Stay or sell?

More details would be required to properly answer this question; such as your current financial situation, comfort level, etc.

You’re really choosing between comfort now vs cost later. That 3.4% rate is great, but it doesn’t fix the fact that you’re outgrowing a 2 bed 1 bath with a growing family. Staying just for the rate can get uncomfortable fast. Here’s the simple way to look at it: If you can afford the next home and still feel okay with the higher payment, it’s reasonable to move. You’ll use your equity and solve the space issue. If the new payment stretches you too much, it may be worth staying a bit longer and building more cushion. Since you don’t want to be landlords, that simplifies it. It’s really just sell vs stay. At that point, ask yourself this. Are you staying because it still works, or just because the rate is good? If it’s only the rate, most people in your situation end up moving anyway.

This is one of those situations where there isn’t a perfect answer—just the one that fits your life right now. A 3.4% rate is great, no question. But what I see a lot is people getting stuck on the rate and ignoring the bigger picture… your home doesn’t fit your life anymore. Going from a family of 3 to 4 in a 2 bed, 1 bath is a real change. At some point, space and functionality start to matter more than the interest rate. Since you already know you don’t want to be landlords and you need the equity for the next home, keeping it as a rental probably isn’t the right fit anyway. So the decision really becomes: Is staying in a home that no longer works worth keeping the rate? Or is it time to move into something that actually fits your next stage? What I usually walk people through in this situation is less about “should you sell” and more about “what does the move actually look like?” How much equity do you realistically have What that turns into for your next purchase How to time selling and buying so you’re not stuck in between Because that’s usually the real stress point—not the rate. I actually put together a breakdown of how selling and buying at the same time works (and the different ways to structure it), which might help you think through your options a little more clearly: https://pillarrealestate.com/blog/can-i-sell-my-home-and-buy-another-one-at-the-same-time-in-san-luis-obispo-county At the end of the day, a low rate is great—but it shouldn’t keep you stuck in a house that doesn’t fit your life anymore.

that rate is hard to come by these days! Congratulations. Your home seems small but I am sure your payment is comfortable. If you choose to sell I would look for your forever home. But Being a landlord in Columbus at a rate of 3.4% you could probably get a great monthly rental income to offset the monthly payment AND give you some retirement income in the far future!

“That's actually a really good position to be in. A 3.4% rate is amazing, so it makes sense you’d want to think carefully before giving that up. The key question is really how much equity you’ve built and whether it puts you in a strong position for your next home. Since you don’t want to be landlords and you need the funds for the next purchase, selling may make the most sense—but we’d want to look at the numbers first. If your home has appreciated the way many homes have, you may have enough equity to comfortably move into something that better fits your family of four. What I’d suggest is I put together a quick value estimate and show you what selling might look like—what you’d likely net and what price range that puts you in for your next home. That way you can decide if moving now makes sense.”You may have enought down that the interest rate may not big a big issue. ( I honestly did this 3 years ago)

If you accumulated equity, can handle the payment using your sales proceeds go for it

Check what your equity is and what your local market looks like. If the market is moving you may be able to list your home and get time to find your new home as one of the conditions of the sale. Reach out now to an agent and make sure if you decide to sell. that you aren't spending money you won't recoup. You've outgrown your home. If you can make the numbers work it might be good to plan before the number 4 show up and your current home gets even smaller. 3.4 interest rates are not likely to return. That was a once in a generation time period. Sounds like you have a good starter home and these are the homes that are in high demand. Best wishes.

You must decide if moving is worth it considering the interest rates today on your new a home. Some builders will buy the interest rate down to 4%, so consider a new home. 3.4% is very attractive. Even though you don't want to be a landlord, consider hiring a property manager to deal with renting out your house. 20 years from now. You'll be glad you kept that house. If you need money from your equity in your current house. Consider getting down payment assistance and have the seller pick up your closing costs. Many sellers will. If you're a veteran, use your VA zero down benefits.

This is the fundamental dilemma facing the housing market. Who trades out of 3%-4% interest rates to pay 6%-7% interest rates? "Death, Divorce, Relocation, family shrinking or growing are the key reasons folks have to move. If you don't fit into any of these aspects, then one faces your "situation". "It is a question of math or the NEED for change that will govern your decision making" In my himble opinion"..

Your 3.4% rate is an incredible asset — and it makes sense to hesitate before giving that up. But interest rate alone shouldn’t drive the entire decision. The real question is whether your current home still fits your life. Rates matter, but so does quality of life. If your home no longer supports your family’s needs, that’s a strong indicator it’s time to move. Even with a higher rate, your equity may put you in a strong position. Let’s look at the numbers so you can make a confident, informed decision. Let me put together a full equity and purchase‑power analysis for you. No pressure — just information. Once you see the full picture, you’ll know exactly what the right move is for your family.