Sell First or Buy First? Key Strategies Every Homeowner Should Know When Planning a Move

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a move is:“Should I buy a new home first or sell my current one?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this—it depends on your personal situation. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a real estate expert who understands both market trends and your local area.

Today, we’ll look at this question from a big-picture view based on current U.S. housing trends. But remember: real estate is always a local game.For example, in Chicago’s suburbs—where I specialize—top school districts are still facing a housing shortage, which keeps sellers in a strong position.

So in today’s market, what’s the smarter move?In many cases, selling your current home first may give you the upper hand. Here’s why:

✅ 1. Selling First Gives You Access to Your Home Equity

Thanks to rising home values over the past few years, many sellers are sitting on a large amount of home equity.According to Cotality, the average U.S. homeowner now has about $302,000 in equity.Selling first means you can tap into that equity for a down payment—or even buy your next home in cash, which increases your financial flexibility and negotiation power.

✅ 2. Avoid Carrying Two Mortgages

Buying before selling can leave you with two mortgages at once—a major financial risk, especially if repairs or closing delays pop up.Ramsey Solutions puts it simply:

“To avoid unnecessary risk and stress, sell your current home before buying your next one.”

✅ 3. Stronger Offer Power When You Buy

If your current home is already sold, you don’t need to include a “home sale contingency” in your offer on the next property.To sellers, that’s a cleaner, more reliable offer—giving you a competitive edge in today’s fast-moving market.A skilled agent can help you leverage that strength to win the home you want.

⚠️ 4. The Trade-Off: You May Need Temporary Housing

One downside of selling first is that you might need a place to stay before moving into your next home.But don’t worry—an experienced agent can help you navigate this too.Options include post-closing occupancy agreements (where you stay in your home for a short time after closing) or negotiating flexible move-in dates to bridge the gap.

🏁 Bottom Line: Find the Right Strategy with a Trusted Pro

In many cases, selling first gives you clarity, confidence, and cash flow—all important when making a big move.

So before you start packing, talk to a local expert. Together, we’ll look at your equity, market conditions, and timeline to help you make the best move possible.