Stuck Between Moving and Staying? These 3 Questions Can Help You Decide

Feeling Stuck in Your Low Mortgage Rate? You’re Not Alone—But You Do Have Options

If you're a homeowner in Columbia IL, Waterloo IL, or anywhere across Monroe County, and you're sitting on a historically low mortgage rate, chances are you’ve felt a little... stuck lately.

You’ve probably dreamed about a home with more space. A better layout. A new location closer to family, work, or your favorite spots. Maybe you’ve even browsed local listings or imagined what it would be like to finally live in a place that truly fits your lifestyle.

But then reality sets in: interest rates are higher than they were in 2020 or 2021. And just like that, the idea of moving gets shelved—again.

At Mandy McGuire Group, we’ve seen this scenario play out with countless homeowners across the region. You’re not imagining it—this phenomenon is called the “lock-in effect”. It’s the hesitation many feel about giving up a low interest rate, even when the current home no longer suits their life.

But here’s the truth: staying put isn’t your only option. And more importantly—it might not be your best one.

If you’ve been going back and forth on whether to move or stay, we’re here to help. Start by asking yourself these three key questions—they’ll bring you clarity and confidence, and help you make a choice that truly supports your future.

Because you deserve more than just a good rate—you deserve to live where you love.

Is Your Current Home Still Working for Your Life—Or Just Your Loan?

At Mandy McGuire Group, we talk to a lot of homeowners in Columbia, Waterloo, and all across Monroe County, IL, who are wrestling with a big question:

“Is my home still working for my life—or am I just staying because of the loan?”

It’s a valid question, especially in today’s real estate market. But beyond rates and spreadsheets, here’s what really matters: Is your home still supporting the life you want to live, day to day?

When Life Changes, Your Home Should Keep Up

Maybe your once spacious home now feels tight and chaotic. Or maybe it’s the opposite—it feels too quiet, too empty, since the kids moved out. Perhaps you’re working remotely more often, caring for an aging parent, or welcoming a new baby. Maybe what once felt like your dream home now feels like a never-ending to-do list.

These changes aren’t just emotional—they’re practical. If your home no longer fits your lifestyle, it’s worth asking: What’s it costing me to stay here? Not just in terms of money, but in mental bandwidth, energy, and daily comfort.

It’s Not Just About Interest Rates—It’s About Possibility

We know the elephant in the room: interest rates are higher now. But that doesn’t automatically mean a move is off the table.

In fact, if you’re like many homeowners in Monroe County, you’re likely sitting on a significant amount of home equity. As of early 2024, the average mortgage-holding homeowner in the U.S. had around $299,000 in equity (source: ICE Mortgage Monitor). That’s a major opportunity.

That equity could be your ticket to a more fitting home—whether that means:

• Downsizing and pocketing the difference

• Buying closer to family or better schools

• Finding that home office or outdoor space you’ve been craving

• Moving to a community where you finally feel like you belong

At Mandy McGuire Group, our philosophy is simple: live where you love. And sometimes that means saying goodbye to a home that no longer fits—so you can say yes to one that does.

Staying Should Be a Decision—Not a Default

Don’t get us wrong—staying put might absolutely be the right move. But the key is to make it intentional.

Ask yourself:

• What would it take to make this home truly work for me over the next 3–5 years?

• Would I renovate the outdated kitchen? Build a functional home office?

• Could I reimagine the backyard or finally finish the basement?

Staying doesn’t have to mean settling. But staying without a plan? That’s how frustration quietly builds—until suddenly, your “forever home” feels more like a weight than a refuge.

Final Thoughts: You're Not Stuck—You Just Have a Choice to Make

Feeling stuck is frustrating—but you’re not stuck. You’re just standing at a crossroads that deserves thoughtful reflection.

Whether you’re in Columbia IL, Waterloo IL, or elsewhere in Monroe County, you deserve to live in a space that supports your lifestyle—not one that holds it back.

At Mandy McGuire Group, we help people like you evaluate what’s next. Whether you're considering a move or simply exploring how to make your current home work better, we're here to help you make a choice that supports your life—not just your loan.

Let’s talk about how you can live where you love.

Local expertise. Real conversations. Homes that fit your life.