If you’re a homeowner thinking about moving, you’re likely curious about what steps to take first and how the whole process will unfold.

• Would it be better to begin by looking for your next home?

• Should you sell your current home before starting to look for a new one?

In the end, what works best for you depends on many different factors. That’s why having an experienced agent can really help you figure out your next move with confidence.

They’re familiar with your local market, up to date on the latest trends, and aware of what’s working for other homeowners right now. They can give you advice that fits both their expertise and what you’re looking for.

Here’s a quick sneak peek: Often, putting your current home on the market before buying a new one can actually give you an advantage. Let me explain why this order usually works best—and how an agent can guide you through the process.

The Advantages of Selling First

1. You’ll be able to access the value you've built up in your home.

Selling your current home before buying your next one lets you tap into the equity you've built up over time—and with home prices having gone up so much in recent years, that equity can add up to a significant amount. In fact, data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) shows the average homeowner now has about $302,000 in equity.

After you sell your home, the equity you’ve built up can help cover the down payment on your next place—maybe even more than that. In some cases, you might have enough to buy your next house outright with cash. That’s a game-changer and can really lighten the financial load when making your next move.

2. You won’t have to manage payments for two mortgages at the same time.

If you try to buy a new home before selling your current one, you might end up paying two mortgages at the same time, even if it’s only for a short period. That can add up quickly, especially if you run into unexpected repairs or delays. Selling your home first can take that stress off your plate and help you move forward without worrying about the extra financial burden. As Ramsey Solutions points out:

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

— Ramsey Solutions

3. When you make an offer, you'll be in a much stronger position.

Sellers appreciate offers that are straightforward and hassle-free. If you’ve already sold your home, there’s no need to make your offer dependent on that sale, which can give you an edge. Your agent will help you present the strongest offer possible, increasing your chances of landing the home you want.

This can give you a real edge in competitive markets, especially since sellers often favor buyers who come with fewer conditions.

One Thing To Keep in Mind

Like anything in life, there are tradeoffs. As you think through your options, keep this possible downside in mind as well.

1. Sometimes, you might need a temporary place to stay.

After you sell your house, you might need a short-term rental or stay with family until you’re ready to move into your next home. Your agent can assist in negotiating options like a post-closing occupancy, where you rent the home from the buyer for a little while, or arranging flexible closing dates to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Take a look at this easy-to-understand visual below to help you weigh your options.

The easiest way to figure out what works best for you and your unique situation is to chat with a trusted local agent.

Bottom Line

Selling your home first often does more than just clear things up—it actually opens up more options for you. It lets you shop for your next place with greater confidence, more financial freedom, and less stress.

If you’re thinking about making a move but don’t know where to start, let’s have a conversation. We can go over your potential equity, timing, and the current local market so you can figure out what works best for you.