Stuck in Place: How Interior Designers Are Solving the Residential Real Estate Dilemma
- Abby Daigle
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
The residential real estate market in 2025 is a landscape of contradictions. On one hand, mortgage rates have dipped slightly from their 2023 highs, offering some relief to buyers. On the other, home prices remain elevated, and inventory is only just beginning to recover in certain regions[1]. But perhaps the most defining feature of today’s market is the psychological gridlock caused by the “lock-in effect.”
The Lock-In Effect: Why Buyers Aren’t Buying
Many homeowners who secured ultra-low mortgage rates in 2020—some as low as 2.5%—are now reluctant to move. With current rates hovering around 6.3%[2], trading up or downsizing could mean doubling their monthly payments. This has created a bottleneck in the market, where potential buyers are also potential sellers—but they’re stuck.
For those who do want to sell, the path isn’t easy. Buyers today are pickier than ever, often preferring move-in-ready homes over fixer-uppers[3]. Sellers with outdated kitchens, worn flooring, or aging bathrooms are finding it difficult to attract offers without investing in renovations. But renovations are costly, time-consuming, and often overwhelming—especially for homeowners who haven’t updated their homes in decades.
The Interior Designer: A Strategic Solution
This is where interior designers become more than just a luxury—they become a strategic necessity.
For Homeowners Staying Put - Live Better Longer
Interior designers can help homeowners reimagine their current spaces, making them more functional, beautiful, and aligned with their evolving lifestyles. Whether it’s creating a home office, refreshing a dated kitchen, or optimizing space for a growing family, designers bring expertise that goes far beyond aesthetics. They help homeowners fall in love with their homes again, making the idea of staying put not just tolerable—but desirable[4].
For Sellers Preparing to List - Design for Impact, Not Overhaul
Interior designers are experts at identifying the small changes that make a big difference. Instead of gutting your entire home, they can help you:
Refresh key spaces with updated finishes, fixtures, and color palettes.
Reconfigure layouts to improve flow and functionality.
Enhance lighting and furniture placement to make rooms feel larger and more inviting.
Choose materials and styles that appeal to today’s buyers without breaking the bank.
These updates don’t just make your home more livable—they make it more marketable.
A Win-Win Investment
Whether you’re staying or selling, working with an interior designer is no longer just about picking paint colors. It’s about making smart, strategic decisions that enhance your quality of life and your home’s market value. In a market where every dollar counts and every decision matters, interior designers are the secret weapon homeowners need.
References
[1] www.realtor.com
[2] CBS News | MSN
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