Thinking of Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re a homeowner gearing up for a move, you might be wondering how to go about it—should you start by looking for your next place, or focus on selling your current home first?

It’s a common question, and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works best really depends on your personal situation and the current real estate market. That’s where having an experienced real estate professional in your corner can make all the difference. We can help you weigh your options and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

That said, more often than not, I’ve seen that starting with the sale of your current home can set you up for a smoother transition. Here’s why that approach often works well—and how having a plan can make things a lot less stressful.

Why Selling First Can Work in Your Favor

1. You Can Tap Into Your Home Equity

One of the biggest benefits of selling your home first is unlocking the equity you’ve built over the years. With home values having appreciated significantly, many homeowners are sitting on a sizable amount of equity—sometimes enough to cover the down payment (or more) on their next home.

That financial flexibility can really ease the pressure when it’s time to buy. In some cases, it may even give you the ability to make a cash offer, which can be a strong advantage in a competitive market.

2. You Avoid the Stress of Two Mortgages

Trying to juggle two mortgage payments can quickly become a financial strain, especially if your current home takes longer to sell than expected. Selling first allows you to sidestep that risk altogether, giving you peace of mind and a clearer financial picture as you shop for your next place.

3. Your Offer Becomes More Attractive

When you’ve already sold your home, your offer on the next property becomes much stronger. Sellers often favor buyers who don’t have a home sale contingency—it makes the deal cleaner and reduces the chances of things falling through. This could make all the difference if you’re competing with other buyers.

One Possible Tradeoff to Consider

Of course, there’s always a flip side. If you sell your home before buying, you might need temporary housing while you search for the right place or wait for your next home to close.

But this isn’t a dealbreaker. There are creative ways to bridge the gap—like negotiating a rent-back agreement (where you stay in your home for a short time after the sale) or timing the closing dates carefully. With a solid plan and a bit of flexibility, this part of the process can be managed smoothly.

Here’s a simple visual that can help you think through your options

Final Thoughts

In many cases, selling first not only gives you financial leverage—it gives you peace of mind. You’ll know exactly what you’re working with, you’ll have fewer moving parts to juggle, and you can move forward with confidence.

If you’re thinking about making a move and want help figuring out the best path forward, I’m here to help. Let’s take a look at your current equity, talk about your goals, and come up with a game plan that fits your timeline and your lifestyle.