The process of buying a new home while still owning your current property can be a daunting and complex task. Traditionally, homeowners would sell their existing property before venturing into the real estate market again. However, in certain circumstances, buying before selling can offer some advantages and conveniences. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the considerations, benefits, and potential risks of buying before selling, so you can make an informed decision when navigating the real estate landscape.

1. Why Consider Buying Before Selling

The idea of buying a new home before selling your current one might seem counterintuitive at first, but several reasons make it an attractive option for some homeowners:

a. Avoiding Temporary Housing: By purchasing a new home before selling the current one, you can avoid the hassle and expense of moving twice or having to find temporary housing in between.

b. Securing Your Dream Home: In competitive real estate markets, where desirable properties get snatched up quickly, buying before selling allows you to secure your dream home without the pressure of a contingent offer.

c. Renovation and Preparation: If your current property needs significant repairs or renovations to fetch a higher price, buying before selling gives you the time and space to make those improvements without rushing the process.

d. Market Timing: Timing the real estate market perfectly is challenging. Buying before selling enables you to make a strategic purchase when the market favors buyers, even if it’s not the best time to sell your current property.

2. Assessing Your Financial Situation

Before deciding to buy before selling, conduct a thorough assessment of your financial situation. Buying a new home before selling your current one means you’ll need to manage two mortgages simultaneously for a certain period. Consider the following factors:

a. Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio when evaluating your eligibility for a new mortgage. Ensure you can comfortably handle both mortgage payments along with other financial obligations.

b. Contingency Plan: Have a contingency plan in case your current home takes longer to sell than expected. This could involve saving up an emergency fund or securing a bridge loan.

c. Equity and Down Payment: Make sure you have enough equity in your current property and sufficient funds for a down payment on the new home. Lenders typically require a down payment of 5% to 20% of the new home’s purchase price.

3. Bridge Loans

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to buy before selling but don’t have enough liquid funds for a down payment, a bridge loan might be a suitable solution. A bridge loan is a short-term loan that allows you to access the equity in your current home to finance the down payment on the new home.

However, bridge loans can be risky, as they often come with higher interest rates and fees. Additionally, if your current home doesn’t sell quickly enough, you might find yourself juggling multiple loans, which can lead to financial strain.

Before considering a bridge loan, thoroughly research different lenders, compare interest rates, and evaluate the potential costs and benefits. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide valuable insights into whether a bridge loan aligns with your overall financial plan.

4. Contingent Offers

If you’re not comfortable taking on the financial burden of two mortgages or a bridge loan, you can explore the option of making a contingent offer on a new home. A contingent offer means your purchase is dependent on selling your current property within a specified timeframe.

Sellers might be hesitant to accept contingent offers, especially in competitive markets or during a seller’s market, where they have multiple options. However, in a buyer’s market or if the seller is having trouble finding other buyers, they might be more open to accepting a contingent offer.

Keep in mind that contingent offers typically come with a deadline, after which the seller can accept other non-contingent offers. So, you’ll need to act swiftly to sell your current home within the specified period.

5. Temporary Rentals

If the option of buying before selling seems too risky or financially challenging, you can explore the possibility of temporary rentals. This involves moving out of your current home and renting a property until you find the perfect new home and complete the buying process.

While renting can add an extra step to the process, it offers the advantage of flexibility. You won’t be rushed into making a hasty purchase and can take your time finding a home that truly meets your needs and preferences.

6. Timing the Transactions

When buying before selling, timing is crucial. Ideally, you’d want to close on your new home before closing the sale of your current property. This eliminates the need for temporary housing or bridge loans. However, synchronizing both transactions can be challenging.

To align the timing, consider the average time it takes to sell a home in your current market, and work with experienced real estate agents who can help streamline the process. Be prepared for unexpected delays, and have contingency plans in place to avoid any inconveniences.

7. Carrying Costs

Buying before selling means carrying two properties for some time, which comes with carrying costs. These costs include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses for both homes. Make sure to budget for these costs while you await the sale of your current property.

8. Real Estate Market Conditions

Understanding the real estate market conditions is vital when considering buying before selling. Research recent sales in your area to gauge the demand and average time it takes for properties to sell. If the market is sluggish or prices are declining, buying before selling might not be the wisest choice.

On the other hand, if the market is hot, with properties selling quickly and prices rising, it might be a suitable time to buy before selling. Keep in mind that real estate markets can be unpredictable, so consult with local real estate experts to gain insights into current and projected market trends.

9. Emotions and Rational Decisions

Buying and selling homes are significant life decisions, often influenced by emotions. It’s essential to strike a balance between your emotions and rational decision-making. Avoid rushing into a purchase to secure your dream home, as impulsive decisions can lead to financial strain.

Similarly, don’t let emotional attachments to your current home cause you to overprice it or overlook essential repairs. Seek guidance from real estate professionals who can provide objective advice based on market data and experience.

10. Pros and Cons

To summarize the key points, let’s explore the pros and cons of buying before selling:

Pros:

• Avoid temporary housing and moving twice.
• Secure your dream home in a competitive market.
• Make renovations and preparations without rushing.
• Benefit from strategic market timing for buying.
• Take advantage of low-interest rates for a new mortgage.

Cons:

• Financial strain from managing two mortgages.
• Risks associated with bridge loans.
• Difficulty in getting contingent offers accepted.
• Carrying costs for two properties.
• Potential market unpredictability.

Conclusion

Buying before selling can be a viable option for homeowners who have carefully assessed their financial situation, market conditions, and personal preferences. While it offers convenience and the ability to secure your dream home, it comes with financial risks and requires meticulous planning.

Before making a decision, consult with experienced real estate agents, financial advisors, and mortgage lenders to understand the implications fully. By doing so, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your current and future financial goals. Remember, every situation is unique, and what works for one person may not be the best option for another. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of buying before selling.