The most common question I hear from homeowners looking to upgrade or downsize is: "How do I sell my current home and buy a new one without ending up homeless?"
It is the classic real estate "chicken and egg" scenario. Do you sell first and rent? Do you buy first and carry two mortgages? Trying to time two massive financial transactions perfectly can feel like a high-wire act. However, with the right strategy and an expert agent managing the timeline, it is not only possible—it can be seamless.
The Top 3 Strategies for the "Buy-Sell" Shuffle
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but these three strategies are the most effective in the current North Metro Atlanta market.
1. Sale Contingency
This is the most conservative route. You make an offer on your dream home, but the contract states that you are only obligated to close if your current home sells. This protects you from owning two homes at once.
2. Post-Closing Occupancy (Rent-Back)
In a seller's market, this is a powerful tool. We negotiate for you to sell your home, close the deal, and get the funds—but you "rent back" the property from the new owner for 30 to 60 days. This gives you the cash in hand to make a non-contingent offer on your next home while giving you time to move.
3. Bridge Loans & HELOCs
If you have significant equity, we can look at financing options that allow you to tap into your current home's value to make a down payment on the new one before the old one sells.
Curious about your equity position? Get a Free Equity Analysis here.
Why Maria Making Moves is Your Best Asset
Orchestrating a simultaneous buy and sell requires more than just putting a sign in the yard. It requires precise timing, aggressive negotiation, and a deep network in Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee counties.
Here is why clients trust Maria VanVurst with this complex transition:
- Mastery of Logistics: I manage the dates, the inspections, and the closings so they align perfectly. My goal is a "back-to-back" closing where you sign for the sale in the morning and the purchase in the afternoon.
- Strategic Marketing: We do not just list your home; we market it to sell fast and for top dollar, minimizing the time your life is in limbo.
- Hyper-Local Knowledge: I know exactly which neighborhoods in Acworth and Woodstock are accepting contingencies and how to craft an offer that wins, even when you have a home to sell.
Ready to Make Your Move?
You do not have to figure this out alone. Whether you are looking for more space in Bartow County or downsizing near Lake Acworth, I can create a custom roadmap for your transition.
Learn more about our Selling Process
Let's sit down and look at the numbers together. We will find the strategy that protects your finances and gets you into your dream home.
Contact Maria VanVurst Today
