Buy Before You Sell
Use your equity to buy your next home before you sell.
For most families, the down payment is sitting in the house they live in now. There are ways to use that equity to buy first, so you move once and sell an empty house.
Programs, fees and approval vary. Nothing on this page is a loan offer.
Ways to buy first
There's more than one way to do it. The right one depends on your equity, your income and your timeline.
Buy-before-you-sell programs
Companies like HomeLight can help you use your equity or back your offer so you buy first, move, and then sell the home you left. These programs charge fees, so we weigh them against your other options.
Bridge loan
A short-term loan against your current home that covers the down payment on the new one until your sale closes.
Home equity line (HELOC)
Open a line of credit on your current home and use it toward the down payment. It's easiest to set up before your house goes on the market.
Contingent offer
Make your offer contingent on selling your current home. There's no extra cost, but it can be a weaker offer when homes are moving fast.
Why families buy first
Move once, not twice
No short-term rental, no storage unit, no packing the kids up two times.
Make a stronger offer
When your offer doesn't depend on selling first, sellers take it more seriously.
Sell an empty house
An empty, clean home shows better, and you're not keeping it spotless around school and work.
How it works with me
- Step 1
Tell me about both homes
The home you have now, what you want next, and your timeline.
- Step 2
Run your equity numbers
I pull a market analysis on your current home so we know what you're working with.
- Step 3
Compare your options
Programs, a bridge loan, a HELOC or a contingent offer, side by side with the fees included. A lender confirms what you qualify for.
- Step 4
Buy, move, then sell
We buy the next home first, you move in, and then we list the home you left.
See if buying first works for you
Leave your details and I'll look at your numbers and reach out personally within one business day. Or book a consultation.
Your equity, program availability, fees and approval depend on your home, your finances and the lender or program. I'm a REALTOR®, not a lender. Nothing on this page is a loan offer or a promise of approval.