If you’re trying to figure out how to buy your next home before selling your current one, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and I totally get it. You don’t want to feel rushed into selling, but you also don’t want to get stuck juggling two homes (and two mortgages).

The good news is, it’s absolutely possible, and you can do it stress-free. Here are four proven strategies to help you buy before you sell in today’s market:

1. Make a contingent offer. This is the old-school way to do it: you make your offer contingent on the sale of your current home. It gives you the ultimate peace of mind because you’re not committed to buying until your home sells. 

But, just being honest, it can hurt your negotiating power. Sellers usually prefer offers that aren’t tied to another sale. So while this route keeps things safe, it can limit your negotiating power and make your offer less competitive in a multiple-offer scenario.

2. Negotiate a delayed close. Some sellers are surprisingly flexible on timing. You can ask for a delayed closing, which gives you more time to sell your current place before you have to close on the new one. It’s not always a yes, but it’s worth asking. I’ve seen this strategy work really well for clients who just needed a little breathing room.

“Buying before selling works with planning, smart financing, and the right strategy.”

3. Use a bridge loan. If you’re ready to buy but your current home hasn’t sold yet, a bridge loan might be the answer. It’s a short-term loan that covers the gap, so you can buy your next home now and pay the loan off once your current one sells. It’s a great way to start purchasing and still have time to sell your current home for top dollar.

4. Sell and rent it back. This one’s a bit outside the box, but it can work beautifully: sell your home, then rent it back for a little while. That gives you the cash in hand and time to shop for your next place without the pressure of making your offer contingent. It keeps you in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiating your next deal.

Trying to buy and sell at the same time can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re thinking about making a move, you can call me at (651) 998-9829. I’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you figure out the best way to do it.