How to Move Up to Your Next Home with Ease – Week 4
If you’re ready to move to a new home but your lender requires you to sell your current home first, you’re not alone. Many move-up buyers face this exact situation. And yes — it can be done without ending up with two homes… or worse, no home at all.
This week’s article in my How to Move Up with Ease series breaks down how to sell first, then buy, while keeping your sanity and your finances intact.
Why Planning Matters
Selling and buying at the same time is a bit of a juggling act. Without a clear plan, you might feel stressed or rushed. But with the right strategy, you can control the timing, keep the process smooth, and land in a home that truly fits your needs.
🚫 The Sale-of-Home Contingency (Proceed with Caution)
One option is to include a sale-of-home contingency when making an offer — meaning you’ll only buy if your current home sells first.
Here’s the truth: in hot markets, sellers rarely accept this. Even if they do, they’ll usually be less flexible on price or other terms.
So unless you’re in a slower market where sellers need every offer they can get, this is a tough route to take.
✅ The Better Option: Make a Plan
Here’s how to successfully sell first, then buy without relying on contingencies:
1. Find the Right Fit (but don’t buy yet)
Think of this as house shopping, not house buying.
Start scouting neighborhoods, price points, and styles that fit your needs. This way, when your current home sells, you won’t be starting from scratch — you’ll already know what’s realistic and where you want to land.
2. Know the Timing in Your Market
Talk with your agent (hi 👋) about how often homes come up in your desired neighborhood and price range. If inventory is low or the holidays are approaching, you may need to adjust your timeline. A clear view of both the buying and selling sides helps you avoid surprises.
3. Get Your Home Show-Ready
Once you know your direction, it’s time to focus on selling. Stage your home, make necessary updates, and price it right. The faster and cleaner your sale goes, the easier it will be to transition into your new home.
Once Your Home Sells
Congrats! 🎉 Now you’ve got cash in hand and the ability to move forward. Here are a few strategies to bridge the gap between selling and buying:
- Rent-back option: Negotiate with your buyers to stay in your home for 30–60 days after closing. This gives you time to find and close on your new place.
- Short-term rental or family stay: If timing is tight, put your belongings in storage and rent (or crash with family) for a couple of months. Not ideal, but better than rushing into the wrong house.
Remember — the ultimate goal is to land the right home, not just the fastest one.
The Key Takeaway
Selling first and then buying requires careful planning, but it’s absolutely doable. The earlier you start the conversation, the smoother the process will be.
I’d love to help you map out your options and create a strategy that fits your family’s needs. Email me today so we can get started well before moving season sneaks up on you!
👉 Stay tuned for next week’s final installment in the series: How to Buy First, Then Sell. That’s the scenario most buyers wish they could do — and I’ll show you how to make it work if your finances allow it.
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