Buying a new home when you need to sell your current home can feel like trying to stand on two moving boats at once. It’s tricky — but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible to land your dream home without losing your footing. In today’s competitive market, many buyers find themselves in exactly this position: ready to move, but needing to sell first.
Understand the Challenge
When sellers receive multiple offers, they tend to favor buyers who are already financially prepared — those who don’t have to wait for another sale to close. If your offer depends on your current home selling first, that contingency can make you seem like a riskier choice. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of the running, it just means you’ll need to approach things strategically.
Step 1: Get Your Home Market-Ready Early
Even before you start shopping, prepare your current home to sell. Declutter, make any necessary updates, and have professional photos taken. Meredith Fogle with The List Realty explains:
“The key is to position your home so it’s ready to list immediately. That way, when you find the home you want to buy, you can move quickly and confidently — and sellers will see that your home is likely to sell fast.”
If you can get your home under contract (even if it hasn’t yet closed), it often makes your purchase offer much stronger.
Step 2: Explore "Temporary Financing" Options Like Bridge Loans or HELOCs
Financing can be your greatest ally. A bridge loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to use the equity from your current home to buy before you sell. This gives you the flexibility to make a competitive offer without waiting for your sale to finalize.
Talk with your lender and your agent early in the process to understand what financial options best fit your situation.
Step 3: Write a Strong, Seller-Friendly Offer
If your offer includes a home sale contingency, you can make it more appealing by strengthening other terms:
- Offer significantly over asking price to make the seller's risk feel worth it.
- Be flexible with the seller’s preferred closing timeline.
- Limit other contingencies where possible.
As Meredith notes:
“A well-structured offer can make all the difference. Sellers care about certainty, so show them you’re prepared, motivated, and working with experienced professionals who will keep the transaction smooth.”
Step 4: Work with an Experienced Agent
When buying and selling simultaneously, coordination is everything. An experienced agent who knows both markets can time both transactions so you’re not left in limbo. Your agent will help you decide whether to list before you buy, buy before you list, or pursue a post settlement occupancy or temporary housing plan to bridge the gap.
Step 5: Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best strategy, timing doesn’t always line up perfectly. Be ready with temporary housing options or storage solutions in case you need to close on your sale before your new home is ready. Flexibility gives you leverage and peace of mind.The Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose between buying your dream home and selling your current one. With the right preparation, financial strategy, and expert guidance, you can do both confidently — and even competitively.
If you’re ready to move but not sure where to start, reach out to Meredith Fogle and The List Realty for a personalized strategy to make your transition seamless.
