Tips for when you are selling your current home while buying your next home.
Hire an Experienced Agent.
Not all real estate transactions are created equal, and selling one home while purchasing another requires a higher level of strategy and coordination. Experience makes all the difference. When interviewing REALTORS®, ask about their track record with clients who were in the same position you are now. An agent who has successfully guided families through dual transactions will know how to negotiate timelines, navigate contingencies, and keep both deals moving forward. If you’re preparing to interview agents, don’t miss our list of key questions to ask when hiring a REALTOR®.
Know Your Numbers.
In real estate, your financial math matters in every transaction—but it’s absolutely critical when you’re balancing the sale of your current home with the purchase of your next one. From mortgage payoffs and net proceeds to closing costs and moving expenses, understanding your numbers will give you the confidence to make smart, timely decisions. A trusted REALTOR® can help you calculate your bottom line and explore financing options that keep you competitive as both a seller and a buyer.
Embrace the Challenge.
Selling and buying simultaneously can feel like a juggling act. Prepare yourself, and everyone in your household, for a season that may bring extra stress, unexpected scheduling shifts, and occasional uncertainty. The good news? Thousands of homeowners do this every year, and many find that with the right preparation, the process is smoother than expected. Check out Bill and Robin’s story for a real-life example of how planning, teamwork, and expert guidance can turn a complicated move into a successful transition.
Hire a Planner at Heart.
The REALTOR® you hire should be more than experienced—they should also be highly organized. Don’t be afraid to ask directly, “Are you a planner? How do you stay organized?” Most agents will say yes, but the real insight comes when you follow up with, “What tools and systems do you use?” Agents who thrive on planning often love sharing the calendars, checklists, and platforms that keep their clients’ transactions running smoothly. A well-organized agent ensures that nothing falls through the cracks during the complex process of selling your current home while buying your next.
Teams Help Make Dreams.
If you’re relocating out of the area, it’s invaluable to work with a REALTOR® who has strong relationships with agents in your destination city. With your permission, your current agent and your future agent can communicate directly to coordinate timelines, paperwork, and expectations—making both transactions more seamless. This team-based approach reduces stress and increases the odds of a smooth transition. For a real example, see how Bill and Robin successfully sold their Driftwood home and purchased a new home in Pennsylvania with the support of a connected, collaborative team.
Buying and selling a home at the same time is one of the most common scenarios in real estate, and while it comes with unique challenges, it’s also a path many homeowners navigate successfully every year. The key to making it work is preparation. By understanding your financial position, working with an experienced REALTOR®, and mapping out a realistic timeline, you can minimize stress and maximize your opportunities on both sides of the transaction.
It’s important to recognize that there may be moments of uncertainty—your current home might take longer to sell than expected, or you may find the perfect next home before your listing goes live. The good news is that there are proven strategies to manage these situations, from negotiating leasebacks and aligning closing dates to exploring financing options like bridge loans or HELOCs. With the right planning, you can avoid the pitfalls of double mortgages or rushed decisions.
Ultimately, success comes down to communication, flexibility, and expert guidance. A REALTOR® who has guided clients through simultaneous buy-and-sell transactions will know how to negotiate timelines, manage contingencies, and keep both deals moving forward smoothly. With professional support and a clear plan, buying and selling at the same time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it can be the first exciting step toward your next chapter.