This is one of the biggest questions homeowners face.

Selling first gives you certainty.

You know exactly how much equity you have available for the next purchase.

But you may need temporary housing while searching for another property.

Buying first gives you more flexibility, but now you may temporarily own two homes.

Possible strategies include:

• Selling first
• Buying first
• Using a HELOC for the new down payment
• Making an offer contingent on selling
• Negotiating post-occupancy after your sale

There is no single correct strategy.

The best solution depends on your equity, income, available cash, and local real estate market.

Before listing your home, map out both transactions together.

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