{"id":136015,"date":"2026-05-13T18:04:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T18:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/35-of-homeowners-wont-sell-at-any-price-and-its-creating-a-goldmine-for-small-landlords\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T18:05:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T18:05:39","slug":"35-of-homeowners-wont-sell-at-any-price-and-its-creating-a-goldmine-for-small-landlords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/35-of-homeowners-wont-sell-at-any-price-and-its-creating-a-goldmine-for-small-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"35% of Homeowners Won&#8217;t Sell at Any Price\u2014And It&#8217;s Creating a Goldmine for Small Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-content\" :class=\"{ 'hidden': $store.proContent.showFullPrompt() }\">\n                            <!-- Table of contents: mobile --><\/p>\n<section class=\"px-4 relative border border-slate-200 mobile-toc lg:hidden\" x-data=\"{open:false}\">\n                    <button x-on:click=\"open = !open\" class=\"flex items-center gap-4 my-2 border-none w-full\"><br \/>\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"h-6 w-6\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M4 8h16M4 16h16\"\/><\/svg><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-semibold text-slate-800 text-base m-0 js-toc-ignore\">in this article<\/p>\n<p>                    <\/button><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Millions of homeowners are clinging to their pandemic-era mortgage rates like idlers cling to driftwood. That stubbornness is resetting the rule book for investors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A new survey of 1,000 mortgage holders by<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/bestinterest.com\/research\/mortgage-rate-lock-in-effect\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Best Interest Financial and Smart Real Estate<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    found that 35% of homeowners with mortgage rates below 6% would not leave it for any reason. Among those with rates less than 3%, that figure rose to 52%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nearly half of those surveyed\u201447%\u2014said they <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Only<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    If they had to start over, they couldn&#8217;t afford a mortgage at today&#8217;s rates.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    The result is a housing market in which<\/span> <em><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/2026\/04\/08\/housing-market-frozen-spring-thaw-mortgage-rates-inventory\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Luck<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Been frozen for three years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The lock-in effect isn&#8217;t going anywhere\u2014here&#8217;s what it means<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Through 2022, annual home sales have fallen to their lowest level \u2014 about 4.1 million \u2014 since the mid-90s, when the U.S. population was 22% smaller, according to <\/span><em><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/opinion\/how-to-end-mortgage-lock-in-and-get-americans-moving-again-4dd1a276\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">wall street journal<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There is a dire need for more housing. However, according to data cited by the Intercontinental Exchange<\/span> <em><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/economy\/housing\/mortgage-rates-homeowners-08a609eb\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">magazine<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">54% of primary homeowners are sitting on rates of 4% or less \u2013 and, as the Best Interest Financial and Clever Real Estate survey revealed, many of them don&#8217;t intend to sell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For homeowners currently renting, this means this: every family priced out of buying is another family looking for a quality rental.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While the Trump administration had stated the housing shortage to be 10 million units<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.realtor.com\/research\/us-housing-supply-gap-2026\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    realtor.com<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    And<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/business\/5393272-housing-shortage-growing-zillow-analysis\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Zillow<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Last year it was at half the amount. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It&#8217;s all about supply and demand. Demand far exceeds supply, meaning homeowners are cornering one of this economy&#8217;s most prized assets: housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"justify-center \" x-data=\"{ IabAdad_block_: popAd(('r720x90'), '1') }\" :class=\"IabAdad_block_.linkURL ? 'flex pt-8' : 'hidden'\">\n<div class=\" hidden sm:block\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"block sm:hidden\">\n          <img class=\"m-0\" :src=\"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/IabAdad_block_.r320x50\" :alt=\"IabAdad_block_.r320x50Alt\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Affordability continues to keep buyers away<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dr. Jessica Lotz, NAR&#8217;s Deputy Chief Economist, said, <\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/newsroom\/baby-boomers-remain-largest-share-of-home-buyers-as-first-time-buying-falls-to-record-low\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Realtor.com press release<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: : <\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cFor many young families, affordability challenges and limited inventory still make it difficult to achieve homeownership. Older Millennial buyers are now entering middle age, and with that comes a change. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This group is now the highest earning generation of home buyers, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">buys<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    biggest house<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Is<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Most likely their children will live with them.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Those traits were once commonly associated with Gen X buyers, who are now increasingly empty-nesting and looking toward retirement.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, further complicating the housing supply chain is that Baby Boomers, ages 61-79, are making the majority of real estate transactions \u2013 42% of buyers and 55% of sellers \u2013 taking advantage of their larger home <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">equity<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    To score deals, young buyers were left out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lotz added: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cBaby Boomers are at a point in life when they have the flexibility to move up, often with housing equity to help them purchase their next home. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In earlier years, baby boomers\u2014like today&#8217;s millennial generation\u2014may have moved <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">due to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    change job or <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is required<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    a big house.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Today, many Baby Boomers are embracing the choice and moving to live closer to friends and family, downsizing, or retiring and enjoying a work-free lifestyle.