Selling your home while preparing to move into a new one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating for a job, upgrading for more space, or moving into a better school district, the entire process can quickly turn into a balancing act. And when you’re trying to sell your current home while searching for the next, the stress multiplies.
Many homeowners compare this experience to real estate Jenga, and the description fits perfectly. Every decision feels like a block pulled from a shaky tower; one wrong move could disrupt your plans and timeline.
The good news? You’re not alone, and you can make the process smoother with the right strategy. In this post, we break down the two most common approaches most homeowners consider:
• Selling first, then buying
• Buying first, then selling
Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and the right path depends on your finances, your risk tolerance, and your moving timeline. Below, we explore both methods in depth so you can decide which approach aligns best with your needs, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Buying Before Selling
For many homeowners, the idea of securing a new home before letting go of the old one feels like the safer, more comfortable choice. But while it has clear advantages, it also comes with financial risks. Here’s a closer look:
Pros
A seamless transition into your next chapter
When you buy a new house before selling your current one, you eliminate the fear of being temporarily without a home. This is especially comforting for families, remote workers, and anyone who needs stability during a relocation.
Move only once
Short-term rentals aren’t just inconvenient; they’re expensive. Most landlords won’t agree to monthly rentals, which means you may have to commit to a multi-month lease even if you only need the place for a few weeks. By buying first, you avoid the stress, expense, and disruption of multiple moves.
More time to prepare your old home for sale
If you’re already settled into your new place, you can stage, clean, repair, or show your old home without the chaos of living in it at the same time. This can help you get a better sale price.
Cons
Financial strain from carrying two mortgages
This is the biggest concern. If your current home doesn’t sell quickly, you could end up paying two mortgages, two sets of utilities, two property tax bills, and double the upkeep. For many families, this can stretch the budget thin.
Managing two properties at once
Even if you can afford it, juggling tasks at both homes, repairs, paperwork, showings, and cleaning can be mentally exhausting.
The stress of uncertain timing
If the market slows or your house needs more time to sell, you may face unexpected financial pressure.
Want to avoid carrying two mortgages?
If you’ve been thinking, “I need to sell my house fast in Milwaukee,” you don’t have to wait months or deal with the emotional roller coaster of traditional buyers. Sell House Fast MKE can help.
We buy houses in Milwaukee in any condition and offer flexible, quick closings, often in just a couple weeks. You can settle into your new home without the stress of managing two properties or waiting for the right buyer.
Reach out today to get a free cash offer and move forward with confidence.
Selling Before Buying
Pros:
- If you sell your current home before buying another one, you won’t have to pay two mortgages, so there’s less financial strain.
- Also, you can use the money you get from your home sale to pay for your next house.
- Since there’s no pressure to buy quickly, you can take your time and look for the right place.
Cons:
- The biggest disadvantage is you might have to live in a short-term rental while you find a new place.
- The struggle of moving twice is real, especially when you have small kids or plenty of possessions.
- Another challenge is you might not find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle, meaning you may have to stay in the rental home for some time.
Wrapping Up: Which Comes First? Sale Or Purchase?
As you can see, both strategies have their pros and cons. Therefore, take the time to figure out which option is best for your lifestyle, budget, etc. Being aware of these pros and cons can help you achieve a quick and seamless home sale.