Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time? How to Juggle These Two Transactions

There are few things that can be more stressful than buying or selling a home. When you are buying and selling a home at the same time, your stress level may understandably skyrocket through the roof. There may be financial aspects of both transactions that may be cause you stress, and you may be dealing with logistical issues or simply feel stressed by the stacks of documents piling up for both transactions. While this will inevitably be a challenging time in your life, you can more easily navigate through the transactions with success by following a few tips.

Consider the Timing of Both Transactions

One of the best things you can do when buying and selling a home at the same time is to plan ahead and consider the timing of both transactions. You may get lucky enough to get an offer on your home from a buyer who wants to close just a few days before you close on your new home. However, it is more likely that these two transactions may be finalized weeks or longer apart from each other. You may need to plan on finding an interim home or paying double mortgages for a period of time. You may consider which of these two options is more preferable to you based on your work situation, your family's needs and your budget.

Prepare a Budget Ahead of Time and Update It Periodically

Financial stress can mount during this period of time. You will need to make a good faith deposit and pay for third party reports and mortgage application fees for your new home purchase. You may also need to pay money to make repairs and to stage your current home before you list it. It is common to rent a storage unit and to pay for boxes and moving supplies as well. In addition, a buyer for your current home may request that you make repairs to your home before closing. It is important that you prepare a budget so that you can pay for all of these expenses as they arise, and you should consider leaving yourself ample funds for unexpected expenses. If you run into a cash crunch, consider completing the sale of your current home entirely before going under contract with your new home purchase.

Use the Same Real Estate Agent for Both Transactions

The knowledge and support of a real estate agent can be beneficial to you for both transactions, and you may consider using the services of the same agent for both. Dealing with one person who is familiar with your goals and needs can be truly beneficial to you throughout the entire process, and he or she may offer insight about the best steps to take to make the transition from one home to the other smoother for your family.

While buying and selling real estate can be stressful, you do not have to make the process more difficult than it needs to be. You can set up a time to meet with a real estate agent today to begin discussing your plans and to take the initial step. The realtor is trained in this situation and can see that it is a smooth transition for you and also knows how to protect you in the contract, as in not giving possession on your home for say 3-4 days after closing in order to get you a few days to move out of yours and into your new home before keys have to be given to new buyer. For more information about this type of transaction call me, Karen Rodriguez and I would be glad to sit down and go over all your options so you can make an informed decision on how you would like to proceed. 

 Message from Karen:

If you are thinking of selling, call me for a FREE home evaluation in your neighborhood, from staging, pricing, housing values, interest rates, how appraisers are valuing properties, now that the guidelines have changed. I would love to sit down and talk with you. Just call me and let me know how I can help with your real estate needs, buying or selling or both.  I give exclusive representation.  If you are not sure whether you want to sell for fear of not finding that perfect larger home, click on the Search All Area Listings properties below and start searching the areas and see what is out there. I do have a list of contractors whether you decide to remodel or purchase or both.  I can supply you with a list of contractors. I would be honored and happy to help you. 

This Blog was written by:

Karen Rodriguez, Associate Broker

Notary, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, SFR

Cell: 502-643-2255

Email: Soldbyk@gmail.com

Website:  Soldbyk.com