Selling Your Home While Buying Another: How to Time It Right
- Scott Sweeney
- May 7
- 3 min read
Buying and selling a home at the same time can feel like walking a tightrope. You're trying to avoid two mortgages, temporary housing, and timing pitfalls—all while making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. But with the right strategy and a bit of flexibility, it’s absolutely doable.
Here’s how to time it right and reduce your stress along the way.
1. Understand Your Market Conditions
Before making any moves, talk to your real estate agent about whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market.
Seller’s market? You may sell your current home quickly, so it’s important to have a new place lined up.
Buyer’s market? It could take longer to sell, which may affect your timeline and financing.
Knowing where the advantage lies helps you make more realistic plans.
2. Get Pre-Approved First
Even if you plan to use the proceeds from your current home, getting pre-approved for a new mortgage shows sellers you’re serious and lets you move fast when you find the right place.
This also gives you a clearer idea of your budget—especially if you plan to buy before selling.
3. Consider a Contingent Offer
If you're buying first, one strategy is to make a contingent offer—meaning your purchase is dependent on selling your current home.
While this works better in a slower market, some sellers may be hesitant, so be prepared with a strong offer and a well-marketed home.
4. Use a Rent-Back Agreement
Selling first? You can ask the buyer for a rent-back period, allowing you to stay in your current home for a short time after closing while you finalize your next purchase. This avoids the need for temporary housing and multiple moves.
5. Explore Bridge Loans or HELOCs
If your equity is tied up in your current home and you want to buy before you sell, bridge loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) can provide short-term financing.
These options can help you secure your new home while waiting for your current one to close.
6. Hire the Same Agent for Both Transactions
Working with one experienced real estate professional for both selling and buying helps align your timelines, negotiations, and communication.
It also allows them to coordinate back-to-back closings and handle potential delays more effectively.
Final Thoughts
The key to buying and selling at the same time is strategy, preparation, and working with someone who understands how to navigate both sides of the transaction. With smart planning, you can minimize risk and maximize opportunity.
Thinking about making a move? Let's talk through your options and build a timeline that works for you.
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!
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