Ready to Move? Here’s How to Buy a New Home Before Selling Yours

If you’re a current homeowner eyeing your next dream house, you’re likely asking one big question: Should I sell first or buy first? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, buying before you sell has become an increasingly popular route—and for good reason.

Thanks to innovative real estate programs and stronger financing options, many homeowners are making the leap with more confidence and less stress. Here’s why buying a house before you sell yours could be your smartest move—and how to pull it off smoothly.

Why More Homeowners Are Buying Before Selling

There’s a growing trend among homebuyers to move fast and take calculated risks. In HomeLight’s 2025 Lender Insights & Predictions Report, 71% of loan officers said they’ve noticed more buyers willing to forego contingencies or accept higher mortgage rates. The pressure to act quickly is real, especially in competitive markets.

Buying your next home first allows you to act on a great opportunity without waiting for your current property to sell. No need to rush decisions or settle because your sale is dragging. And, you can skip the awkward overlap of living in a staged home or moving twice.

How to Make It Work: HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell Program

HomeLight offers a tailored solution that makes this strategy more accessible. Here’s how their Buy Before You Sell Program helps homeowners navigate the process with less risk:

• Step 1: Unlock Your Equity
  HomeLight evaluates your current property and determines how much equity you can access upfront through their lending partner, HomeLight Home Loans, Inc. A quick property value lookup can give you an initial sense of your home’s market value, which helps you plan your next move with clarity.
  
• Step 2: Buy With Confidence
  You can make a strong, non-contingent offer on your next home, giving you a leg up in a competitive market. With no strings attached, your bid stands out.
  
• Step 3: Sell on Your Terms
  Once you’ve moved in, your agent can list your previous home as vacant and show-ready. This typically results in better offers and less stress since you’re not racing to close both deals at once.

Is It Right for You?

Buying before selling isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control. It’s ideal for homeowners who have built up equity and want to avoid the headaches of short-term rentals, rushed sales, or contingent offers.

And if you’re worried about timing, you’re not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 90% of sellers worked with an agent, proving that expert guidance is key during complex moves like this.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering your next move, don’t feel trapped by the traditional “sell first, then buy” mindset. With programs like HomeLight’s and smart tools like a property value lookup to assess your equity, you can take your time, buy smart, and sell with confidence.