Letting Go of the Old House Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make
In Jamaica, we often hold onto homes like we hold onto family heirlooms—with love, nostalgia, and a bit of stubbornness. But what if the very thing you’re clinging to is what’s holding you back?
Across the island—from the edge of Mona Heights to the gated havens of Ironshore—a new conversation is stirring. Sellers are not just watching interest rates. They’re watching their lives, and they’re realizing something powerful:
Even with today’s mortgage rates, staying stuck in a house that no longer fits might be the bigger risk.
"Holding on to a house because of an old mortgage rate is like wearing a winter jacket in summer. It might have made sense once, but now you're just uncomfortable." — Dean Jones
The Shift: From Sentiment to Strategy
For years, low mortgage rates were like sweet deals at a Grand Market—no one wanted to let go. But real life doesn’t always care about percentages. Whether it's an expanding family in Spanish Town, a health shift in Runaway Bay, or a career relocation to Kingston, more sellers are putting practicality ahead of nostalgia.
And here’s the kicker: they’re not moving because they want to. They’re moving because they must.
A recent Realtor.com survey found that 79% of homeowners considering a move were doing so out of necessity—not desire. And while that’s a global stat, we’re seeing the same trend here in Jamaica.
People are moving because:
- The house is too small.
- The house is too big.
- They're too far from loved ones.
- Their job demands it.
- Life changed, and the house didn’t.
- “A home should serve your present, not just preserve your past.” — Dean Jones
Jamaican Realities: When the Yard Stop Mek Sense
Let’s get local. In Kingston, a couple in their fifties decided to sell their three-storey house in Cherry Gardens. Beautiful place—but the stairs were becoming an enemy, not a feature. In St. Catherine, a family of six living in a 2-bedroom flat made the decision to upgrade, even if it meant facing a higher rate.
And then there’s Miss Pauline from Montego Bay, who sold her oversized home after her last child migrated. She used the equity to buy a smaller bungalow and start a thriving jerk business in the front yard.
Every story is different, but the common thread is this: they chose to move forward, not stay stuck.
Explore more Jamaican real estate stories on our lifestyle blog: NYAM
But Wait—What About the Mortgage Rate?
We won’t sugarcoat it. Today’s mortgage rates aren’t what they were in 2020. You’re not going to find 3% lying around like ripe mangoes in June. But you know what’s also changed? You.
If you’re living in discomfort, paying for space you don’t use, or stuck somewhere you no longer thrive, what is that really costing you?
Peace of mind? Time with family? Your health?
Sure, waiting for the perfect rate might sound smart, but ask yourself this:
How long will you let numbers decide how you live?
Find helpful tools to weigh your options in our Knowledge Base with guides for selling, moving, and more.
The New Jamaican Seller: Bold, Realistic, and Ready
Gone are the days when sellers waited passively for a “better time.” Today’s smart Jamaican sellers are:
- Talking to realtors early
- Knowing their home’s value in the current market
- Making life-driven decisions, not fear-driven ones
- Leveraging their home equity for better living
In fact, some are even upgrading while taking on a higher rate—because the tradeoff is worth it. They’re gaining lifestyle freedom, security, and access to places that better suit their daily reality.
The Witty Bit: Life Nah Wait Pon 6.5%
Let’s face it—waiting for mortgage rates to drop is like waiting for a JUTC bus during a strike. You might be there long enough to grow roots. Meanwhile, life moves on. Children grow. Relationships shift. Knees get weary. Business opportunities come and go.
And so, many Jamaicans are deciding: "Mi done wait already. Time fi mi move."
“Your house was perfect for who you were. Now build something perfect for who you're becoming.” — Dean Jones
When to Talk, and Who to Talk To
You don’t have to decide today. But you do owe it to yourself to talk it through. A licensed realtor—especially one who understands the local terrain and real-life challenges Jamaicans face—can help you:
- Understand your home’s current market value
- Weigh the cost-benefit of staying vs. selling
- Map out relocation options based on your lifestyle
- Ready to talk? Connect with Dean Jones directly here: jamaica-homes.com/agent/dean-jones
Making the Move: What Selling Really Means
Selling your home isn’t failure. It’s not giving up. It’s not walking away.
It’s choosing. Choosing better. Choosing clarity. Choosing to build something new.
Whether it’s downsizing to a manageable space in Ocho Rios or moving closer to grandchildren in Mandeville, the real estate journey is just one part of a larger story: your life.
And sometimes, to honour your future, you have to let go of your past—even if that past had a nice verandah.
“In Jamaica, a house is more than land and walls—it’s a legacy. But even legacies must evolve.” — Dean Jones
Final Word: Choose Movement Over Maintenance
The paint might still be fresh, the mortgage might still be low—but if the walls around you are closing in, it’s okay to step outside. Many already have.
The question isn’t just: “Can I afford to move?”
It’s: “Can I afford not to?”
Because in a world that keeps shifting, standing still might be the most expensive decision of all.
Useful Links Before You Go:
- Learn more about working with Dean: jamaica-homes.com/agent/dean-jones
- Dive into real estate lifestyle and stories: jamaica-homes.com/NYAM
- Explore expert guides, FAQs, and articles: jamaica-homes.com/knowledge-base