By Liz Opatic – RE/MAX SunQuest
Cheering you through life’s biggest moves—one milestone at a time.

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If you’re thinking about moving but you also have a home to sell, I know how tricky that decision can feel. One minute you’re browsing homes online and dreaming about what’s next… and the next, you’re wondering if you need to sell your current place first to make any of it possible.

Sound familiar?

This is one of the most common questions I get from homeowners who are ready for a change:
“Do I buy first, or sell first?”

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a strategy that’s right for you—and that’s what I’m here to help you figure out.

Let’s walk through the three main options, what they mean, and how to decide which one makes the most sense for your situation.

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Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy

This is a common route for homeowners who want to know exactly how much equity they’ll be working with before making a move.

💚 Perks:

• You’ll have a clear picture of your finances going into the next purchase.
• You’ll likely be more competitive as a buyer with cash in hand.
• It’s often easier to qualify for your next mortgage once your current home is sold.

🚧 Trade-Offs:

• You may need temporary housing or have to move twice (ugh, I know).
• There’s pressure to find your next home quickly after closing.
• If the market is tight, you might feel rushed or end up settling.

This is a great option if you’re counting on the equity from your home sale or need to sell in order to qualify for your next purchase.

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Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell

This approach offers a bit more comfort and control—but it also comes with a few financial considerations.

💚 Perks:

• You can move once and settle in without the stress of overlapping timelines.
• You’ll have time to find the right home instead of scrambling.
• Once you’re out of your current house, it’s easier to declutter, clean, and stage it to shine.

🚧 Trade-Offs:

• You may need to qualify for two mortgages temporarily.
• You won’t have access to the equity from your current home yet.
• Carrying costs can add up if your home doesn’t sell quickly.

This works best if you’ve got some financial flexibility or access to bridge financing, and you don’t want to feel rushed into a decision.

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Option 3: Make an Offer Contingent on Selling Your Home

This one’s a mix of both worlds—you find a new home you love and make an offer that’s contingent on your current home selling.

💚 Perks:

• You avoid owning two homes at once.
• It allows you to move forward once you find “the one.”
• This can be a solid option if your home is already listed or expected to sell quickly.

🚧 Trade-Offs:

• If you’re competing with a non-contingent offer, the seller will almost always lean that direction.
• To stand out, you may need to offer more or give the seller more favorable terms (like a flexible possession date or fewer repair requests).
• Many sellers won’t take their home off the market until yours is under contract—which could mean losing the home you had your heart set on.
• If your current home takes longer to sell, the deal could fall through.

This strategy can work—it just takes careful timing and a solid game plan. That’s where I come in.

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Let’s Build Your Move Strategy

There’s no right or wrong way to make a move—it’s about figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating across town, I’ll help you navigate every step with clarity, confidence, and a plan that’s personalized to your goals.

Let’s schedule an in-person consultation and create your move strategy together.
You can grab a time that works best for you here:
👉 Schedule Your Consultation

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Cheering you through life’s biggest moves—one milestone at a time.