Answers by Jeffrey Kalafut

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the right approach really depends on your finances, flexibility, and market conditions. In general, you have three options: sell first, buy first, or try to time both together (the most common in our market). Selling first is the safest financially since you know exactly what you’re working with and avoid carrying two mortgages, but it may require temporary housing or a rent-back agreement. Buying first gives you more control and avoids a gap in housing, but it comes with the risk of overlapping payments and requires strong financial positioning. Most people find the best balance by listing their home, getting it market-ready, and then actively shopping while timing both transactions together—sometimes using contingencies, extended closings, or other strategies to line things up. I’ve helped a number of clients successfully navigate this exact situation, and there are also loan options available that can help bridge the gap and make the process much smoother.