Move strategy
Should we sell before buying, or buy before selling?
A two-home question that is really about timing, financing, and flexibility.
There is no universal answer. There is a sequence that fits the facts of your move.
When a next purchase depends on an existing home, the important questions are often practical: how long preparation may take, what financing options are available, what timing you can tolerate, and how much certainty matters.
It is useful to work through those variables before a dream home, a listing date, or a deadline forces the choice.
- 01Understand the current home.
Its condition, likely preparation, market position, and possible sale timing all shape the choices available.
- 02Clarify the next purchase.
Priorities, price range, location, financing, and how flexible the search can be make a difference.
- 03Compare the possible sequences.
Buying first, selling first, and other timing structures each carry different tradeoffs. The useful path is the one you understand.
- 04Build a timeline with room for real life.
A plan should account for prep, showings, inspections, closing tasks, and the moves that do not happen on a spreadsheet.