At some point, your current home starts to feel smaller. Maybe it’s: A new baby Kids sharing rooms Working from the dining table Guests sleeping on the couch Or just needing more breathing room The real question in 2026 isn’t “Do I want more space?” It’s: Does upgrading make financial sense right now? Let’s break it down. Step 1: How Much Equity Do You Actually Have? If you bought several years ago, you may have built: Appreciation equity Principal paydown equity Market-drive