Should You Sell or Stay? How Home Equity Can Help You Decide

Thanks to record-high equity levels, many homeowners are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But with the housing market shifting and 2025 on the horizon, you might be wondering: 

Should I sell my home and cash in on my equity, or stay put and make the most of what I have?

Here’s how to use your home equity to make the smartest decision for your situation.

What Is Home Equity, and Why Does It Matter?

Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $200,000 in equity.

According to CoreLogic’s Q3 2024 Homeowner Equity Insights Report, U.S. homeowners with mortgages saw their collective equity increase by $425 billion over the past year—a 2.5% year-over-year gain. This brings total homeowner equity to a staggering $17.5 trillion. 

While the pace of equity growth is expected to slow in 2025, homeowners still stand to benefit from historically high levels of equity.

This brings us to an important decision point for homeowners: understanding how your equity position can guide your next move.

Should You Sell?

Selling your home can be a great option if you want to:

Cash In on Your Equity Gains

Median home prices climbed 50% from September 2019 ($272,100) to September 2024 ($409,000). By selling now, you can turn your equity into cash to fund a down payment on a new home, pay off debt, or invest elsewhere.

Downsize or Relocate

If your current home no longer fits your needs, equity can help you afford a smaller home or move to a new area. Whether it’s downsizing to reduce costs or relocating to a new area for better opportunities, your home’s value can be a key resource in making your next move.

Avoid Future Market Shifts

While home prices are expected to grow modestly (CoreLogic projects a 2.3% increase in 2025), rising inventory levels and regional affordability challenges could impact equity gains in the coming years. Selling now could help you maximize your profits.

Or Should You Stay?

Staying in your home might make more sense if you:

Want to Build More Equity

With home prices still rising, although at a slower pace than years past, you can continue building equity through regular mortgage payments and appreciation. By steadily reducing your mortgage balance and benefiting from even modest home price growth, you’re consistently increasing your financial stability. This slow but steady equity growth ensures your home remains a valuable long-term investment.

Plan to Access Your Equity Strategically

As a homeowner, you have the option to tap into your equity through a home equity loan or HELOC to fund renovations or consolidate debt. These options often come with lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. Just be sure to use the funds for productive purposes.

Prefer Stability

If you’re happy with your home and don’t want to navigate the current housing market, staying put and focusing on maintaining your property might be the best choice. By staying, you can enjoy the stability of familiar surroundings while continuing to build equity through regular mortgage payments and property appreciation. 

Key Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to sell or stay, ask yourself:

• What are my financial goals? Do you need a lump sum of cash now, or do you prefer to continue building long-term wealth through equity?

• What is the market like in my area? CoreLogic and CBS highlight significant regional differences in equity growth. Research your local market or consult a real estate agent to understand your home’s value.

• What are the costs of moving? Factor in expenses like closing costs, moving fees, and potential higher mortgage rates if you’re buying a new home.

Whether you decide to sell or stay, your home equity is a powerful financial tool. Selling can provide immediate financial benefits, while staying allows you to continue building wealth over time.

Interested in learning how much equity you’ve gained over the past year? Contact me [email protected], and I’ll send over a personalized report!