Stuck Between Moving and Staying? These 3 Questions Can Help You Decide in Fort St. John

If you’re a homeowner in Fort St. John with a low mortgage rate, you might be feeling a bit stuck lately. Perhaps you’ve considered moving—whether it's for more space, a different location, or finally finding a home that feels just right. But then the reality of today’s rates hits, and suddenly, that idea gets pushed aside.

This scenario is common across Canada. Many homeowners locked in at historically low rates in 2020 or 2021. Now, with interest rates on the rise, those same homeowners are hesitant to let go of what seems like a fantastic deal—even if their current home no longer fits their lifestyle.

This phenomenon is known as the “lock-in effect,” and it can be quite powerful. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’ve been hesitating, unsure whether to stay or go, there are three questions that can help you gain clarity and make a confident decision.

Is your current home still working for your life—or just your loan?

This is perhaps the most crucial question to consider. When you look beyond the interest rate and the numbers, does your home still support your day-to-day life?

Maybe what once felt spacious now feels cramped. Or perhaps your home feels too large and quiet since the kids moved out. Your needs may have changed—maybe you’re working from home more frequently, caring for aging parents, or you’ve welcomed a new family member. Or maybe you’ve simply outgrown the space emotionally. What once felt like a dream home now feels like a never-ending to-do list.

It’s easy to push those feelings aside and focus solely on your current rate. But when your home no longer fits your lifestyle, it’s worth considering what it’s costing you to stay—not just financially, but also emotionally, mentally, and physically. The right home doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should make your daily life easier, not harder.

What would a move really cost you—and what might it make possible?

There’s no denying that today’s interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago. However, that doesn’t automatically mean moving isn’t financially viable. What’s important is how the full picture shapes up for you.

Many homeowners today are sitting on significant levels of equity. Canada’s soaring home values mean homeowners are sitting on jaw-dropping amounts of equity. As of May 2024, the average Canadian home cost $733,300, up nearly 40% from $524,900 just five years earlier, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). In turn, Canadians have collectively built an estimated $4.7 trillion in home equity—yes, with a “T.” This figure, according to Clay Financial, represents between half and two-thirds of Canadians’ total net worth.

This means many homeowners in the area are sitting on considerable equity, which could serve as a down payment on a new home. This equity could reduce the amount you need to borrow, lower your monthly payment, or help you avoid private mortgage insurance.

On the flip side, consider the lifestyle benefits a move could offer. Maybe it would bring you closer to family, provide your children with access to better schools, or give you that home office or outdoor space you’ve been wanting. Perhaps it means downsizing and freeing up more cash each month. Or finally settling in a neighborhood where you feel more at home.

Moving isn’t just a financial decision; it’s also about enhancing your quality of life. When you weigh both the gains and the costs, you might find that the numbers aren’t as one-sided as they first appear.

If you stay, are you staying intentionally—or just avoiding a hard choice?

It’s perfectly fine to stay where you are. In fact, for some, that’s the best choice. But here’s the catch: it should be a conscious decision, not simply a default option.

Ask yourself: If I choose to stay for the next three to five years, what would I need to change or invest in to make this home truly work for me? Would I renovate the kitchen that’s no longer functional? Convert the spare room into a proper office? Redesign the backyard so it actually gets used?

Staying doesn’t have to mean settling. Sometimes, making peace with your current home involves creating a plan to improve it—whether through small updates, strategic renovations, or simply adjusting how you use your space.

But staying without a plan can lead to years of quiet frustration. In many cases, those small compromises can add up to something more costly than moving would have been.

Final Thoughts

Feeling “stuck” can be frustrating. The good news is, you’re not as trapped as you might think. You’re simply facing a decision that deserves careful consideration.

You don’t need to have all the answers right away. But asking the right questions—about your lifestyle, your goals, and your finances—can lead you toward clarity. Whether you decide to stay or go, the goal isn’t to time the market perfectly. It’s to make a move that supports your life and your future.

If you’re uncertain about what comes next, let’s discuss your options. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, look at real numbers, and explore what’s possible. This isn’t about pressuring you into a sale; it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward in the direction that’s right for you.