08/14/2026
About the bill:
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the MOVE Act on August 3, 2026
MOVE stands for Making Ownership Viable for Everyone
Would make portable mortgages accessible nationwide
What "portable" means:
Homeowners could transfer their existing rate, term, and balance to a new property
Right now, moving usually means giving up your current mortgage for a new one at today's rate
The mechanics:
The bill requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin purchasing portable mortgages
Those two entities buy mortgages from lenders, so this is what would make the option widely available
From Kean:
Kean said he has heard from residents who feel stuck in homes that no longer fit their needs because moving would mean losing their rate
He said the goal is to give homeowners more freedom and add more homes to the market
Related context:
Kean also introduced the Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act
He was involved in restoring the full SALT deduction, which was quadrupled to $40,000 in the 2025 reconciliation package
What this means for You:
If this becomes law, you could move without losing your current rate, term, and balance
That changes the math on selling a starter home once your family outgrows it
This is a bill, not law yet, so it does not help you today
Rate lock-in is one of the biggest reasons your sellers say they aren't moving
If portability becomes real, it removes that objection entirely
This is a bill, not law yet. Worth watching, not promising to clients
Bottom line:
A new federal bill would let homeowners carry their mortgage rate to their next home instead of losing it.
If this bill passes, would you consider moving?
