Published November 15, 2025

Your Life vs. Your 3% Mortgage

Written by Deborah Vance

Your Life vs. Your 3% Mortgage header image.

Your Life vs. Your 3% Mortgage – Don’t Let “Golden Handcuffs” Hold You Back

Is your 3% mortgage starting to feel like golden handcuffs? You’re not alone. Many Imperial Beach homeowners hesitate to move because trading a 3% rate for today’s higher rates feels like giving up a golden ticket. We get it – that low rate saves you money.

But ask yourself: Is it worth staying in a home that no longer fits your life to keep that rate?

Your home should serve your needs.

Your home should serve your needs and dreams, not vice versa. Maybe your kids are grown and you’re now wandering through a large house with empty rooms. Or perhaps your Imperial Beach home bursts at the seams as your family grows.

No low interest rate can fix these issues. Staying put could cause stress, less convenience, and the loss of years in a home you truly love.

Home Values Projected to Rise

Meanwhile, the housing market isn’t hitting pause. Forecasts show home values will keep climbing through 2029. Every year you wait, you’ll likely pay more. Even modest price growth could make that dream home more expensive in a few years. Why pay more later for the same move?

Yes, giving up a 3% mortgage means taking on a higher rate. But remember, interest rates can change – you might refinance later – whereas you can’t get back the years spent in a home that wasn’t right for you. Your mortgage rate is just a number on paper; your home is where life happens.

Bottom line

Don’t let a great rate lock you into an okay situation. If your needs have changed, it may be time to make a move. Break free of those “golden handcuffs” and take control of your future.

Ready to explore your options? Call Deb and unlock her vast knowledge of the local market. Together, you can map out a plan that balances your financial and personal goals.