Should You Give Up a 3% Mortgage Rate to Move in Southwest Florida?
If you bought or refinanced a home a few years ago, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a mortgage rate around 3%. And if you’ve said, “I’ll never give up my 3% rate,” you’re not alone.
I hear it all the time from homeowners across Naples, Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs. And honestly, I get it. A 3% mortgage rate feels too good to walk away from.
But here’s the real question worth asking: What are you trading to keep that rate?
A Low Rate Is Powerful—but It’s Not the Whole Picture
Your mortgage rate is one piece of the puzzle, not the entire decision.
Sometimes holding onto a low rate means holding onto compromises you didn’t plan on making long-term:
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A house that’s now too small
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A layout that doesn’t fit your family anymore
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A commute that eats into your time
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A neighborhood that no longer matches your lifestyle
I’ve worked with clients who wanted an extra bedroom, a real backyard, a shorter drive to work, or simply a home that fits their current season of life. And in many cases, the emotional and lifestyle cost of staying put outweighed the financial benefit of a low interest rate.
When Staying Put Is the Right Answer
This is important: moving is not always the right move.
For some homeowners, keeping that 3% rate makes perfect sense. If your home fits your needs, your finances feel comfortable, and your lifestyle is aligned, staying put can be a smart decision.
Good real estate advice isn’t about pushing people to buy or sell. It’s about helping you make a decision that fits your life, not just the math on paper.
When the Math—and Life—Say Something Different
Other times, when we zoom out and look at the full picture, the numbers tell a different story. Equity, long-term appreciation, tax considerations, quality of life, and future flexibility all matter.
I’ve seen situations where moving—even at a higher rate—put clients in a better long-term position because the home worked better for their family, their career, or their retirement plans.
Let’s Talk It Through
If you’re holding onto a 3% mortgage rate but quietly wondering if it’s still the right move for you, that’s a conversation worth having.
Sometimes the answer is to stay put. Other times, the right move is something different entirely.
Either way, the goal is clarity.
If you’re thinking about your next step in the Southwest Florida real estate market, I’m always happy to talk it through and help you weigh the full picture—numbers, lifestyle, and long-term goals included. You can call or text me at 727.638.1704, or you can schedule a time that works for you by clicking HERE.
