How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

If you’ve ever thought about buying a new home while selling your current one, you’ve probably realized it’s a bit like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope. You’ve got to balance timing, finances, emotions, and logistics, all while keeping your sanity intact. I get it. I’ve helped plenty of families around Cedar Park, Round Rock, and North Austin do this, and trust me, it can be done smoothly when you’ve got a plan.

Let’s walk through it together.

Step One: Know Your Numbers

Before you start scrolling through homes on Zillow or scheduling showings, the first thing to do is get a clear picture of your finances. How much equity do you have in your current home? What’s your budget for the next one? Sit down with a trusted Realtor (hi, that’s where I come in) and a good local lender to see what’s possible. Sometimes, you can qualify for a new mortgage before selling. Other times, it makes more sense to sell first and buy after.

Step Two: Get Your Current Home Market-Ready

Even if you’re not quite ready to list, start preparing now. Declutter, make minor repairs, and boost curb appeal. Think of it as getting your home dressed for a first date. The better it looks, the faster it sells, and the stronger your negotiating power will be on your next purchase.

I always tell my clients to treat this stage like a little warm-up. By the time we officially list, we’ll have professional photos, a marketing plan, and a pricing strategy ready to roll.

Step Three: Explore Your Bridge Options

There are several creative ways to bridge the gap between selling and buying. You might use a contingency offer, which means your purchase depends on selling your current home. Or you might go with a leaseback, where you sell your house but stay in it a bit longer while closing on the next one. Some lenders also offer bridge loans, which cover your down payment on the new home before your old one sells.

Every family’s situation is unique, so I help you figure out which route fits your comfort level, timeline, and financial goals.

Step Four: Time It Right

This part takes coordination, but it’s where a good agent earns their keep. The goal is to line up both closings as close together as possible so you can move seamlessly. It’s common to close on your sale in the morning and your purchase that same afternoon. I’ve seen it work beautifully when everyone’s communicating clearly, from the title company to the movers.

Step Five: Keep Calm and Stay Flexible

There will be moments when it feels like everything’s happening at once, and that’s okay. Maybe your buyer needs a few extra days, or your new build’s completion date shifts. Staying flexible and trusting the process can make a world of difference. Remember, you’re not doing this alone. When I’m helping clients through this transition, my job is to keep all the moving parts running smoothly so you can focus on the excitement of your next chapter.