Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first:

• Is it better to start by finding your next home?
• Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking?

Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear.

A good agent knows your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.

But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that order tends to work best (and how an agent can help).

The Advantages of Selling First

1. You’ll Unlock Your Home Equity

Selling your current home before you try to buy your next one allows you to access the equity you've built up – and based on home price appreciation over the past few years, that’s no small number. Data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) shows the average homeowner is sitting on $302K in equity today.

And once you sell, you can use that equity to pay for the down payment on your next house (and maybe even more). You could even have enough to buy your next house in cash. That’s a big deal, and it could make your next move a whole lot easier on your wallet.

2. You Won't Be Juggling Two Mortgages

Trying to buy before you sell means you could wind up holding two mortgages, even if just for a few months. That can get expensive, fast – especially if there are unexpected repairs or delays. Selling first removes that stress and helps you move forward without that financial strain. As Ramsey Solutions says:

“It’s best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.”

3. You’ll Be in a Stronger Position When You Make an Offer

Sellers love a clean, simple offer. If you’ve already sold your house, you don’t need to make your offer contingent on that sale – and that can help you stand out. Your agent can position your offer to be as strong as possible, so you have the best shot at getting the home you want.

This can be a big advantage in competitive markets where sellers prefer buyers with fewer strings attached.

But, like with anything in life, there are tradeoffs. As you weigh your options, keep in mind this key consideration:

You May Need a Place To Stay (Temporarily)

Once your house sells, you may need a short-term rental or to stay with family until you can move into your next home. Your agent can help you negotiate things like a post-closing occupancy (renting the home from the buyer for a set period) or flexible closing dates to help smooth out that transition as much as possible.

Here’s a simple visual that can help you think through your options (see below):

But the best way to determine what’s best for you and your specific situation? Talk to a trusted local agent.

Bottom Line

In many cases, selling first doesn’t just give you clarity, it gives you options. It helps you buy with more confidence, more financial power, and less pressure.

If you're ready to make a move but you’re not sure where to begin, let’s talk. We can walk through your potential equity, your timing, and your local market conditions so you can decide what’s right for you.

Here is a very helpful link to a Home Evaluation tool that will let you personalize your situation, see your home value and equity, and look at different selling and buying scenarios.

Home Evaluation

Kitchen Renovation: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?

Renovating your kitchen is one of the most exciting ways to breathe new life into your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a sparkling new backsplash, updated cabinets, or a full-blown remodel, one big question always comes up: Should you roll up your sleeves and DIY, or bring in a professional?

DIY Kitchen Renovation: The Attractive Option

There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a space with your own two hands. DIY projects can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Tasks like painting walls, installing new hardware, or adding open shelving are well within reach for most homeowners. Even laying peel-and-stick backsplash tiles or swapping out light fixtures can be tackled with a bit of research and patience.  All of these help increase the appeal of this key room for your own enjoyment and for potential buyers.

• Pros: Cost savings, personal satisfaction, complete creative control.
• Cons: Time-consuming, potential for mistakes, limited by your skill level.

When to Call in the Pros

Some kitchen upgrades are best left to the experts. If your renovation involves electrical work, plumbing, or structural changes, hiring a professional is the safest route. Pros can also help with complex cabinetry, countertop installation, and custom designs. Plus, they’ll keep your project on schedule and up to code, which is especially important if you plan to sell your home down the line.

• Pros: Expertise, efficiency, higher quality results, peace of mind.
• Cons: Higher upfront costs, less hands-on involvement.

Combining DIY and Professional Help

Many homeowners find a happy medium by tackling simpler tasks themselves and leaving the heavy lifting to the pros. For example, you might paint the walls and install new cabinet hardware but hire a contractor for new countertops or plumbing work. This approach lets you stay involved while ensuring the trickier parts are done right.  Looking for more help with home renovations in Bucks County? Reach out to Debbie Spaulder at PaDreamHomes.com for expert guidance and personalized real estate solutions