Couple Doubles Their Mortgage Rate for a New Home. Despite the Backlash, They Say the Result Is ‘Priceless’ (Exclusive)

A Michigan couple gave up their 2.9% mortgage to move to an area that offers their children more family, community and room to grow

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  • Celeste and Thomas Miller bought their Metro Detroit, Mich., home in 2018 and later refinanced to a 2.9% mortgage during the pandemic
  • In 2026, they chose to sell it and build a new home closer to family and friends
  • They now tell PEOPLE that giving up the low rate was worth it for the life they want to give their children

For years, Celeste and Thomas Miller believed they had made the perfect financial decision.

They had purchased their Metro Detroit, Mich., starter home before getting engaged, refinanced during the pandemic into a low 2.9% mortgage and steadily worked toward paying off debt while building equity.

On paper, staying put made all the sense in the world. But as their family grew, they realized the life they wanted for their children was “priceless” and couldn’t be measured by an interest rate alone…

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