Sell one, buy the next
Selling and buying at the same time is two transactions that have to land together. I’ve done it for several clients this year alone.
One plan to avoid carrying two homes, or none.
Most next-home buyers have the same worry: if I sell first, where do we live? If I buy first, can we afford two mortgages? The answer depends on your equity, your loan, and the market that month.
Because I represent you on both sides, one person is watching both timelines. The listing, the offer on your next home, both escrows, and the move all run off one plan.
We start with your numbers and your must-haves, then pick the sequence that fits.
Both escrows
on one calendar.
I keep both sides on one calendar so nothing surprises you.
- 01
Numbers
Your equity, your payment and your lender’s answer decide the sequence.
- 02
Prepare
Get your home ready to list: repairs worth doing, pricing, photos.
- 03
List + search
Secure your purchase, then list your current property. Or list first while we shop.
- 04
Land both
Timed closings, a rent-back if needed, and one move instead of two.
Choosing the sequence
- 01
Sell first
The strongest position when you buy, because you’re not contingent on anything. We can often negotiate a rent-back so you stay in your home for a few weeks after closing.
- 02
Buy with a contingent offer
Your offer depends on selling your current home. It protects you, but it can be weaker against other offers, so I talk to the listing agent first and keep your sale moving fast.
- 03
Buy first
If your lender can qualify you for both homes, or you use a bridge loan or a line of credit, you can buy before you sell. Your lender decides whether this works for you.
In their words
“It was like going and looking at houses with a friend.”
FordBought their first home with Joseph, then a bigger one“We consider him a friend more than just a realtor.”
AlySold her first home and bought her family’s dream home, 2022
Can I buy a new home before I sell my current one?
Sometimes. If your lender can qualify you for both payments, or you use a bridge loan or a line of credit, buying first is possible. Otherwise we write a contingent offer or sell first with a rent-back.
What is a contingent offer?
An offer that depends on the sale of your current home. If your home doesn’t sell in the agreed time, you can cancel without losing your deposit. It protects you, but sellers may prefer non-contingent offers, so strategy matters.
What is a rent-back agreement?
After your home sells, the buyer lets you stay for an agreed period, usually a few weeks, so you can close on your next home and move once.
Should I use the same agent to sell and buy?
It helps. One person watching both timelines means the dates, contingencies and move are planned together.
“He responded promptly, explained complex concepts simply and let me know what to expect at every stage. I never felt overwhelmed, I felt in control.”
“He knew exactly which agents had buyers who could handle the issues, and he made sure they saw the property.”
“Joseph took my biggest burden in recent history (selling an inherited property) and walked me through it, step by step, unburdening me in record time.”
Keep reading
Every experience is unique. I start with why you’re selling, then build the price, the timing and the plan around that.
Read more BuyersI explain every step before it happens. You’ll always know where we are in the process.
Read more What’s my home worth?A value from a broker who has seen your home.
Read more Luxury homesSierra Oaks estates, the Fab 40s, Land Park’s storybook streets. At any price point, you work with me at every step.
Read moreStart with what your home is worth
That number decides the plan, and I’ll give you a real one based on recent sales.
“The best part of this job is helping people on a human level.”Joseph Olson
- Call / text(916) 835-2968
- Emailjosephao@gmail.com
- OfficeColdwell Banker – Sierra Oaks
2277 Fair Oaks Blvd, Ste 440
Sacramento, CA 95825