Buy First, or Sell First?

Описание: When the market is relatively slow like it is currently, the order you buy and sell really matters. So the question is: should you buy first, or sell first?
Let’s break it down.

Option one: Buy first, then sell.You find your next home and submit a conditional offer — typically including financing, inspection, and a sale-of-property condition. Once accepted, you usually have 30 to 45 days to sell your current home before firming up the purchase.

The biggest advantage is reduced pressure. You know where you’re moving before you sell, which helps you avoid rushed decisions. In a slower, buyer-leaning market, sellers are often more open to conditional offers.
The downside? Conditional offers can be less competitive. Your home must be priced correctly to sell within the condition period, and there’s always a risk another buyer could step in.

Option two: Sell first, then buy.Here, you sell your home first — often negotiating a longer closing — which gives you time to shop with a firm budget.

The upside is clarity and leverage. You know exactly how much equity you have and you’re negotiating from a stronger position. Financially, it’s lower risk.
The trade-off is timing pressure. You’ll need to secure your next home before closing, and temporary housing is sometimes a possibility.

What I recommend:

In our current market, I often recommend buying first with a sale-of-property condition — assuming your home is marketable and will be priced realistically.

That said, selling first can be the better move if you want maximum certainty and negotiating power. Especially if you have been looking at homes, and see a few options that work well for you. You can also protect yourself with a Seller purchase condition to ensure that you find a suitable home before finalizing your sale.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are variables to consider, and this decision comes down to a full review of all options and variables. With the right plan and realistic pricing, either approach can work.

If you’re considering a move, I’m happy to help you figure out which path makes the most sense for you.

Jeff Moisan
Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Home Group Realty
[email protected]
www.jeffmoisan.com