Despite U.S. homeowners holding a record $18 trillion in home equity as of Q2 2026, many still find themselves unable to move up to a new home. As someone who’s navigated both real estate and mortgage landscapes for more than 25 years, I see firsthand how replacement mortgage rates hovering around 7%, along with increased taxes and insurance, have shifted the conversation. Instead of trading up, more clients are opting to renovate, rent, downsize, or explore bridge financing. The numbers tell a compelling story, but the real impact is felt in the complex decisions homeowners face when weighing their next move.
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