HOMEOWNER GUIDE

Should You Buy or Sell First?

Planning a move in Middle Tennessee? One of your first decisions is whether to sell your current home before buying your next one—or buy first and sell afterward. This guide walks through both options and the questions to discuss with your agent and lender so you can plan your next steps with confidence.

Compare Your Two Options

OPTION 1: SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME FIRST

With this approach, you complete the sale of your current home before purchasing your next one.

Why consider it?
Once your sale closes, you know the proceeds available for your next purchase. This can make budgeting clearer and reduce the possibility of carrying two homes at once.

What should you plan for?
You may need temporary housing, storage, and two moves if your next home is not ready. Consider where you would stay and how much flexibility you have before committing to a closing date.

Questions to discuss:
• Do I need the proceeds from my current home for my next purchase?
• Where would I live if the sale closes before I find another home?
• What moving, storage, and temporary housing costs should I include?

OPTION 2: BUY YOUR NEXT HOME FIRST

With this approach, you purchase your next home before completing the sale of your current one.

Why consider it?
You can secure your next home before moving out and may be able to move directly between properties. Preparing your current home for sale may also be easier after you have moved.

What should you plan for?
You could be responsible for payments, insurance, utilities, and maintenance on both properties. Before making an offer, ask your lender whether you qualify while still owning your current home and confirm how you would fund the purchase.

Questions to discuss:
• Can I complete the purchase without relying on an unfinished sale?
• What would the combined monthly costs be while I own both homes?
• What is my backup plan if my current home takes longer to sell?

Your Buy-or-Sell-First Checklist

Before choosing your sequence, gather the details you will need for a planning conversation:

• Your target moving date and how flexible it is.
• Your current mortgage balance and estimated selling expenses.
• The funds available for your next purchase, moving costs, and unexpected expenses.
• Your lender’s assessment of purchasing before or after your current home sells.
• Temporary housing and storage options if you sell first.
• A backup plan if either transaction is delayed.

Ask your agent to compare recent sales and competing listings relevant to your current home, along with available homes in your target area. Your plan should reflect both sides of the move.

Plan Your Next Move with

Crown Realty Experts

Preparing to buy and sell a home in Middle Tennessee? Talk with Crown Realty Experts about your timeline, your current property, and what you need in your next home. We can help you compare both approaches and coordinate your next steps with your lender.