Buy + Sell

A complete guide to navigating a contingent move

Buying and selling a home at the same time is one of the most complex moves you can make in real estate. It can be done smoothly — but only with proper planning, market awareness, and clear communication across all parties. Whether you need to sell before you buy, buy before you sell, or coordinate both transactions on the same day, this guide walks you through how I manage the process with clients step by step.

My role is to quarterback both sides of the transaction — helping you avoid costly timing gaps, avoid double moves, and reduce the stress that often comes with juggling two major decisions at once.

What It Means to Buy and Sell at the Same Time

There are three common paths clients take when doing both:

1. Sell first, then buy:

You list and sell your current home before purchasing your next one. This gives you firm financial footing, but can require temporary housing or careful timing.

2. Buy first, then sell:

You purchase your next property before your current home sells. This route can offer peace of mind and flexibility but requires financial readiness — sometimes through bridge financing or carrying both properties temporarily.

3. Close both transactions at once (or back-to-back):

This is a well-coordinated transaction where your home sells and you close on the new home within 24–48 hours, often with a rent-back or transitional possession built in.

Each route has pros and trade-offs — the best one for you depends on your financial position, risk tolerance, desired location, and market conditions.

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how I guide clients through a successful dual move:

Step 1: Strategy & Discovery

We start with a conversation to understand your goals, timeline, financial situation, and personal preferences. Are you trying to upgrade, downsize, or relocate to a new area? Do you have equity in your current home? Are you in a seller’s or buyer’s market?

We use this info to build a plan around your priorities.

Step 2: Home Value + Financing Game Plan

I’ll provide a full market valuation of your current home — including recent comps, current competition, and expected net proceeds after sale. This number becomes the foundation for your next purchase.

Then, I’ll connect you with a lender (or your current one) to explore financing options:

• Bridge loans

• Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

• Sale-contingent approvals

• Temporary buy-downs or extended rate locks

We’ll build a financing path that fits your comfort level.

Step 3: Timeline Mapping

This is where strategy becomes structure. I’ll lay out a shared timeline with milestone dates for:

• Listing prep + marketing launch

• Search + showing windows

• Offer deadlines

• Contingency periods

• Ideal closing and possession dates

Having a visual overview allows us to sync both sides and identify any timing gaps early.

Step 4: Listing Prep & Search Activation

While we prepare your current home for market — staging, photography, cleaning, disclosures — I’ll also activate your home search.

This dual track saves time and gives you flexibility. In some cases, we’ll explore off-market or pre-MLS options to get a jumpstart.

Step 5: Contingency & Offer Management

Once offers come in on your sale — or you’re ready to write an offer on a new home — I help you structure them to protect your position and reduce risk.

Typical tools include:

• Sale contingencies

• Post-closing occupancy agreements (a.k.a. rent-backs)

• Flexible close dates

• Escalation clauses

• Inspection strategy to keep timelines tight

I’ll negotiate and coordinate with both cooperating agents to keep everyone aligned and on track.

Step 6: Final Prep & Closing Coordination

Once both deals are under contract, I go into execution mode — managing closing checklists, lender communication, inspection timelines, title review, and move logistics.

I stay in daily contact with your lender, title rep, and the cooperating agents to make sure all documents, funds, and keys move as planned.

What Makes This Process Work

• I serve as your single point of contact across both sides

• I manage timelines visually, so nothing falls through the cracks

• I proactively communicate with your lender, title team, and the other agents

• I build in buffers where needed, and troubleshoot before problems arise

Common Questions

Q: What if I can’t find a home I like before my current one sells?

A: We can build in flexible possession dates or look into temporary rentals. I’ll also explore off-market options to give you more choice.

Q: Do I need to get a bridge loan?

A: Not always — it depends on your equity and comfort level. We’ll explore all financing scenarios to find the best one for you.

Q: What’s the biggest risk in a contingent sale?

A: Poor timing. That’s why having a single point of coordination across both deals — including lender, buyer/seller agents, and title — is so important.

Final Thought

Buying and selling at the same time doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right strategy, clear communication, and strong coordination, it can be one of the smoothest transitions you’ll ever make. My goal is to guide you with structure, clarity, and peace of mind — so your next chapter starts on solid ground.