🏡 Mortgage “Swappers” Signal the End of the Lock‑In Effect

Published January 16, 2026 | By Robert Sullivan, Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor – Orlando, FL. This article summarizes publicly available market reports for educational purposes. Original data and reporting belong to Realtor.com and other credited sources.

🌟 A Market Shift Homeowners Have Been Waiting For

For the past two years, homeowners hesitated to move to protect historically low rates — the so‑called lock‑in effect. Now, with many mortgage holders ready to swap their old loans for new ones, market momentum is returning.

Realtor.com’s January 2026 report confirms that the share of mortgages above 6% has now exceeded those below 4%,  showing Americans are once again listing, relocating, and moving up.

📈 Why Homeowners Are Moving Again

• Lifestyle Needs Outweigh Rate Fear: Families needing more space or downsizing for convenience are prioritizing life goals.
• Equity Power: Homeowners leveraging record equity can absorb higher rates while trading up.
• Flexible Products: 2‑1 buy‑downs and assumable loans create payment relief options.
• Builder Incentives: Homebuilders in Florida are offering rate locks and closing credits to move inventory.

🏠 The Orlando Market Snapshot

Florida Realtors data show that the state entered 2026 on steady footing:

• Listings: Up 11% year‑over‑year
• Median Home Price: $407,000 (flat month‑over‑month)
• Average Days on Market: 41 ( –3 days since December)

Neighborhoods like Lake Nona and Winter Garden are seeing increased buyer activity, while Davenport and Apopka are becoming hotspots for first-time buyers. Read more in the Florida Realtors January 2026 Report.

💡 Buyers and Sellers: Your Next Steps

• 🏘️ Home Search Tool: Explore active listings and market data on the Home Search Tool.
• 💰 Mortgage Pre‑Approval: Get started here to speed up your purchase journey.
• 📣 Client Testimonials: See stories from happy buyers and sellers on the Testimonials page.
• 🗓️ Contact Robert Sullivan: Call 407‑221‑2276 or email RobertSullivan@CbRealty.com for your personalized market consultation.

💬 What This Means for Central Florida

As the lock‑in effect fades, buyer and seller mobility returns to healthier levels — a sign of market balance and fresh opportunity for those ready to make a move in 2026.

🧾 Sources & Credits

• Realtor.com Housing Market Update (January 2026)
• Florida Realtors Housing Data Center
• Mortgage Bankers Association Survey & HousingWire Industry Data 2026