Wednesday, March 11, 2026 / by Lauren Kerschen
The “Locked In” Effect Is Starting to Break. What It Means for the DFW Housing Market in 2026
The Homeowners Who Have Been Stuck for Years
There is a group of homeowners who have felt stuck for years.
And in 2026, many of them are finally going to move.
To understand why, we have to go back to what happened during the pandemic housing boom.
In 2020 and 2021, millions of homeowners across the country refinanced their mortgages into historically low interest rates around 3 percent. For many people, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to lock in an extremely low monthly mortgage payment.
And they took it.
At the time, it felt like a financial win. But over the past few years, it has created a new challenge in the housing market.
The “Locked In” Mortgage Effect
Many homeowners who refinanced into a 3 percent mortgage rate now feel stuck in their current home.
Their needs have changed. Their family has grown. They may have started working from home and need a dedicated office. Some want a bigger yard or access to a better school district. Others may have c ...
There is a group of homeowners who have felt stuck for years.
And in 2026, many of them are finally going to move.
To understand why, we have to go back to what happened during the pandemic housing boom.
In 2020 and 2021, millions of homeowners across the country refinanced their mortgages into historically low interest rates around 3 percent. For many people, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to lock in an extremely low monthly mortgage payment.
And they took it.
At the time, it felt like a financial win. But over the past few years, it has created a new challenge in the housing market.
The “Locked In” Mortgage Effect
Many homeowners who refinanced into a 3 percent mortgage rate now feel stuck in their current home.
Their needs have changed. Their family has grown. They may have started working from home and need a dedicated office. Some want a bigger yard or access to a better school district. Others may have c ...
