Selling and buying at the same time
Selling one home and buying the next, with the order, the money and the move worked out before you commit to either.
The question that shapes the whole move
Should you sell first or buy first? It sounds like a logistics detail. It's actually the decision that sets how much you can spend, how much pressure you're under, whether you move once or twice, and how much of your equity you keep.
There's no answer that's right for everyone. There is one that's right for you, and it depends on how much of your next down payment is tied up in your current home, how much carrying two homes for a while would cost, and how much disruption your household can take.
How I plan the two sales together
- Selling first frees up your equity and removes the risk of owning two homes. The trade-off is a possible temporary move, or negotiating extra time to stay after closing.
- Buying first lets you move once, into a home you've chosen without a deadline. It usually takes a way to bridge the money, such as a bridge loan or a line of credit, which your lender can price for you.
- Buying with a sale contingency ties your purchase to selling your current home. It can work, but sellers weigh it carefully, so it has to be written well.
I'll lay out each path with real numbers from your lender, tell you which one I'd choose, and run both sides of the move so the dates line up. See how I sell a home and how I help you buy.
What you get
One agent running both sides, so your sale and your purchase are planned together instead of by two people who never talk. Pricing and marketing for the home you're leaving, a focused search for the one you're moving to, and a timeline that keeps you from carrying two homes longer than you have to.
Moving up across the neighborhoods I serve
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to sell first or buy first?
It depends on how much of your next down payment is in your current home and what carrying two homes would cost. I'll walk through both with your lender's numbers.
Can I stay in my home after it sells?
Sometimes. A short stay after closing can be negotiated with the buyer as part of the contract.
Sell and Buy at Once by neighborhood
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Ready to make your move with James Brinkman?