Sell First, Then Buy.
You know exactly how much you've got for your next down payment, and you're a stronger, non-contingent buyer. The trade-off: you may need a short-term place to stay between homes.
Not sure which fits your situation? That's exactly what a quick conversation can sort out.
It's the question every seller-who's-also-buying faces. There's no single right answer — it depends on your equity, your timeline, and your comfort with moving twice. Here's how the two paths compare.
Buy First, or Sell First?
Buy First, Then Sell.
You move once, straight into your next home. The trade-off: you'll need a plan to carry both homes briefly, or to make an offer that works with your current home's sale.
Your sale price minus your remaining mortgage balance, agent commissions, and closing costs. What's left is your working capital for the next purchase.
Estimate Your Net Proceeds.
1
Your Equity Becomes Your Next Down Payment.
Net proceeds vary based on your specific sale terms and costs. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.
When you sell, the equity you've built doesn't just disappear — it becomes the foundation of your next home. The key is understanding how much you'll actually walk away with, and how that shapes what you can buy next.
We'll look at how your proceeds, combined with your income and credit, translate into a comfortable price range and monthly payment on your next home.
Map It to Your Next Budget.
2
Get pre-approved for your next mortgage so you can move with confidence — and make a strong offer the moment you find the right home.
Line Up the Financing.
3
Timing the Two Transactions
The trickiest part of selling-then-buying isn't the money — it's the calendar. Here are the common ways people bridge the gap between closing on one home and moving into the next.
Sale Contingency
Your offer on the next home is contingent on your current home selling first. Cleaner on your wallet, but a weaker offer in a competitive market.
Rent-Back Agreement
You sell your home but negotiate to stay in it for a short period after closing — buying time to close on your next place without moving twice.
Buy With a Plan to Carry Briefly
If your finances support it, you buy first and sell shortly after. We'll walk through whether this fits your numbers before you commit to it.
Every situation is different — the right sequence depends on your equity, your market, and your comfort level. Let's map yours.
Common Questions About Selling & Buying Next
Should I get pre-approved before I list my home?
Yes — it's one of the smartest moves you can make. Knowing what you qualify for on your next home shapes your whole strategy: your price range, your timeline, and how strong an offer you can make. It also means you're ready to move the moment you find the right place.
Can I use the equity from my sale as my down payment?
In most cases, yes. The net proceeds from your sale — what's left after paying off your current mortgage and closing costs — can go straight toward the down payment on your next home. We'll help you estimate that figure so you can plan your next purchase with real numbers.
What if I find a home before mine sells?
Do you help with the selling side too?
You've got options — from a sale contingency to a plan to carry both homes briefly, depending on your finances. The right path depends on your situation, and that's exactly the kind of thing we can walk through together before you're under pressure.
My focus is the financing on your next home — making sure the mortgage side is lined up and stress-free. For listing and selling your current home, you'll work with a licensed real estate agent, and I'm always happy to make sure the financing and the sale stay coordinated.