Emmanuel Luswata, REALTOR® with eXp Realty, helps homeowners sell and buy at the same time across Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.
Selling and buying at the same time, without the double move.
Most move-up and downsizing buyers have to sell one home to buy the next. Here are your three ways to do it, what each one costs, and how to line up the timing.
Get a free home value →Your three options
Sell first, buy first, or both at once.
There's no single right order. It comes down to your equity, your loan options and how much risk you're comfortable with.
- Sell firstYou know exactly what you have to spend and you're not carrying two homes. You may need a short-term rental or a few extra days in the home after closing.
- Buy firstYou move once, on your schedule. You need the loan options to cover both homes for a while, or a plan for the gap.
- Both at onceYour offer on the new home depends on selling this one. It's the most common path, and it takes tight coordination on dates.
How to line it up
Six steps to one smooth move.
- 01
Talk to a lender first
Find out what you can buy, whether you can buy before you sell, and what your options are to bridge the gap.
- 02
Know your number
Get a value on your current home and an estimate of what you'll walk away with. That's your down payment. Request a free home value report.
- 03
Pick your order
Sell first, buy first or both at once. We decide together based on your numbers and the market in both neighborhoods.
- 04
Get your home ready
Prep and photos happen while you start touring, so you can list as soon as you find the right next home.
- 05
Write offers with the right terms
A home sale contingency, a later closing date, or a few days in your current home after closing. These terms protect you from owning two homes or none.
- 06
Close both, ideally the same day
Sell in the morning, buy in the afternoon. I coordinate both title companies so the money from one funds the other.
Sell-and-buy questions
What move-up and downsizing sellers ask.
Can I buy my next home before I sell this one?
Often, yes. It depends on your equity, your income and your loan options. A lender can tell you what's possible before you start shopping.
What is a home sale contingency?
A term in your offer that says your purchase depends on selling your current home. It protects you, but some sellers prefer offers without one, so it works best when your home is already listed or under contract.
Can I stay in my home for a few days after I sell it?
Yes. Your contract can give you possession for a set time after closing. It makes moving day much less stressful.
Can both closings happen on the same day?
Yes, and it's common. The sale usually closes first so the money can go toward the purchase.
What if my home sells before I find the next one?
We can negotiate more time before closing or a few days of possession after, or plan a short-term rental so you're not rushed into the wrong house.
Do you help with the buying side too?
Yes. I handle both sides of your move so one person is keeping every date and every detail lined up.
Free home value report
What's your home worth in today's market?
Online estimates guess from public records. They can't see your new roof, your finished basement or the busy road out front. I can.
- The recent sales I'd compare your home to, and why
- A list price range
- How long homes near you are taking to sell
- What would add value before you list, and what wouldn't
Request your report
Free, usually within a day. No obligation to list.