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🏠 Can You Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time? Here’s How


Buying and selling a home simultaneously is one of the biggest challenges in real estate — but it's absolutely doable when you have the right strategy. In fact, it’s a common move for families who have outgrown their current space or are relocating for work. The key? Understanding the process, knowing your financing options, and working with a team that can guide you every step of the way. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you navigate this tricky dance.


🔥 Why It's Challenging

Buying and selling a home at the same time means:

  • Managing two transactions with overlapping timelines.

  • Needing the equity from your current home for the down payment and closing costs on the new one.

  • Making sure you have a place to stay if one transaction closes earlier than the other.


With planning, the right resources, and an experienced agent, these challenges can be managed.


💳 Step 1: Evaluate Your Financial Readiness

Start by assessing your financial picture:

  • Current Home Value: Get a comparative market analysis (CMA) to understand your potential sale price.

  • Equity Position: Will your existing equity cover the down payment and closing costs for the new home?

  • Affordability: Will you qualify for a mortgage on the new home before selling the current one, or will you need to sell first?

Pro Tip: Consult a mortgage lender early to understand your financing options.


💡 Step 2: Choose the Right Strategy

There are three common ways to approach simultaneous buying and selling:

A. Sell First, Then Buy

  • Pros: You’ll have a clear picture of your available equity and reduce financial strain.

  • Cons: You may need temporary housing between transactions.

B. Buy First, Then Sell

  • Pros: You can move directly into the new home, making the transition seamless.

  • Cons: You may carry two mortgages for a short period, which can strain your finances.

C. Do Both Simultaneously

  • Pros: Minimize or eliminate temporary housing needs.

  • Cons: Requires precise timing and a well-coordinated team.


💳 Step 3: Understand Your Financing Options

Here are some ways to finance your new home while selling your current one:

  • Contingent Offer: Making an offer contingent upon the sale of your existing home.✅ Provides a safety net❌ May be less attractive in competitive markets

  • Bridge Loan: Short-term financing using your current home’s equity.✅ Enables you to make a strong offer and move quickly❌ Higher interest rate and fees compared to traditional financing

  • HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Borrow against your current home to cover the down payment for the new one.✅ Leverages your equity effectively❌ Requires strong credit and available equity


⏳ Step 4: Timing Is Everything

The biggest challenge is aligning both closings. To make it work:

  • List Your Home Early: Even before making offers, have your listing ready and price it competitively.

  • Negotiate Longer Closing Periods: Request longer escrows or lease-back agreements to gain time.

  • Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared for short-term storage or temporary accommodation if needed.


💵 Step 5: Price and Market Smartly

A well-priced, well-marketed listing can attract qualified buyers quickly and reduce the risk of delays. This means:

  • Getting a professional CMA.

  • Making necessary repairs and staging your home for top-dollar offers.

  • Considering incentives for buyers, such as a flexible closing date.


🤝 Step 6: Partner with an Experienced Agent

Buying and selling simultaneously is challenging — but with an expert agent guiding the process, it doesn’t have to be stressful. An experienced agent can:

  • Outline a realistic timeline.

  • Negotiate favorable contract terms.

  • Minimize the risk of overlapping payments.

  • Maintain open communication between all parties.


✅ Final Thought

Buying and selling a home at the same time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about making smart, strategic moves — backed by expert guidance. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, understanding your options, financing, and timeline can help you make confident decisions and turn a potentially stressful situation into a seamless, rewarding experience.


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




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