Should You Sell Before You Buy?

 

 

The Next Chapter: real answers for homeowners navigating their next move.

 

 

What actually happens if I sell first?

You know exactly what you're working with: your equity, your timeline, and your next steps are all based on real numbers instead of estimates. The tradeoff is you may need somewhere to stay temporarily if you haven't found your next home yet. For some homeowners, that's a minor inconvenience. For others, the idea of moving twice is a dealbreaker.

What actually happens if I buy first?

You get to move once, directly into the next place, no temporary housing, no living out of boxes. But it could mean carrying two mortgages, even briefly, and depending on the market, you may need a bridge loan or a strong enough financial cushion to make an offer contingent-free.

"There's no universally right answer here, only the right answer for your finances and your comfort with uncertainty."

Which one is actually right for me?

It comes down to two honest questions: how much cash cushion do you have for a short overlap, and how much disruption can you tolerate? If your finances are tight, selling first is usually the safer route. If you have flexibility and don't want to move twice, buying first, even with the overlap, might be worth it.

 

What if I've been putting this decision off?

That's more common than you'd think, and it's worth naming honestly. Waiting doesn't actually remove the uncertainty; it just delays the decision. If that sounds familiar, it might help to revisit The Hidden Cost of Waiting: It's Not Always About Money.  The two questions go hand in hand. I've walked through this exact decision with homeowners in North Branford, Guilford, and Madison, and the right call has looked different every time depending on their situation.

 

Kim Dawson is a REALTOR® with Coastal Connecticut Homes, serving the Connecticut Shoreline. A North Branford native, she specializes in helping homeowners 50+ navigate downsizing, relocation, and major life transitions.

Kim Dawson REALTOR® 203.481.4605

Trying to figure out which order makes sense for you? I'm glad to run the numbers with you, no pressure, no obligation.