The "Lock-In Effect" is Fading: Why 2026 is the Year to Move

For the past few years, the real estate market across Oregon and Washington has been dealing with something economists call the "Lock-In Effect." Millions of homeowners secured historic 3% mortgage rates during the pandemic and simply refused to sell because they didn't want to trade their low rate for a higher one.

But in 2026, that trend is finally breaking. Here is why homeowners are officially off the fence and listing their homes this spring.

1. Rates Are Stabilizing With mortgage rates currently hovering in the low 6% range, the initial shock of higher rates has worn off. Buyers and sellers have accepted that 3% rates were an anomaly, not the norm. At 6%, the math finally makes sense for many sellers to pull equity from their current home and move on to their next chapter.

2. Life Cannot Be Put on Hold The biggest reason the lock-in effect is dissolving? Life happens! People who delayed moving are realizing they can't wait forever. Families are growing and need more bedrooms. Empty nesters are tired of cleaning massive houses and want to downsize. People are getting married, changing jobs, and retiring.

3. Historic Home Equity If you bought your home more than four years ago in Oregon or Washington, you are likely sitting on a massive amount of equity. Sellers are realizing they can use this built-up wealth to put a massive down payment on their next home, drastically reducing their new mortgage amount and offsetting the impact of current interest rates.

Are you ready to stop waiting and start moving? Let's look at the numbers.

Call us today for a free home valuation to see exactly how much equity you have to work with!

Call: (503) 300-6614