Selling One Home to Buy Another:

How to Make It Happen Smoothly

Thinking about selling your current home to buy your next dream home? You’re not alone! Many homeowners reach a point where it’s time to upsize, downsize, or relocate — maybe from the burbs to the beach, or somewhere in between.

But selling and buying at the same time can feel like a balancing act. The good news? With the right plan (and the right agent by your side), you can transition seamlessly from your current home to your next one. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Know Your Goals and Timing

Start by asking yourself what’s most important: selling first or buying first.

  • Need the equity from your current home to buy your next one? You’ll likely need to sell first.

  • Found your dream home and don’t want to miss it? You may explore options like a contingent offer or a bridge loan.

💡 Pro tip: Talk through your priorities early — whether it’s timing, location, or finances — so your real estate strategy fits your lifestyle.

2. Get Your Current Home Ready to Sell

Before you can move on, make sure your home is in top shape to attract buyers fast.
Tips:

  • Declutter and depersonalize so buyers can imagine themselves in the space.

  • Make small repairs and updates (fresh paint, clean landscaping, new light fixtures).

  • Stage your home or use professional photos to make your listing shine online.

💡 Pro tip: Homes that show well tend to sell faster — giving you more flexibility for your next purchase.

3. Know What Your Home Is Worth

Pricing your home correctly is key. A local agent can run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to show what homes like yours are selling for.
Price it right, and you’ll attract serious buyers — and possibly multiple offers — giving you leverage as you plan your next move.

4. Get Pre-Approved for Your Next Home

Even before your current home sells, talk to your lender. A pre-approval helps you understand what you can afford and keeps you ready to make an offer when you find “the one.”
If you’re using proceeds from your sale, your lender can guide you through financing options like:

  • Bridge loans (temporary loans between transactions)

  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

  • Contingent offers (offers dependent on your current home selling)

5. Line Up the Timing

Coordinating both closings is the trickiest part — but totally doable!
Options include:

  • Selling first: You close on your sale before buying. You might rent temporarily or negotiate a “rent-back” from the buyer.

  • Buying first: If financially possible, you buy before selling and then list your current home.

  • Same-day closing: With expert coordination, both transactions can happen back-to-back on the same day.

💡 Pro tip: Communication is everything — between you, your agent, your lender, and both closing teams.

6. Plan for Moving Day (and the Unexpected)

Even with perfect planning, timing hiccups happen. Have a Plan B for short-term housing, storage, or temporary financing just in case.
Stay flexible, stay organized, and lean on your agent to keep things moving smoothly.

7. Celebrate the New Chapter!

Once the dust settles and the boxes are unpacked, take a moment to celebrate. You didn’t just buy and sell — you leveled up your lifestyle!

Whether you’re moving across town or trading in your backyard for ocean breezes, selling one home to buy another is a big step toward your next great adventure.

Let's Make it Happen