Should I Buy First or Sell First? Here’s How to Decide.

Feeling stuck in the chicken-and-egg dilemma of buying your dream home and selling your current one? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear: "Should I buy first or sell first?" The good news is, there’s no wrong answer—just the right one for you.

Why This Matters:
It’s natural to feel uncertain about timing. Buying first means you might carry two mortgages temporarily. Selling first means you might need temporary housing. Either way, you’re wondering, What’s the safest option for my family and finances?

Here’s How to Decide:

1. Understand the Market:

   • In a seller’s market (where homes sell quickly), it can often be better to buy first. Why? If you sell first, you’ll benefit from the seller’s market, but when it comes time to buy, you’re competing with everyone else in a rising market, and your sale proceeds may not stretch as far. Buying first allows you to tackle the competitive buying situation upfront and then sell with confidence, knowing you have a place to move to.

   • In a buyer’s market (where homes take longer to sell), selling first is often the smarter choice. If prices are trending downward and there are plenty of properties that meet your needs, selling first ensures you secure the most value from your home. It may take longer, but when you transition to buying, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate with more options available.

   • In a balanced market (where homes sell in a reasonable time) the choice is yours. We always recommend assessing the volume of homes on the market that meet what you are looking for in your next home. If you find you have a lot of options it can be safe to sell first. If on the other hand, only something specific will do buying first is the way to go.

2. Know Your Finances:

   • If you buy first, explore bridge financing. This short-term loan helps cover the gap between your purchase and sale.

   • If you sell first, work with your Realtor to negotiate a longer closing date, giving you time to find your new home.

3. Consider Your Risk Tolerance:

   • If carrying two mortgages for a short time feels stressful, selling first provides peace of mind.

   • If you don’t want to rush into buying your next home, buying first gives you flexibility.

   • No matter which you choose, whether to buy or sell first you want to know the market conditions and have a plan for a transition in the market. When a seller’s market flips to a balanced or a buyer’s or vice versa it can throw a curve ball in the best-laid plans. That’s where partnering with an expert lender and realtor® becomes even more important.

Let’s Make It Easy:
Still unsure? We’ll sit down with you, review your finances, and help you navigate the local market. Together, we’ll build a plan that ensures you’re confident every step of the way. Give us a call or send us a message—we’d love to help!

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