How to Sell Your Home and Buy at the Same Time (Without Losing Your Mind)

Sep 27

At the same time?! Yes, it’s possible.

Selling one home while buying another can feel like a high-wire act — but with the right plan (and the right agent in your corner), it doesn’t have to be stressful. I help clients navigate this every day, and with some smart timing and strategy, you can make your move smoothly.

1. Start with a Clear Financial Picture

Before you start touring homes, talk with a trusted lender to understand your options. Even if you plan to use the equity from your current home, a pre-approval shows what you can afford and helps you move quickly when you find the right property. Some clients explore bridge loans or HELOCs to cover the transition period between closings.

2. Decide Whether to Sell First or Buy First

There’s no universal rule — it depends on your finances and the local market.

Sell first if you need the proceeds to fund your next purchase. You can often negotiate a rent-back agreement to stay in your home for a short time after closing.
Buy first if you find your dream home and can qualify for short-term financing or comfortably manage two mortgages for a brief overlap.

I help my clients weigh these options based on their timeline and current market conditions.

3. Coordinate the Timing

This is where having an experienced agent really pays off. I work closely with all parties — buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies — to align closing dates and include contingencies that protect you on both ends. The goal is to minimize any gap between selling and buying.

4. Keep Flexibility in Your Back Pocket

Sometimes things shift — closings get delayed or inspections take longer than expected. Having a backup plan, such as a short-term rental or storage solution, can give you peace of mind if you need a little extra time between moves.

5. Lean on Your Team

Buying and selling at the same time takes coordination, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right real estate agent (hello!) and lender guiding the process, you can make your transition smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable.

Thinking about selling and buying at the same time?
Let’s talk about your options and create a plan that fits your goals and timeline. Send me a message or give me a call — I’d love to help you move forward confidently.

Rachel Harvey