Moving up, downsizing or relocating within the western suburbs usually means selling one home and buying another at the same time. It’s one of the most common situations Walker handles, and it comes down to choosing the right order and protecting yourself in both contracts.
Option 1: Sell first
You list and sell your current home, then buy. You know exactly how much money you have, and your offer on the next home is stronger because it doesn’t depend on a sale. The trade-off is that you may need a short-term place to live, or you can ask your buyer for a rent-back after closing.
Option 2: Buy first
You buy the next home, then sell. You only move once, but you’ll need to qualify for both mortgages or use bridge financing, and you carry two homes until the first one sells.
Option 3: Buy with a sale contingency
Your offer depends on selling your current home. It protects you, but sellers often prefer offers without a contingency, so this works best when the market is slower or your home is likely to sell quickly.
How Walker lines it up
- Price and prepare your current home so it sells quickly
- Talk to your lender early about bridge options
- Line up closing dates so you move once if possible
- Negotiate rent-backs or flexible possession when they help
Not sure which path fits? Talk to Walker or start with a home value on your current place.