How to buy a house
before selling yours.

Sellers with significant equity who've found their next home before listing. Works well in strong markets where your current home will sell quickly.

Two mortgage payments until your home sells. If your home takes longer than expected, costs add up. Requires sufficient equity in your current home.

Homeowners with significant equity and strong credit who want a lower-cost option than a bridge loan. Requires having the HELOC in place before you need it.

Variable interest rates mean costs can increase. Still carrying two payments until your home sells. Not all lenders offer HELOCs on homes already listed for sale.

Sellers in balanced or buyer's markets where sellers accept contingencies. Works best when your current home is already listed and likely to sell quickly.

In competitive markets, sellers often reject contingent offers in favor of non-contingent buyers. You may lose your dream home while waiting for yours to sell.

Sellers who prioritize convenience and timeline certainty over maximum price. Works well for corporate relocations or time-sensitive moves.

5–8% service fees significantly reduce your net proceeds. Not available for all homes or in all areas. Repair deductions can add further costs.

Sellers who want the strongest negotiating position and the clearest financial picture. Works best when you have flexibility on timing.

You may need temporary housing (short-term rental or extended stay). Risk of rising prices between selling and buying. Emotional pressure of having sold but not yet bought.

Sellers who want to sell first but avoid temporary housing. Works well in strong markets where buyers are willing to offer rent-back terms.

Not all buyers will agree to rent-back. You'll pay market rent to live in your own home for a period. The buyer holds all the leverage in this negotiation.