Should You Sell or Buy Your Home First?

By Tammy Jerome

Tammy Jerome is an award-winning broker and host of “Selling Los Angeles” on the acclaimed American Dream TV show, with over two decades of experience and more than 1,500 successful transactions.

Deciding whether to sell your home before buying a new one, or buying a new home first and before selling? It’s one of the most common questions I get. This decision can impact your finances, stress levels, and the overall success of your next move. The right choice depends on your situation, and today I’ll help break down both options so you can make the best decision for 2025.

Selling first: what you need to know? Selling first can offer financial certainty, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of selling first.

Pros of selling first:

• Clear financial picture: Selling first lets you know exactly how much money you’ll have for your next home. This gives you a strong position when making an offer.
• Stronger buying power: Without a sale contingency, your offer is more attractive to sellers. They’ll appreciate the certainty of your finances.
• No double mortgage payments: Selling first means you don’t have to worry about carrying two mortgages at once. Once your home sells, you can move forward without financial strain.

Cons of selling first:

• Temporary housing: Selling first means you might not have a place to move into right away. You may need to rent or stay with family temporarily, which can be both costly and inconvenient.
• Storage costs: If there’s a gap between selling and finding your next home, you may need to store your belongings, adding extra expenses.
• Risk of rising prices: If home prices rise between selling and buying, your next home could cost more than you expected.

Buying first: what you need to know. Buying first offers more flexibility, but it also carries risks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of buying before you sell.

Pros of buying first:

• No need for temporary housing: When you buy first, you can move directly into your new home without the worry of finding a place to rent or stay temporarily. You get more time to plan your move.
• More time to shop: You won’t feel rushed to make a decision. With more time to shop, you can find the perfect home that fits your needs.
• Renovate before moving in: If you want to make any updates or renovations, buying first gives you the chance to do that before you actually move in.

Cons of buying first:

• Carrying two mortgages: The biggest downside to buying first is the financial strain. You’ll need to cover two mortgages, plus property taxes, insurance, and possibly maintenance costs for two homes.
• Pressure to sell quickly: After buying, you may feel rushed to sell your current home quickly. This could result in accepting a lower offer or rushing through the sale.
• Complex financing: You may need a bridge loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to cover the down payment for your new home, which can complicate the financing process.

What’s happening in the market right now? As of 2025, the market has seen modest growth, with home prices holding steady. Active listings are up 38% compared to this time last year, meaning buyers now have more options. However, this also means sellers may face longer selling times. Homes are now taking about 60 days on average to secure a buyer.

For sellers, this means you’ll need a strong pricing and marketing strategy to avoid your home sitting on the market too long. For buyers, the increase in available homes means more opportunities to negotiate, but affordability remains a challenge in certain areas.

The 2025 real estate market presents numerous opportunities for both buyers and sellers, but preparation is crucial to making the right move. Whether you decide to sell first or buy first depends on your financial situation, personal timeline, and current market conditions. Selling first offers certainty, while buying first gives you flexibility but comes with additional risks.

If you have any questions or need help navigating the process, feel free to call or text me at 818-903-5854 or email me at tammyjerome@gmail.com. I’m here to help you make the best decision for your buying or selling goals.