In a poignant moment on May 3, 2025, I held my husband’s hand as we witnessed the passing of his father. It was a moment of grief, yet we were grateful to be there, something that seemed impossible just a few years earlier.
Back in 2015, my husband and I had relocated to North Carolina, over 500 miles away from our families. The losses of both our mothers and the onset of the 2020 pandemic highlighted our need to be closer to our fathers.
Taking advantage of the favorable 2021 housing market, we sold our North Carolina home at a profit, purchasing a house in Kentucky near our family. We secured a reasonable 3.125% mortgage rate, although the house was not our dream home but rather a “get-us-there” solution.
Years later, we find ourselves wishing for more space and amenities, yet the financial logic of relocating is challenging when current mortgage rates are significantly higher than ours.
Our house is impractical for certain tasks, and we often wish for more space
Mitzi S. Morris
Our 1,500-square-foot home, located in a Kentucky suburb, features an attic over the garage for storing seasonal items but lacks a basement. The house’s proximity to neighbors means limited privacy, a stark contrast to previous homes with more serene surroundings.
We have a primary bedroom and two smaller rooms doubling as offices and a guest room. More space would allow for better organization and the ability to upgrade visitor accommodations.
Our garage is packed with vehicles, leaving little room for additional storage or workspace. We dream of extra space for projects and amenities like a dog-washing station.
It’s difficult to invest in upgrades when we never pictured staying here
Initially, we made minor changes like painting, but major renovations were on hold due to our temporary mindset. Wear and tear in the house now require attention, but financial caution due to fluctuating freelance income makes us hesitant to invest in improvements.
Working from home, I spend a lot of time in the house, which makes the urge to renovate stronger. However, the closeness of neighbors is an issue that no amount of renovation can fix.
I’m grateful our home is affordable, but I don’t want us to be stuck here forever
Mitzi S. Morris
Despite its flaws, our home is financially manageable. Kentucky offers one of the lowest median mortgage payments and affordable electricity rates, which is a relief amid income variability and economic uncertainty.
Although grateful for the financial stability and proximity to family, we still long for new experiences and cities. Ideally, we hope to pay off this house and move with fewer financial constraints or benefit from a shift in interest rates.
For now, the shorter drive to family members is a significant advantage, saving us from the longer trips that once seemed inevitable.
