Your Smart Move-Up Game Plan
How do you sell your current home and buy your next one without losing your mind (or your keys)?
Successfully buying and selling a home at the same time is absolutely possible—with the right planning, strategy, and professional support. In this post, you’ll learn how to avoid the stress of double mortgages, rushed decisions, or unexpected gaps between moves.
Start With the Numbers
Before you start dreaming about your next kitchen, it’s time to do the math. Step one is getting pre-approved for your next mortgage. This gives you a clear budget for your purchase and makes you a more competitive buyer. Next, figure out how much equity you need to tap from your current home sale to fund the next one. Knowing both numbers will guide every other decision.
Work With a Real Estate Team That Does Both
Coordinating a buy-sell transaction is not something you want to DIY. The Kim Van Horn Team with BHHS The Preferred Realty, specializes in helping clients in Cranberry Twp, PA navigate both sides of the move seamlessly. From pricing your current home to timing your purchase, we guide you through every twist and turn.
Prep Your Current Home to Sell Fast
Want to avoid paying two mortgages? Then your current home needs to sell quickly and for top dollar. That means tackling small repairs, deep cleaning, and staging your home to impress. A clean, clutter-free, move-in ready vibe will draw buyers in and maximize your sale price.
Price It Right From Day One
Overpricing your current home can stall your entire plan. The best strategy? Pricing competitively from the start based on local market data. This attracts strong interest early, which can lead to better offers and faster closings.
Time It Right: Coordinating Closings
Aligning your selling and buying timelines is part strategy, part negotiation. Our team helps line up closing dates to minimize gaps, arrange leasebacks if needed, and negotiate occupancy terms that give you flexibility. Whether it’s one week or one day between moves, our goal is a smooth handoff.
Use Contingency Clauses Wisely
In your purchase offer, you may consider a "sale contingency," which means your offer depends on selling your current home first. However, this can weaken your offer in a competitive market. We’ll help you weigh the risks and explore other options if needed.
Explore Bridge Financing
When timing doesn’t line up perfectly, bridge loans can fill the gap. This short-term financing lets you tap your equity before your current home sells. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a strategic tool in the right situation.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans can hit snags. We help our clients prepare for temporary housing options like short-term rentals, staying with family, or negotiating post-settlement occupancy if needed. Planning ahead gives you peace of mind.
Stay Organized and Communicate Often
There are a lot of moving parts when you buy and sell at the same time. Keep all documents, dates, and contacts in one place. Our team helps manage the details and keeps communication flowing so nothing slips through the cracks.
Final Takeaway
Buying and selling a home at the same time might sound stressful, but with the right guidance and smart planning, you can make it happen smoothly. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, having a strategic partner like The Kim Van Horn Team gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Download our free guide, "Buying & Selling Simultaneously," to get our complete step-by-step process, expert tips, and checklists for every stage of the journey.