The Smart Blog

Buying a Home While Selling Yours? Here’s How to Juggle Both

If you’re planning to buy a new home while selling your current one, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in this in-between phase, whether you’re looking for more space or downsizing into something more manageable.

The challenge? Timing the two transactions so that you can sell with confidence and buy without rushing. At Smart Realty, we guide clients through this every day. With the right plan and support, it is possible to do both smoothly. Here’s how to make it work.

Know Your Financial Options First

Before you list your home or tour new ones, get clarity on your finances. That includes:

How much equity you have in your current home
Whether you can qualify for a new mortgage before selling
If you’ll need to use sale proceeds for your next down payment

In some cases, you may be able to use a bridge loan, HELOC, or contingent offer strategy. We recommend speaking with a trusted lender early so you know what’s realistic, and what’s smart for your long-term goals.

Get Your Current Home Market-Ready

Even if you’re focused on where you’re going next, don’t forget that your current home has to impress buyers too. Start preparing it early by:

Decluttering and making small repairs
Deep cleaning and neutralizing décor
Staging to highlight the home’s best features

A well-prepared home tends to sell faster and for more money, which gives you more flexibility and confidence as a buyer.

Pro tip: Visit our Resources for Sellers page for helpful guides, checklists, and tips.

Time the Transactions (With Flexibility)

The biggest challenge in buying and selling simultaneously is timing. You don’t want to end up homeless, or paying two mortgages.

Here are three common ways to handle it:

Sell first, then buy: This gives you the cash and clarity to make a strong offer, but you may need temporary housing in between.
Buy first, then sell: Easier if you qualify for two mortgages or use a bridge loan, but riskier if your home takes longer to sell.
Buy and sell simultaneously: With a strong agent and contingency planning, this is doable but expect a few moving parts.

The right approach depends on your situation, timeline, and local market. Our team can help you assess the pros and cons.

Use Contingencies Strategically

When juggling both sides of the transaction, real estate contingencies can give you a safety net. For example:

Home sale contingency: You only proceed with buying if your current home sells first
Leaseback agreement: You sell your home but stay in it temporarily while you close on the next one

These tools can make a big difference in your comfort and leverage during negotiations, especially in a competitive market.

Work With One Local Expert for Both Sides

Working with a single agent or team to handle both your sale and your purchase keeps communication tight and timelines aligned. At Smart Realty, we coordinate everything on your behalf, from showings to offers to closing details.

Plus, we know the local market inside and out, so we can help you price your home smartly, identify great new listings fast, and time things for minimal stress.

Let’s Make Your Move a Smart One

Buying and selling at the same time can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan and a team you trust, it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re moving up, scaling down, or simply making a change, Smart Realty is here to help you navigate both sides of the deal with confidence.

Contact us today to start the conversation and see what’s possible for your next move.