotely on your horizon, now might be the time to take a closer look at your timeline. You don’t have to make a move today—but financially, it could be worth exploring your options before prices continue to climb.
Yes, mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly—but not dramatically. And if you’re waiting for 3% rates to return, experts are aligned: that kind of drop just isn’t likely (see graph below):
