The Big Move-Up Buyer Question: How Do You Buy and Sell at the Same Time?

How to Move Up to Your Next Home with Ease — Week 3

Buying your next home while selling your current one can feel like juggling flaming torches—one wrong move and things get messy fast. 🏡🔥 But don’t worry, with the right planning (and the right team), you can move up to your next home without the stress.

This week in my How to Move Up with Ease series, we’re tackling the big question: Should you buy first or sell first?

Why This Step Matters

If you already own a home, the logistics and finances are a little more complicated this time around. You’re trying to:

• Keep your current home market-ready for buyers
• Figure out how to finance your next home
• Time everything so you don’t end up with two homes or no home

It’s both a logistical and financial puzzle, but one that can be solved with the right approach.

The Buy-First vs. Sell-First Dilemma

Every move-up buyer’s situation is unique—different finances, different family needs, and different stress levels. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here’s what you should do first:

1. Decide on your comfortable monthly payment.
   Don’t start scrolling Zillow until you know what you want to spend each month. Remember: every $10,000 in purchase price changes your monthly payment by roughly $50. Start with the number you’re comfortable with, not what the bank approves you for.
2. Figure out your cash situation.
   How much do you want to put toward your next home—and where is that money coming from? Is it tied up in your current home’s equity, or sitting in savings? Write it down so you’re clear on what’s available.

Your Next Step: Talk to Your Lender

Once you’ve outlined your numbers, it’s time to meet with a lender. Bring them two key pieces of info:

• Your target monthly payment for the new home
• How much cash you’re ready to use

Your lender will then show you:

• What you can afford if you sell first
• What you can afford if you buy first (while still owning your current home)

This is where your debt-to-income ratio comes into play, and only your lender can run the numbers.

If You Need to Sell First…

Sometimes the math says selling first is your only option. If that’s the case:

• You may need to arrange a rent-back agreement so you don’t end up between homes.
• Be aware of time pressure—it can make buyers feel rushed and lead to decisions they regret later.
• A “sale of home” contingency is possible, but keep in mind sellers don’t love them.

If You Can Buy First…

If your lender gives you the green light to buy before you sell, things get easier. Benefits include:

• More time to find the right home
• Flexibility to renovate or move on your own timeline
• Less pressure and no gap between homes

Of course, you’ll temporarily own two homes, which can mean double mortgage payments and staging costs. But for many, the convenience outweighs the risk.

Don’t Go It Alone

This decision can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ve helped plenty of clients through the buy first vs. sell first decision, and the earlier you start planning, the smoother it goes.

Reach out months—or even a year—before you want to move, and we can walk through your options together. Timing, financing, and strategy matter, and I’ll help you get it right.

Stay tuned for next week’s article in this series: What to Do If You Need to Sell First—a step-by-step guide to making it happen.

✨ Thinking about moving up to your next home? Let’s start planning now so you’re ready when the time is right.