Short answerThe common options are a home sale contingency on your purchase, selling first and renting back for a short time, closing both on the same day, or using savings or bridge financing to buy first. The right choice depends on how much equity you need from your sale and how competitive the home you want is.
The options compared
| Option | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Home sale contingency on your offer | You are not stuck with two homes | Weaker offer; some sellers will not accept it |
| Sell first, rent back | You know your proceeds; strong buyer offer | Short time to find and close on the next home |
| Same day closings | One move | Tight coordination; one delay affects both |
| Buy first with savings or a bridge loan | Strongest offer on the next home | Two payments for a while; added cost |
Steps that help
- Get a net estimate on your current home.
- Get preapproved with and without your sale proceeds.
- Prepare your home before you shop so it can list quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What is a contingent offer?
An offer that depends on something happening, such as the buyer selling their current home.
Can I buy before I sell?
Yes, if you qualify for both payments or use bridge financing. Ask your lender.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.