Should You Sell First or Buy First? How to Decide When Making Your Next Move

The bright & sunny livingroom of your dreams could be in your next home.

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from sellers:

| “Should we sell our home first… or buy our next one first?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on your personal circumstances, your finances, and the current real estate market conditions. The good news? We can walk you through the pros and cons so you can make a confident decision.

Should You Sell First or Buy First?

Here are four common scenarios to help guide your choice.

1. If You’re in a Seller’s Market → Buy First

In a seller’s market, homes sell fast. That means finding the right home might take more time than selling yours. By buying first, you give yourself the breathing room to shop around for the right fit without worrying about being left without a home.

Example: You find “the one” and make your offer before listing your current property. With buyer demand high, your home is likely to sell quickly once it hits the market.

2. If You’re in a Buyer’s Market → Sell First

A buyer’s market means there’s more inventory than buyers, you have plenty of options. Selling first helps you secure your equity and know exactly what you can spend before you start shopping. Once your home is sold, you’ll likely have multiple homes to choose from.

3. Buying With a Condition on the Sale of Your Home → Best of Both Worlds

This option lets you make an offer on a new home subject to selling your current one. Not every seller will accept this, but in a buyer’s market, it’s more common. It removes a lot of the pressure and ensures you’re not left owning two homes at once.

4. Seller’s Condition on Finding a Home → A Safety Net When Selling First

If you choose to sell first but are worried about finding your next home in time, you can make the sale conditional on finding a suitable property. This gives you peace of mind, you won’t be locked into selling unless you secure your next home.

Note: This is most successful in a seller’s market when buyers are more flexible. Otherwise it's unlikely buyers will agree to this, as it can make your sale feel less certain.

BONUS TIP: Always Have a Backup Plan for Closing Dates

No matter which route you choose, there’s always a chance the timelines won’t match up perfectly.Have a plan in place, whether it’s staying with family, booking a short-term rental, or using storage, so you’re not scrambling if there’s a gap between moving out and moving in.

Final Thoughts

So, should you sell first or buy first? There’s no “right” choice that works for everyone, just the right choice for you. The best way to decide? Talk to a local REALTOR® who knows the market (that’s us!).

We can help you assess the market conditions, run the numbers, and put together a strategy that gives you the best chance of a smooth, stress-free move.