10/09/2026
That 3% mortgage rate might not be saving your client as much money as they think.
A lot of homeowners are understandably reluctant to give up a 3% or 4% mortgage. But what happens when we stop looking at the mortgage rate by itself?
What if that same homeowner is also carrying:
• Credit cards at 25%+
• An auto loan at 7%, 8% or higher
• Other monthly debt eating away at their cash flow
Meanwhile, they may be sitting on substantial home equity AND staying in a home that no longer fits their needs because they feel “trapped” by that low mortgage rate.
That’s where the Life Rate Calculator in the Chicago Title Agent ONE app can create a completely different conversation.
It helps look at the homeowner’s overall financial picture, not just their mortgage rate.
Could selling, using some of their equity to eliminate high-interest consumer debt, putting money down on the home they actually want or need, and consolidating everything into their new housing payment potentially improve their monthly cash flow?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
But now you can actually show them the numbers.
For Realtors, I think this is an especially powerful reason to reconnect with past clients and your sphere. Instead of asking, “Are you thinking about selling?” you can bring them something useful that may challenge the assumption that their low mortgage rate means they can’t afford to move.
And THAT is a conversation worth having.
If you’re an agent and want to see how the Life Rate Calculator works, comment Life below or message me. Lavonne and I would be happy to walk you through it and show you how to use it with your database.
Lavonne Benyola
Chicago Title
title SphereOfInfluence MortgageRates HomeEquity Life Rate Chicago AgentONE RealEstateTips RealEstateSales
