Why would I move, I have a 3% interest rate?!

Trust me,  I totally get it. That 3% mortgage rate? It's like gold, and the thought of letting it go can feel a bit scary, right? You might even be thinking, "Why on earth would I give that up?" Believe me, I hear that all the time from folks right here in our amazing community!

But here’s the thing, and I want you to really think about this with me: most of us don't move just because of a mortgage rate. We move because our lives change, and our homes need to change with them. Maybe it's a new job, a growing family, or simply the desire for more space to enjoy all that St. Johns County has to offer. So, instead of focusing on what you're giving up, let's flip the script and ask a question that's truly about your future:

What are the chances you'll still be in your current house 5 years from now?

Take a moment to picture your life over the next few years. Are you dreaming of expanding your family? Are your wonderful adult children getting ready to fly the nest? Is retirement on the horizon, perhaps with more time for golfing or enjoying our beautiful beaches? Or maybe your current home is already bursting at the seams?

If everything's perfect just the way it is, and you absolutely adore your current spot, then staying put might be the perfect plan for you – and I'll be the first to tell you that! But if there's even a little whisper that a move might be in your future, even if it's not immediate, it's definitely worth thinking about your timeline. Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next dream home might cost here.

What the Experts Say About Home Prices in St. Johns County (and Beyond) Over the Next 5 Years

You know I'm always keeping an eye on the market, and the experts at Fannie Mae agree with what we're seeing. Every quarter, they chat with over 100 housing market pros, and the consensus is clear: home prices are expected to continue their gentle climb through at least 2029. While we're not talking about huge jumps every single year, it's still an increase. And while some areas might see flatter prices in the short term, looking further out, prices almost always rise over the long haul. That anticipated increase, even if it's slight year over year, can really add up over five years!

Let's do a quick example, just to paint a picture for you. Say you're eyeing a lovely home that's currently around $400,000 here in St. Johns County. If you wait and move five years from now, based on these expert projections, that same home could cost nearly $80,000 more than it would today! Think about that for a moment. The longer you wait, the more your future home will likely cost you.

If you have a feeling a move is probably in your future, it truly makes sense to start thinking about your timeline sooner rather than later. You certainly don't have to pack your bags tomorrow! But from a financial perspective, it really is worth having a friendly chat about your options before prices continue to inch higher. And while we do expect rates to come down a bit, most experts agree we're not going to see those 3% rates again anytime soon.

So, the real question isn't, "Why would I move?" It's much more like, "When should I?" Because when you look at the real numbers, waiting might not be the savvy savings strategy you initially thought it was. And honestly, that's the absolute best conversation we can have together right now, as your trusted local agent.

Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – absolutely! – until it starts holding you back from living your best life in a home that truly fits your needs. If a move is on the horizon for you, even if it's a few years down the line, let's connect and thoughtfully walk through the numbers. That way, you'll have all the information you need to make the most informed decision about your timeline. What other price points are you curious about? Let's chat and see how the math adds up for your unique situation! I'm always here to help you navigate our vibrant St. Johns County market.