How To Buy a New Home Without Selling Your Old One First

By Desi Williams

I'm a Real Estate Broker. I'm good at what I do, and I'll be there with you every step of the way, because I don't know any other way. I'm more than just a buying and selling agent, I'm somebody who wants to help you create your next paradise with everything that means – to you.

In a perfect world, you’d sell your current home and close on your new one, making it an all-in-one, smooth move. But real estate doesn’t always work like that.

If you’re wondering whether you can buy a new home before selling the one you’re in, the answer is yes, and there are a few different ways to make it happen. Here are three of the most common strategies to consider:

1. Make a contingent offer. A contingent offer means your purchase of a new home depends on the successful sale of your current one. It’s a good option when you need the proceeds from your existing home to buy the next one.

However, it usually comes with a longer timeline because first, your agent needs to list your current home. Then, you need to find a buyer. After that, your buyer has to go through their escrow process. All of that needs to happen before your purchase can move forward.

That said, it’s very possible to arrange the closings so they happen on the same day, even though the overall process takes longer. It typically takes 60 to 75 days, which is about two to three weeks longer than usual. This can be a smooth transition if you have a flexible seller on the other end.

2. Use a buy-before-you-sell program (bridge loan). If you’re buying in a hot market where sellers aren’t willing to wait for you to sell your home, a bridge loan is a good option. It gives you access to funds for your new purchase now and time to sell your current property later. The lender essentially fronts the money to help you buy first, and they’re repaid once your old home closes.

This approach removes the need for a contingent offer, making your offer more attractive to sellers and helping you move quickly. It’s ideal for buyers who need flexibility, speed, and stronger negotiating power.

3. Explore alternative solutions. If a contingent offer or bridge loan doesn’t work for your situation, there are still flexible paths you can take. Some sellers are open to early occupancy, which means you move into the new home before the deal officially closes. Others may agree to delayed occupancy, allowing you to stay in your current home for a short time after it’s sold.

And if timing isn’t the only hurdle, it may come down to the financing. This is where working with an expert real estate agent or lender matters. There are creative loan structures and financing options that can help you navigate the transition, reduce financial pressure, and avoid double moves.

If you need help with relocating, upgrading, or downsizing, contact me at (208) 431-7609 or Desi@soldbyrevista.com. I’ll help you create a strategy that fits your specific timeline and budget.