One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

For a lot of homeowners, it's been years. And if you've been thinking about moving, but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number.

Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think

Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today's market is more balanced, over time, homeowners can build equity as they pay down their mortgage and as home values appreciate. And that equity can add up.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $310,500 in equity. That's not a small number. It’s six figures.

And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the average homeowner has there (see map below):

Even though every local market is different, the question you should be asking right now is the same: How much equity have you built up?

Knowing that number can give you a clearer picture of your options.

This Could Be the Missing Piece in Your Move

Most people assume that because prices are higher and rates aren't at 3% anymore, moving just isn't realistic right now, especially if they already have an ultra-low rate. And that's understandable – those are real factors.

But they're not the only factors.

If you’ve built substantial equity in your house, you may not be starting from scratch when it comes to your next move. That equity may give you more flexibility when considering your options. And that could change the math.

What Your Equity Can Do for You

Maybe you've outgrown your current house or you're ready to downsize… The equity you've built could play an important role in your next real estate move.

Yes, your next house may cost more than your last one did. But depending on how much equity you’ve built, that equity could help with the purchase of your next home in several ways:

• Reduce the amount you need to borrow. A larger down payment means financing less, which may result in a lower monthly principal and interest payment.
• Buy your next house with all cash. This surprises a lot of people, but some homeowners have built enough equity to potentially buy their next home with cash. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, repeat buyers are among those who can leverage cash from a previous sale, and more than one-quarter (26%) of existing-home sales were all-cash purchases in July.
• Transform the home you already have. Love your neighborhood but not your floor plan? You don’t have to move. Your equity could help fund renovations that make your home fit your life today while potentially adding value for tomorrow.

Your equity doesn't erase the challenges of the current market. But depending on how much you've built, it may give you more flexibility when considering your next move.

That’s why understanding your home’s estimated current value can be an important part of planning your next move.

If you're even thinking about a move – or if you're just curious about your options – a good first step is getting a Home Value and Equity Assessment. It can provide a market-based estimate of what your house may be worth in today’s market and how much equity you may have.

Once you have a clearer picture of your estimated home value and equity, you can better understand how they may factor into your next real estate move.

Bottom Line

If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a professional look at your home’s value, now may be a good time to see where you stand.

If you’re a homeowner in North County San Diego, a personalized Home Value and Equity Assessment can help estimate what your home could sell for in today’s local real estate market, how much equity you may have built, and how that equity could factor into your next move.

Whether you’re considering selling, buying your next home, or simply exploring your options, you can search homes for sale in North County San Diego, check the latest North County San Diego real estate market snapshot, or use the mortgage calculator to explore different home-buying scenarios.

Ready for a personalized look at your property? Contact me for a complimentary Home Value and Equity Assessment and a conversation about your next real estate move in North County San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Equity

How much equity does the average homeowner with a mortgage have in 2026?

According to Cotality, homeowners with a mortgage have an average of about $311,000 in home equity. This is a national average, so individual homeowners may have more or less equity depending on their home’s current market value and how much they still owe on their mortgage.

How can I estimate how much equity I have in my home?

Home equity is generally the difference between your home’s current market value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. Because home values can change with local market conditions, getting an updated estimate of your home’s market value can help you better understand how much equity you may have.

How could home equity affect my next move in North County San Diego?

If you sell your current home, the equity you’ve built may contribute to the proceeds available after paying off your mortgage and other applicable costs. Depending on your circumstances, those proceeds could help with the down payment on your next home or potentially make an all-cash purchase possible.

If you’re considering selling and buying in North County San Diego, understanding your estimated home value and equity can help you get a clearer picture of your next real estate move.

About Patricia Villanueva, North County San Diego Real Estate Agent

Patricia Villanueva is a North County San Diego real estate agent helping home buyers and sellers navigate the local real estate market. Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or searching for homes for sale in North County San Diego, Patricia Villanueva provides local market knowledge and guidance throughout the real estate process.

If you’re planning your next move, contact Patricia Villanueva for help understanding estimated home values, housing inventory, comparable home sales, and current North County San Diego real estate market conditions.

Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, tax, lending, or appraisal advice. Home values, equity, market conditions, and individual circumstances vary. Any home value or equity estimates are not guarantees of market value, sale price, or net proceeds. Consult the appropriate professional for advice specific to your situation.