If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to sell your home, you’re not alone—and the answer may surprise you. Despite today’s market conditions, many homeowners are in a powerful position to make a move. Why? Because of one key advantage: equity.
Whether you’ve owned your home for five years or twenty-five, chances are you’ve built up significant equity—and that equity could be the stepping stone to your next home.
Equity: The Hidden Wealth in Your Home
Homeownership does more than give you a place to live—it builds wealth over time. As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise, your equity grows. And if you’ve lived in your home for some years, that growth could be substantial.
According to Realtor.com:
“Nearly half (45.2%) of today’s homeowners have lived in their home for more than 15 years, and 1 in 4 for over 25 years.”
That kind of long-term ownership often results in hundreds of thousands of dollars in built-up equity. Here’s a rough estimate of how much equity some homeowners may be sitting on:
- Bought in the mid-1990s? You could have over $400,000 in equity.
- Bought in the early 2000s? Possibly $330,000 or more, even factoring in the 2008 housing crisis.
- Bought in 2015? In just 10 years, many homeowners have already gained close to $285,000.
Of course, your actual number will vary depending on your home’s value, upgrades, original down payment, and local appreciation. But one thing is clear: many homeowners are sitting on untapped equity they don’t even realize they have.
How Can You Use That Equity?
If you’re thinking about moving but are hesitant because of higher mortgage rates or market competition, your equity could be the game-changer:
Use it as a significant down payment, reducing the amount you need to finance and making today’s rates more manageable.Make a cash offer on your next home, giving you a competitive edge in a multiple-offer situation. Right-size your lifestyle, whether that means moving closer to the water, upgrading to your dream kitchen, or simplifying into a low-maintenance condo on the coast.
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You don’t have to guess what your equity could do for you. Let’s connect for a personalized home equity review. Whether you’re ready to sell now or just exploring your options, understanding your financial position is the first step toward making smart real estate decisions.
Based right here on the New Hampshire Seacoast, we help homeowners in Portsmouth NH, southern Maine, and surrounding areas make confident, informed moves. As seasoned professionals with RE/MAX Shoreline, we’ll help you weigh your options and plan your next step.
Curious what your equity looks like? Let’s talk.
Visit www.newhampshiremainerealestate.com for more info on current listings, pricing trends, and what it’s like to live along the beautiful New Hampshire Seacoast.
Or call 603.436.1221 to speak with us directly.
Jim Lee & Ann Cummings
Trusted REALTORS® with deep local expertise.
RE/MAX Shoreline | Portsmouth NH