There's no one right answer — it comes down to your finances, your risk tolerance, and how competitive the market is when you move.
The trade-offs at a glance
| Approach | Upside | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Sell first | Known proceeds, no double payment, stronger as a buyer | May need interim housing or a rent-back |
| Buy first | Move once, no rush, secure your next home | Carrying two homes; needs reserves or bridge financing |
- Contingent offers: tie your purchase to your sale — easier in a buyer's market, weaker in a hot one.
- Rent-back: sell, then rent your old home from the buyer for a short period.
- Bridge financing: short-term funds to buy before you sell — discuss costs with a lender.
I help clients sequence this carefully so they don't get stuck. See my full guide: should I sell before buying, or buy first?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it risky to buy before selling?
It can be if you'd struggle to carry both homes. The risk drops sharply with strong reserves, a bridge loan, or a sale already in escrow. We map out your worst case before you commit so there are no surprises.
Can I make my offer contingent on selling my home?
Yes — a sale contingency ties your purchase to closing your current home. It protects you, but it's less competitive in a hot market where sellers prefer clean offers. Whether to use it depends on local conditions.
What's a rent-back and how does it help?
A rent-back lets you sell your home and then rent it from the new owner for a short, agreed period. It gives you cash and time to find and close on your next home without moving twice or rushing.
