Buying a new home while selling your current one can feel like a high-stakes juggling act. The biggest fear I hear from clients? “What if I sell my house and can’t find a new one? I don’t want to be homeless!” The good news is that with the right plan in place, you can transition smoothly without panic or last-minute scrambling. In my 26 years of selling real estate, I’ve never had a client end up without a place to go. Here’s how we make it work.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Ideal Scenario
Before diving into logistics, I always ask my clients: If you could wave a magic wand, what would your ideal move look like? Having a clear picture of your preferred timeline, budget, and must-haves helps us strategize effectively. If you have a partner, make sure you’re on the same page—it makes decision-making much smoother down the road.
Step 2: Use a Rent-Back to Buy Time
One of the best ways to eliminate stress is by negotiating a post-closing rent-back from your buyers. This allows you to stay in your home for up to 60 days after closing, giving you extra time to find and secure your next home. Most buyers are willing to accommodate this, especially in competitive markets.
Step 3: Time Your Sale and Purchase Strategically
- Extended Closing Periods: When you accept an offer on your current home, we can negotiate a longer closing timeline (e.g., 45-60 days) to give you more time to shop for a new home.
- Making a Contingent Offer: In today’s market, most sellers won’t accept an offer contingent on your home selling unless your current home is already under contract—and even better, past the inspection phase. This reassures the seller that your deal is solid and likely to close.
- Short-Term Rentals as a Backup Plan: While most of my clients never need one, it’s helpful to explore short-term rental options just in case. Having a safety net can reduce anxiety about timing. Can you stay with friends or family? Can you store your contents in a POD or on a moving truck?
Step 4: Work with a Pro Who Has Done This Before
Buying a home and selling your current one is a process that requires strategic negotiation, strong market knowledge, and excellent timing. You need an agent (hi, that’s me!) who knows how to make these pieces fit together seamlessly. With the right planning and approach, you can move forward confidently without feeling like you’re making a leap into the unknown.
Give me a call today at 303-210-6156 and let’s set up a time to go over any questions you may have about how to buy a home and sell your current home at the same time.