Buy First or Sell First? The Smartest Move for Today’s Market

Should You Buy or Sell First? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you’re planning a move, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to buy your next home first or sell your current one before diving in.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but in many cases, selling first puts you in a much stronger position. Here’s why.

1. You’ll Unlock the Equity in Your Current Home

Thanks to years of home price growth, most homeowners are sitting on substantial equity — the national average is around $302,000, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). Selling first gives you access to that money, which can go toward the down payment, closing costs, or even allow you to buy your next home in cash.

That kind of financial flexibility is a game-changer.

2. You’ll Avoid the Stress of Carrying Two Mortgages

If you buy before you sell, you could end up paying two mortgages at the same time. That’s a major strain — especially if your home takes longer to sell than expected or if your new one needs repairs.

As Ramsey Solutions puts it:

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

3. You’ll Have More Leverage When Making an Offer

Sellers prefer clean, simple offers. If you’ve already sold your home, you don’t need to make your offer contingent on that sale — and that helps you stand out. In today’s market, that kind of flexibility can be the edge you need to win in a multiple-offer situation.

But What About the Gap Between Homes?

Selling first does come with one trade-off: you may need a temporary place to stay between homes.

A good agent can help negotiate options like a post-closing occupancy (so you can rent your sold home for a few weeks after closing) or coordinate timelines to help ease the transition.

This doesn’t have to be a stressful gap — it just requires a little planning and the right strategy.

Bottom Line

If you’re not sure whether to sell or buy first, a local real estate expert can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals, your finances, and what’s happening in your market right now.

Selling first can give you confidence, control, and more options — and that can make all the difference in today’s market.