Why Now Might Be a Good Time to Sell Your Home—Even If You Have a Low Interest Rate

If you've locked in a historically low interest rate on your mortgage—say, somewhere in the 2% to 3% range—you're not alone. Millions of homeowners took advantage of the low-rate environment during 2020 and 2021. And now, with mortgage rates higher than they’ve been in years, you might be wondering: Is it still a good time to sell your home?

It’s a fair question—and one we get from sellers every single week at New Heights KC. The short answer? Yes, it very well could be. While interest rates are definitely part of the equation, they’re far from the only thing that should guide your decision.

In this post, we’ll walk you through why now may be a good time to sell your home, even if you're holding onto a sweet low-rate mortgage—and how to determine whether the timing is right for you.

1. You Have More Equity Than You Think

Home values have risen substantially over the last few years. Even with the market shifting and interest rates climbing, prices in many areas—including Kansas City—have remained relatively strong. That means you’re likely sitting on a significant amount of home equity, especially if you've owned your home for a few years or more.

According to CoreLogic, the average homeowner in the U.S. gained over $274,000 in equity over the past decade. That’s money you can tap into when you sell—money that could go toward your next home, investments, or even funding a lifestyle change.

🔑 Equity can outweigh your low mortgage rate. A bigger down payment on your next home can help offset higher rates and give you more buying power.

2. Inventory Is Still Tight (And That’s Good for You)

Despite media headlines about a market cooldown, we’re still experiencing lower-than-normal housing inventory. Fewer homes on the market mean less competition for your listing and more visibility among active buyers.

This kind of market favors sellers—especially those who present their homes well and price them correctly. Homes that are clean, well-staged, and move-in ready are selling quickly and for strong prices.

🏡 Bonus: Buyers are motivated right now. Spring and early summer bring out serious buyers who want to move before the next school year.

3. Life Changes Matter More Than Interest Rates

Let’s be real: life doesn’t wait for interest rates to be perfect.

• Maybe your family is growing and you need more space.
  
  
• Maybe the kids are out of the house and it’s time to downsize.
  
  
• Maybe you want to be closer to work, aging parents, or better schools.
  
  

Your lifestyle and long-term goals are far more important than the number on your mortgage statement. If your current home no longer fits your life, that’s a great reason to sell—low rate or not.

💡 A good time to sell your home isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what’s right for your future.

4. You May Still Come Out Ahead Financially

Yes, higher interest rates can increase your monthly payment—but they don’t necessarily make your next home unaffordable. In fact, there are ways to soften the impact:

• Use your equity to make a larger down payment
  
  
• Buy down your rate with lender or seller credits
  
  
• Consider a shorter loan term or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
  
  
• Negotiate concessions—many sellers are offering closing cost assistance or price flexibility
  
  

With the right strategy and the right agent (👋 hi, that’s us), it’s possible to make a financially sound move, even in today’s rate environment.

5. Today’s Buyers Are Serious

One major benefit of the current market is that the buyers who are shopping right now are motivated. Casual browsers and speculators have mostly left the scene. The ones remaining? They’re pre-approved, ready to go, and actively searching for the right home.

That increases your chances of receiving offers from qualified buyers—and of moving quickly through the selling process.

🎯 Serious buyers mean fewer showings, less hassle, and a smoother transaction.

6. You Can Time the Market to Your Advantage

If you’re planning to list this spring or early summer, you’re hitting a sweet spot in the Kansas City real estate cycle. April through June is historically one of the busiest—and best—times to sell.

• The weather is nicer
  
  
• Families want to move before school starts
  
  
• Curb appeal is at its peak
  
  
• Buyers are out in full force
  
  

And with many sellers still holding back due to rate fears, your home has a better chance of standing out.

7. Waiting Could Cost You

It’s tempting to think that rates will drop significantly and magically solve the affordability issue. But timing the market is tricky—and often leads to missed opportunities.

If rates do fall later this year, guess what happens? Buyer demand will surge, and so will home prices. That means your next home could cost more—even if your interest rate is lower.

By acting now, you may avoid the future bidding wars and price spikes that could reduce your buying power even further.

⏳ Today’s higher rate might actually be tomorrow’s bargain.

8. You Can Make a Smart Move With the Right Guidance

At New Heights KC, we specialize in helping sellers make confident, informed decisions—even in complex markets. We’ll help you:

• Analyze your current home’s value and equity
  
  
• Create a custom strategy based on your goals
  
  
• Explore financing tools and market timing
  
  
• Coordinate your sale and new purchase seamlessly
  
  

We're not here to pressure you—we're here to partner with you, offering honest advice and a clear plan every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Good Time to Sell Your Home?

While it might feel counterintuitive to sell your home when you’re holding a record-low mortgage rate, the truth is that interest rates don’t tell the whole story. Your lifestyle, your equity, your market timing, and your long-term financial goals all play a part.

So if your current home isn’t meeting your needs—or if you’re ready for a new chapter—it might be exactly the right time to make a move.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you’re just starting to think about selling or are ready to list tomorrow, we’re here to help.

📍 Based right here in Kansas City, the New Heights KC team combines local expertise with industry-leading marketing and strategy to help you sell smarter and move confidently.

Reach out for a free home value assessment and seller consultation.

Let’s find out if now is your perfect moment.