The four common paths
| Path | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Sell first | You need proceeds before buying and want cleaner financing. | Temporary housing, storage, and pressure to find the next home quickly. |
| Buy first | You have financing flexibility and want certainty on the next home. | Carrying two homes, qualification, and market timing risk. |
| Contingent offer | You need your sale connected to your purchase. | Seller acceptance varies by market and property demand. |
| Phased prep plan | You are 3–12 months out and want options before urgency. | Requires early planning and realistic next-home criteria. |
Questions to answer before deciding
- How much equity is likely available after selling costs and payoff?
- Can you qualify to buy before selling? Confirm with a lender.
- How specific is your next-home search: city, layout, HOA, price, community?
- Could family, short-term rental, or a rent-back reduce transition stress?
- What prep does your current home need before listing?
Build a timing plan before the market decides for you.
Phillip can map your current-home strategy and next-home search so you can compare realistic options without guessing.