Should You Buy Before You Sell? Pros and Cons for Today’s Market
If you’re thinking about moving—whether it’s to downsize, upgrade, or simply change locations—there’s one question that inevitably comes up:
“Should I buy my next home first or sell my current one first?”
It’s a big decision, and there’s no universal answer. It depends on your finances, your timeline, and the current state of the market. But with the right strategy (and a good agent by your side), you can navigate either path with confidence.
Let’s walk through the key pros and cons to help you weigh your options in Ventura County’s evolving 2025 market.
Buying First: The Comfort of Securing Your Next Chapter
Pros:
- Peace of Mind: You won’t have to rush into choosing your next home or worry about temporary housing.
- Strong Negotiating Power: Without a contingency to sell your home first, you may be more attractive to sellers, especially in competitive markets.
- Seamless Transition: You can move in before listing your current home, allowing time to prep it properly for sale.
Cons:
- Double Housing Costs: You could carry two mortgages temporarily, plus utilities and upkeep.
- Financial Strain: It may require bridging loans, a home equity line of credit, or liquid savings to make it happen.
- Market Risk: If your current home takes longer to sell than expected, your timeline could get tight.
Best for:
Homeowners who have strong financial flexibility, are downsizing with significant equity, or find a can’t-miss home and want to move swiftly.
Selling First: Playing It Safe
Pros:
- Clear Budgeting: Once your home is sold, you know exactly how much you can spend on your next one.
- Avoid Double Payments: No overlap means no stress of paying two mortgages.
- Less Risk: You won’t feel the pressure of having to sell quickly just to close on another purchase.
Cons:
- Time Pressure: If you haven’t found your next home, you may feel rushed.
- Temporary Housing May Be Needed: You might need to rent or stay with family between homes.
- You Could Miss Opportunities: A great new home might pop up before your current one closes.
Best for:
Sellers who want financial clarity before making their next move, or those who want to time the market carefully to get top dollar for their current home.
Contingent Offers: A Middle Ground
One option that’s gaining traction again is the contingent offer—buying your next home only if your current home sells.
While not always accepted in competitive markets, in today’s slightly more balanced environment, many sellers are open to contingencies, especially when the offer is strong in other ways.
I help my clients craft compelling contingent offers when it makes sense, making sure your interests are protected while still being competitive.
Which Strategy Is Right for You?
Here’s the truth: it depends on your comfort level and your long-term goals. That’s where I come in—to help you weigh the timing, understand your financials, and decide what’s best for you.
We’ll talk through:
- Your current home’s equity
- The availability of homes you’d consider moving into
- Your ideal timeline for moving or downsizing
- How quickly are homes selling in your area
Sometimes it’s a clear answer. Sometimes it takes a little creative strategy. Either way, we’ll build a plan that works for your lifestyle and keeps stress to a minimum.
Let’s Talk About What Makes Sense for You
If this question is on your mind, you’re already thinking ahead—and that’s the best place to start.
Whether you’re ready to make a move or just exploring your options, I’m here to help you figure out the smartest next step for your life and your home.
Ready to talk it through? Let’s schedule a strategy session together.
