If you're a current homeowner ready for a change, you're probably asking yourself:
“Should I buy a new home before selling my current one?”

It’s a common dilemma—and one that’s become even more important to get right in 2025’s fast-paced, competitive housing market. Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize, or relocate, the order in which you buy and sell can impact your financial stability, timeline, and stress levels.

In this post, we’ll break down the benefits, drawbacks, and key considerations of buying before selling, along with some tips to help you navigate both options wisely.

Pros of Buying Before Selling Your Current Home

1. Less Pressure to Find the Perfect Home
You have more time and flexibility to search for the right property without worrying about being rushed out of your current home.

2. Avoid Temporary Housing
Buying first means you won't need to move twice or rent short-term accommodations while looking for a new home.

3. Move at Your Own Pace
Staging, packing, and moving can be done gradually, reducing the chaos and stress of a same-day move.

4. Capitalize on Market Opportunities
If the right home comes along, acting quickly can help you lock it in—even before your current home sells.

Cons of Buying Before Selling

1. Carrying Two Mortgages
If your current home doesn’t sell quickly, you could end up paying two mortgages at once—plus taxes, utilities, and maintenance on both properties.

2. Risk of Overextending Finances
Without equity from your current home, your down payment and monthly payments on the new home may be a stretch.

3. Pressure to Sell Fast
If you need to sell quickly to avoid double payments, you might have to price your home more aggressively—or accept a lower offer.

4. Financing Complications
Lenders may hesitate to approve your new mortgage if you haven't yet sold your existing home, especially if your debt-to-income ratio is tight.

Key Factors to Consider in 2025

1. Current Market Conditions

  • Seller’s Market? Buying first may be smart since your current home is likely to sell quickly.

  • Buyer’s Market? You may have more leverage to purchase a new home after selling and using the equity.

2. Your Financial Position

  • Can you afford two mortgage payments for a few months?

  • Do you have savings for a strong down payment without selling first?

3. Your Risk Tolerance
Some people are comfortable with uncertainty and juggling two homes temporarily—others aren’t. Know your comfort level.

4. Loan Options
Bridge loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), or a sale-leaseback agreement may help finance the transition. Speak to a trusted lender.

Tips for Buying Before Selling

  1. Get Pre-Approved Early
    Know exactly what you can afford with or without selling your current home first.

  2. Consider a Home Sale Contingency
    You can make an offer on a new home that’s contingent on your current home selling, though this may weaken your offer in a competitive market.

  3. Work with a Real Estate Agent
    A skilled agent can help coordinate both transactions, price your home correctly, and time everything strategically.

  4. Stage and List Your Current Home ASAP
    Even if you buy first, don’t delay listing your current home. The sooner it sells, the sooner you relieve the financial pressure.

Should You Sell First Instead?

Selling your home before buying can give you more control over your budget and reduce financial risk. However, it may require temporary housing, extra moving costs, or pressure to buy quickly.

Whether you choose to buy a new home before selling or vice versa depends on your financial flexibility, local market conditions, and personal comfort level. Both strategies have advantages—what matters most is aligning your decision with your goals and having the right team behind you.

At William Raveis, we help homeowners every day make smart moves—literally. If you’re ready to explore your options, we’d love to guide you through every step.

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in Andover MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witte Andover Realtor MA