Navigating a move that involves both buying and selling a home can feel like a balancing act. One of the most common questions we get at The Wilhoit Group is:

“Should I sell my current home before buying, or buy first and then sell?”

The truth is — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right decision depends on your timeline, financial flexibility, and the current market conditions in your area. Here’s a breakdown to help you make a smart, confident move.

🏠 Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy

Pros:

• Stronger buying power: Once your home is sold, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend.
• No double mortgage: You avoid carrying two mortgages at once.
• Less pressure to sell fast: You’re not in a rush to sell at a discount just to close on your next place.

Cons:

• You may need temporary housing: If you haven’t found your next home, you might need a short-term rental or stay with family.
• Tight timeline: You’ll likely need to find and close on a new home quickly after selling.

Best for: Sellers in a strong market who want a clear financial picture and aren’t in a rush to buy.

🏡 Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell

Pros:

• No need to rush: You can take your time finding the perfect new home.
• Smooth transition: Move once — no temporary housing or storage needed.
• Ideal for competitive buyers: You can act fast when your dream home hits the market.

Cons:

• Financial risk: You may end up carrying two mortgages temporarily.
• Contingency challenges: Sellers may be hesitant to accept your offer if it’s contingent on your home selling.

Best for: Buyers with strong financial flexibility or those purchasing in a fast-moving market.

🔄 What About a Contingency Offer?

A contingent offer means you’re buying a home only if your current home sells. This can work in balanced or slow markets — but in competitive ones, sellers often prefer cleaner, non-contingent offers.

💡 Pro Tip: Some buyers use a bridge loan or HELOC to access equity from their current home before it sells — ask us if that’s right for you.

🤔 So, What Should You Do?

There’s no universal rule — but we can help you weigh your options based on:

• Your financial readiness
• Your timeline for moving
• The current buyer/seller conditions in your area
• How competitive the market is in your price range

✅ Let’s Create a Smart Strategy

At The Wilhoit Group, we help clients every day navigate the buy/sell process with clarity and confidence. We’ll evaluate your specific situation, walk you through your options, and build a plan that makes sense for you — not just the market.