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mortgage interest rates are keeping the market stable<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With interest rates still in the low-6% range and no end in sight, it looks like potential buyers will be renting for a while yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&#8220;We estimate mortgage rates will be between 6% and 6.5% this year, and our latest weekly data shows it is moving toward the upper end of that range,&#8221; said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/is-the-lock-in-effect-ending\/#erosion\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    bankrate.com<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    in March.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While the Bankrate article pointed to a gradual decline in 3% interest rates as some owners were forced to sell due to growing families or job relocation needs, it also cited a report from the insurance company<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.firstam.com\/economics\/the-housing-markets-holiday-gift-a-loosening-lock-in-effect\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    first american<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Which is related to going to a geographical location. Expensive states like California were less likely to give up their low interest rates than less expensive places.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rental market fundamentals remain strong<\/span><\/h2>\n<aside class=\"my-10 xl:my-4\">\n<p class=\"font-bold mt-0 mb-4 text-xl text-slate capitalize\">You might also like<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You&#8217;ve probably heard mixed reviews about the current rental market.<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentlist.com\/research\/national-rent-data\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    apartmentlist.com<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The report for April 2026 shows that rents are increasing month on month but decreasing by 1.7% year on year. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">it<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    This is partly due to the sharp rise in rents following the pandemic, economic complications, affordability issues, and the war with Iran.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, this is likely a temporary situation, given the severe housing shortage, which is likely driving rents up, as has been the case over the past few months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">most recently<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    BigPockets Pulse Survey<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    There was a slight decline in optimism among landlords, as shown by the modest decline in rents over the past year. However, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">long term<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With low inventory, high rates, and high prices, owning a rental property remains almost inflation-proof because people will always need a place to live.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cReal estate is in recovery mode,\u201d said Henry Chin, global head of research at commercial brokerage CBRE.<\/span> <em><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/money.usnews.com\/investing\/articles\/best-places-to-invest-in-real-estate\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">US News &#038; World Report<\/span><\/a><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But it also adds that the focus has shifted from price appreciation to stable income. \u201cInvestors should look at the cyclical and structural approach to choose the right asset and location.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Regarding the economic uncertainty resulting from the Iran war, Chin said, &#8220;Developed countries are front and center of investors&#8217; minds as demand from occupiers continues to recover,&#8221; adding that &#8220;the US is more resilient than Europe&#8221;, which is more dependent on foreign oil than the US.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Other experts interviewed in the same article agreed. Edward F., senior vice president of research at Nareit (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts). \u201cInterest rates are just one piece of the puzzle, not the defining factor,\u201d says Pierzak. \u201cWhat matters most is the macroeconomic backdrop.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Emotion <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">echoed<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    &#8220;Investors should be thinking about real estate,&#8221; said Roland Chow, financial planner and portfolio manager at Optura Advisors in Burlingame, California. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">portfolio diversifier<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    And, in the current high-interest rate environment, as an income source and inflation hedge.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">final thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">with <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">continual<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Housing barriers and homeowners are reluctant to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">part with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Low rates make it a great time to buy if you can.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    However, this is not the case <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">blindfolded<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Throwing darts and choosing a location on the country map.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The US housing market is not monolithic. Although there are always ups and downs in cities, by far the best places to invest today are generally<\/span><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/03\/05\/zillow-best-markets-homebuyers.html\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">    Midwest and Sunbelt<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That&#8217;s assuming you want to stay away from expensive metropolises like San Jose, San Francisco, and the New York tristate area \u2014 with a smattering of locations in the Northeast, according to a recent Zillow analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In the current economic environment, low price points are a major driver. &#8220;A big component of buyer friendliness is affordability,&#8221; Cara Ng, a senior economist at Zillow, told CNBC. \u201c(The Midwest) was affordable before the pandemic, and it&#8217;s affordable after the pandemic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>in this article Millions of homeowners are clinging to their pandemic-era mortgage rates like idlers cling to driftwood. That stubbornness is resetting the rule book for investors. A new survey of 1,000 mortgage holders by Best Interest Financial and Smart Real Estate found that 35% of homeowners with mortgage rates below 6% would not leave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":136016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[831,17865,11462,13508,30699,2081,1891,1173],"class_list":{"0":"post-136015","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-meditation","8":"tag-creating","9":"tag-goldmine","10":"tag-homeowners","11":"tag-landlords","12":"tag-priceand","13":"tag-sell","14":"tag-small","15":"tag-wont"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136015"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136015\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":136017,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136015\/revisions\/136017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}