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Selling Your Home While Buying Another: How to Time It Right

Buying a new home while selling your current one can feel like a high-wire balancing act. Do you sell first? Buy first? What if you're left juggling two mortgages—or worse, stuck without a place to live? The key is in the timing. With the right strategy, you can make the transition as smooth (and stress-free) as possible.


Here’s how to time it right:


🔁 Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy

Pros:

  • You know exactly how much equity you have to work with

  • No risk of carrying two mortgages

  • Makes your offer on the next home stronger with cash in hand

Cons:

  • You may need temporary housing if you can’t find a new home quickly

  • Moving twice (to and from a rental or short-term stay) can be costly and inconvenient

Best For: Sellers in a hot market who want to minimize financial risk


🏠 Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell

Pros:

  • No need to rush into buying—you can wait for the perfect home

  • You move only once

Cons:

  • You may need to qualify for two mortgages

  • Risk of paying for two homes if your current one doesn’t sell quickly

Best For: Those with strong financials and confidence their current home will sell quickly


🔀 Bridging the Gap: Creative Solutions

If neither of the above paths feels perfect, consider these options:

🔹 Home Sale Contingency

You make an offer on a new home that's contingent on selling your current one. Not all sellers accept this, especially in competitive markets, but it can offer protection.

🔹 Rent-Back Agreement

Negotiate with your buyer to remain in your current home for a short time after closing—giving you time to secure and move into the new one.

🔹 Bridge Loan or HELOC

Short-term financing options that let you tap your existing home equity to use as a down payment on the next home before selling.

🔹 Extended Closing Timeline

Try to align both transactions with longer escrows—allowing you more time to close the sale and the purchase simultaneously.


📅 Tips for Perfecting the Timing

  • Work with one real estate agent for both transactions—they can coordinate timelines and negotiations on both ends.

  • Get pre-approved early so you're ready to move fast once you find your next home.

  • List your home competitively to help ensure it sells quickly.

  • Stay flexible—whether that means temporary housing, short-term rentals, or creative negotiation.


🧭 Final Thoughts

Selling and buying at the same time isn’t easy—but with a solid plan and the right guidance, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or relocating, I can help you time everything just right so you can focus on the excitement of your next chapter—not the stress.


Thinking of making a move? Let’s chat about your timing and options.


Scott Sweeney

Your NorCal Realtor

M&M Real Estate

BRE Lic# 01938720

Cell: Call/Text 707-330-2324


About Scott Sweeney


SweeneySells

Full Time Realtor 13 Years +

Over 100 Families Served

Top 5% Producing Agent

Buying & Listing Specialist

Contract & Negotiation Ninja

CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006


With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.


Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!

📞707-330-2324




Top Producer 2016-2023


"I appreciate your business & referrals!"


Hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Sat By Appointment

Sun Off


Schedule a call or zoom with us here! 👇




 
 
 

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