Why More Homeowners in North Carolina Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

 

If you’re a homeowner holding onto a 3% mortgage rate, you’re not alone. As local real estate professionals, Tracy and I talk with people every week who say:

"We’d love to move, but we don’t want to give up our amazing rate."

We get it. That 2-3% rate you locked in a few years ago felt like winning the lottery. But here’s the reality: a great rate doesn't help if you're feeling stuck in a home that no longer fits your life.

📊 The Lock-In Effect Is Real, But It's Fading

For a while, many homeowners felt frozen by what's called the "lock-in effect", hesitant to move because of today's higher mortgage rates. But that's beginning to change. According to data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the share of homeowners holding rates below 3% is slowly declining. More people are realizing they can't press pause on life forever.

We're seeing it here in our market too, families are making moves despite the higher rates because their current homes no longer serve their needs. And when the right opportunity comes along, they're taking it.

And while it may not seem that dramatic, it’s actually a pretty noteworthy shift. The share of mortgage rates have cooled from the 7–8% highs of 2023 and now hover in the low 6s, with a rate above 6% just hitting a 10-year high (see graph below). That shows more people are getting used to today’s rates as the new normal. Many experts believe this is the new normal—making now a smart time to act before prices increase again.

 

Why Are More People Moving Now, if It Means Taking on a Higher Rate?

It’s simple. Interest rates have started to level out in the low 6% range, and many forecasters do not expect them to drop significantly anytime soon. The realization for many homeowners is that we’re in a new normal. At the same time, life doesn’t wait—families grow, jobs change, and priorities shift. A house that once worked well may no longer suit your needs, no matter how attractive your current mortgage rate is.

The good news? Many homeowners, particularly those who bought homes before 2023, have built up substantial equity in their homes. That equity can often offset a higher rate and still make a move financially smart.

As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, explains:

“More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t standstill—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood. Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate.”

👥 Frank & Tracy's Local Take on the 5 Ds

Real estate experts often refer to the 5 life motivators that drive moves, known as the "5 Ds":

• Diplomas: People with college degrees typically earn more, and that adds up to more buying power. Maybe you bought your house when you were younger and now that you’ve graduated and have a rising career, you’re ready to move up.
• Diapers: You’ve outgrown your space. If you’re welcoming a new baby, your current home might not be cutting it anymore.
• Divorce: Whether it’s ending a marriage (or starting one), it can create the need for a new place to call home.
• Downsizing: You’re ready to downsize. Maybe the kids have moved out and it’s time to simplify. Smaller house, less maintenance, more freedom.
• Death: If you’ve recently lost a loved one, maybe you’ve realized you want to be closer to family. Life’s too short to live far from the people who matter most.

Whatever your reason, here’s what you need to think about. Yes, your low rate is great. But staying put means your life may stay on hold. And maybe that’s not working for you anymore. We’ve helped families navigate each of these life moments. Whether it’s growing your family or starting over after loss, we’re here to help you find peace of mind, not just a place to live.

According to Realtor.com, nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have already been thinking about moving for over a year. That’s a long time to press pause on your plans. On your needs. On your family’s goals. So, maybe the question isn’t: “Should I move?”

It’s actually: “How much longer am I willing to stay somewhere that no longer fits my life?”

Because we’ve already seen rates come down from their peak earlier this year. And they're expected to ease a bit more, but not much, in 2026. When you stack that on top of the very real reasons you may need a new home, it may be enough to finally move the needle for you. 

 

👉 Explore new listings in Moore County here.

🏡 Let’s See What’s Possible for You

We've been in your shoes. With over 30 years of combined military service, Tracy and I have PCS'd multiple times before transitioning into real estate. Now, with more than 18 years of combined real estate experience, we help clients navigate both the emotional and financial side of making a move.

Our client testimonials speak for themselves:

"The Only Realtors I’ll Ever Work With Again. Frank and Tracy are some of the most honest, trustworthy, personable, and professional people you’ll find in the area. They helped my wife and me sell our old home and purchase our new one, and I would gladly do it all over again with them. I can’t emphasize enough how transparent and sincere they were throughout the entire process. They truly had our best interests at heart both times we worked with them, and my wife and I deeply appreciated that." – Addie and Angie - Vass, NC

• We can run real scenarios:
• What would it look like to keep your current home as a rental?
• Could a new construction home with builder incentives offset the higher rate?
• Are there strategies to buy down your new rate?

We’ll walk you through it—no pressure, just a smart plan.

🎯 Not ready to move yet?
Browse for homes on our fully MLS indexed and updated website or stay in the know with our local market updates—see what homes are selling for near you.

🏡 Curious what your home’s worth today?
Get real-time insights with our free Homebot tool—track your home value, equity, and personalized market trends, all in one place.

📞 Want expert guidance tailored to you?
Call us at 910.585.5772, visit www.FTMRealty.com, or book a quick call on our calendar to start the conversation.

 

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Frank Murphy is a licensed North Carolina Realtor and Broker/co-owner of Frank & Tracy Murphy, LLC (FTM Realty), a husband-and-wife brokerage built on service, experience, and results. Together, Frank and Tracy specialize in military relocation and residential real estate throughout Fort Bragg and surrounding communities—including Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Vass, Fayetteville, Sanford, and Raleigh. They proudly serve Moore, Harnett, Lee, Hoke, Cumberland, and neighboring counties within a 40-mile radius of Fort Bragg—helping clients make smart, stress-free moves with trusted guidance every step of the way.