“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth—both financial affluence and emotional security.”
— Suze Orman

Your Equity Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

A lot of homeowners are asking the same question right now: “Is this really a good time to sell?”
And the answer may surprise you.

For many homeowners, the answer is a confident yes—thanks to one powerful advantage working in their favor: home equity.

If you’ve owned your home for a while, there’s a strong chance you’re sitting on more equity than you realize. And that number could completely change what’s possible for your next move.

The Hidden Wealth of Homeownership

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. And it grows in two important ways:

• Each mortgage payment reduces your loan balance, increasing your ownership stake.

• Home values tend to rise over time, boosting your property’s overall value.

Together, these forces quietly build wealth month after month and year after year—often without homeowners fully noticing the impact.

For long-term owners, that growth can 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.”

If that sounds like you, think about what 15–25 years of payments and appreciation could mean for your financial position today.

What That Looks Like in Real Dollars

Recent research from Realtor.com helps put this into perspective by estimating equity based on when homeowners purchased the median-priced home:

• Bought in the mid-1990s? You could have over $400,000 in equity today.

• Bought in the early 2000s? Even accounting for the housing crash, you may have more than $330,000.

• Bought in 2015? In just 10 years, many homeowners have built nearly $285,000 in equity.

Of course, your exact number depends on factors like your purchase price, down payment, improvements, and local market conditions. But the takeaway is clear:

Many homeowners are sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity—often without realizing it.

How Equity Can Power Your Next Move

This is where equity becomes a game-changer.

• Concerned about higher mortgage rates? Your equity could fund a larger down payment, reducing how much you need to borrow.

• Worried about competing in today’s market? Your equity may allow you to make a cash or near-cash offer—something sellers strongly prefer.

• Thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or relocating? Your built-up equity can give you flexibility and confidence in your next step.

In many cases, equity helps offset the very concerns that make homeowners hesitate to move.

Bottom Line

You don’t have to be ready to sell today—but you should know what your home is worth.

Understanding your equity gives you options, clarity, and control over your next move. And the number might open doors you didn’t even realize were available.

If you’d like a custom, professional equity assessment, let’s connect and take a closer look at what your home could do for you.

The information contained in this article is not intended as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making financial decisions.

This article is adapted from content provided by Keeping Current Matters, Inc. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.