Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

May 23, 2025

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”

But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead: 


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

Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?


If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not immediate, it’s worth thinking about your timeline.

Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next home might cost you

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What the Experts Say About Home Prices over the Next 5 Years

Each quarter, Fannie Mae asks more than 100 housing market experts to weigh in on where they project home prices are headed. And the consensus is clear. Home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029 (see graph below):


While those projections aren’t calling for big increases each year, it's still an increase. And sure, some markets may see flatter prices or slower growth, or even slight dips in the short term. But look further out. In the long run, prices almost always rise. And over the next 5 years, the anticipated increase – however slight – will add up fast.

Here’s an example. Let's say you'll be looking to buy a roughly $400,000 house when you move. If you wait and move 5 years from now, based on these expert projections, it could cost nearly $80,000 more than it would now (see graph below):


That means the longer you wait, the more your future home will cost you. 

If you know a move is likely in your future, it may make sense to really think about your timeline. You certainly don't have to move now. But financially, it may still be worth having a conversation about your options before prices inch higher. Because while rates are expected to come down, it’s not by much. And if you’re holding out in hopes we’ll see the return of 3% rates, experts agree it’s just not in the cards (see graph below): 


So, the question really isn’t: “why would I move?” It’s: “when should I?” – because when you see the real numbers, waiting may not be the savings strategy you thought it was. And that’s the best conversation you can have with your trusted agent right now.

Bottom Line

Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – until it starts holding you back.

If a move is likely on the horizon for you, even if it’s a few years down the line, it’s worth thinking through the numbers now, so you can plan ahead.

What other price point do you want to see these numbers for? Let’s have that conversation, so I can show you how the math adds up. That way, you can make an informed decision about your timeline.


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Frisco Raises Its Homestead Exemption to the State Maximum

July 11, 2025
Homeowners to benefit from increased property tax savings starting next year Good news for Frisco homeowners: the City Council has officially approved raising the homestead property tax exemption to 20% , the maximum allowed by the state of Texas . The decision was made unanimously on July 1 and will go into effect for the 2025 tax year . What does this mean for homeowners? With this increase, the average Frisco homeowner is expected to save around $120 per year on city property taxes. While this might not sound like much at first glance, it adds up over time — and when combined with other exemptions, the savings can be even more significant. Frisco has gradually increased this exemption over the years: 7.5% in 2017 12.5% in 2022 15% in 2023 Now reaching the full 20% allowed by law Why now? City officials explained that this was the right time to increase the exemption due to a sharp rise in property values. In fact, Frisco saw a 14% increase in its taxable value — totaling nearly $6.9 billion in new value. This growth gave the city financial flexibility to offer greater tax relief without cutting essential services. What about the budget? According to Frisco’s Chief Financial Officer, the new exemption was carefully timed to meet deadlines for the upcoming fiscal year. The city will still be able to fully fund police, fire, infrastructure, and other services, while homeowners get a break on their tax bill. The slight shift in tax responsibility will largely be absorbed by commercial properties, which will make up a slightly larger share of the overall tax base. Additional relief for seniors and people with disabilities In addition to the 20% homestead exemption, homeowners aged 65 or older — or those with qualifying disabilities — will continue to receive an extra $80,000 exemption on their home’s appraised value. These residents also benefit from a property tax freeze , meaning their city property taxes won’t increase regardless of rising home values. Big picture: more relief could be coming This move comes at a time when Texas lawmakers are also working on additional property tax cuts statewide, including increased school tax exemptions. Combined with Frisco’s local efforts, homeowners could see some of the largest property tax savings in recent years . Bottom line: If you own and live in a home in Frisco, you’re about to get some well-deserved tax relief. The 20% homestead exemption not only helps homeowners save money — it reflects the city’s commitment to balancing growth with long-term financial responsibility. 

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