Stuck in a Mortgage with a 3% Interest Rate? Here’s Why It Might Be Costing You More Than You Think

Guest post by Samantha Tunador, Atlantic Coast Mortgage

If you’re holding on to your current home because of your ultra-low interest rate, you’re not alone. That 3% mortgage feels like gold—and it is. But if the house no longer fits your life, your goals, or your family’s needs, that same mortgage could be holding you back from building real wealth.

Here’s the Truth About that Interest Rate

Staying put for the sake of a low rate might be costing you far more in missed opportunity than you think. Let’s talk about a smarter way forward—one that lets you keep your low rate and move into the next chapter of your life.

The Myth of “Waiting for Rates to Drop”

You might be telling yourself: “I’ll just wait until rates fall so I can buy my next home with a better deal.”

But here’s the catch: when rates drop, demand explodes. More buyers flood the market, competition increases, and prices jump—fast. So, while you might save 1% in interest, you’ll likely pay more for the home, face more bidding wars, and possibly lose buying power altogether.

The question is: What rate are you waiting for—and what’s the cost of missing out in the meantime?

The Smarter Strategy: Hold AND Buy

Here’s the magic move: Don’t sell your current home. Keep it as a rental. Your investment property. Your 3% mortgage payment is likely well below today’s rental rates. That means you could:

• Cover your entire mortgage with rental income

• Potentially cash flow monthly

• Build equity on two homes instead of one

This turns your current home into an investment vehicle—and creates a bridge to your dream home, without giving up your rate.

Then What? Buy Your Dream Home—Even at 6.5%

Instead of being handcuffed by your current mortgage, use it to fund your next move.

Today’s rates may hover around 6.5%, but:

• You're locking in today’s home price, not tomorrow’s markup

• You can refinance later when rates drop

• And most importantly, you’re upgrading your life now

Remember: mortgage rates are temporary—home appreciation and quality of life are long-term wins.

Let’s Talk Numbers (They’ll Surprise You)

Even with conservative estimates, we can show you how:

• Holding your current home

• Buying your next one now

• And allowing both to appreciate

• The two rates, 3 and 6.5, average out to 4.75%

... can almost triple your net worth in 5–10 years. That’s not theory—that’s math.

If you’re curious what this could look like for you, we’ll run the actual numbers for your specific scenario—no pressure, just possibilities.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let a Low Rate Limit a High-Return Future

You don’t have to choose between smart and bold—you can do both. You can hold the asset you already own, create income through renting it, and still step into the next chapter with confidence.

Your next home isn’t just about more bedrooms or a bigger kitchen. It’s a strategy to grow your wealth, expand your lifestyle, and make your money work smarter.

Let’s map it out together. Your agent and our lending team can help you make a move that actually moves the needle.

Who Should You Talk To?

Not all lenders are created equal. You have options, but you will want someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers, they help you understand them. That’s what we do - Samantha and Tan Tunador of The Tunador Group at Atlantic Coast Mortgage. www.thetunadorgroup.com

We're local, fast, creative, and treat your buyers like our own family. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, we'll walk you through every step.