How do you successfully sell your Ankeny home while buying your next one?
If you’re a homeowner in Ankeny looking to move, you may be wondering: Should I sell my current home before buying another, or should I buy first and then sell? Timing both transactions can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can make the transition as smooth as possible.
At Allison Hart Home Team, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate buying and selling simultaneously in the Ankeny real estate market. This guide will walk you through the best strategies to make your move stress-free while maximizing the value of your current home.
1. Should You Buy First or Sell First?
The biggest challenge when buying and selling at the same time is deciding whether to sell your home first or buy your next home first. Each approach has its pros and cons, depending on your financial situation and the current Ankeny real estate market conditions.
Option 1: Selling First
Pros:
✔ You won’t be juggling two mortgages at once.
✔ You’ll know exactly how much money you have to put toward your new home.
✔ A strong offer with no home-sale contingency makes you more competitive in a bidding war.
Cons:
✖ You might need temporary housing if you don’t find a new home quickly.
✖ You may feel rushed to find a new home, leading to compromises.
Best For: Sellers in a hot market where homes are selling quickly.
Option 2: Buying First
Pros:
✔ You have a new home lined up before selling.
✔ No need to find temporary housing.
✔ Less pressure to accept a lower offer on your current home.
Cons:
✖ You might have two mortgage payments temporarily.
✖ A home-sale contingency in your offer could make it harder to get your next home.
Best For: Buyers who have strong finances or access to bridge loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which approach is best, the Allison Hart Home Team can help analyze your situation and develop the best timing strategy for your move.
2. Strategies to Make Selling and Buying Easier
Regardless of which option you choose, these key strategies can help ensure a smooth transition:
A. Use a Home Sale Contingency
If you buy first, a home sale contingency allows you to back out of the purchase if your current home doesn’t sell within a set timeframe. While some sellers may hesitate to accept a contingency, it can be a good option in slower markets.
B. Consider a Rent-Back Agreement
If you sell first, you may be able to rent your home back from the buyer for a short period while you find your next home. This arrangement gives you extra time without needing to move twice.
C. Secure a Bridge Loan
A bridge loan is a short-term loan that covers the gap between buying your new home and selling your current one. This is useful if you find your dream home but haven’t sold yet.
D. Work with a Skilled Ankeny Real Estate Agent
Timing both transactions correctly requires experience and local market knowledge. Working with a top Ankeny Realtor, like Allison Hart, can help you navigate the process smoothly and strategically.
3. How to Prepare Your Home for a Quick Sale
If you decide to sell your home first, you’ll want to ensure it sells quickly and at top dollar. Here’s how:
A. Price It Competitively
Overpricing your home can delay the sale, making it harder to time your move. The Allison Hart Home Team will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the best listing price.
B. Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
A well-staged home sells faster! Key staging tips include:
- Declutter and depersonalize.
- Enhance curb appeal with fresh landscaping.
- Use neutral colors and modern decor.
C. Market Your Home Effectively
In Ankeny’s competitive real estate market, a strong marketing strategy is essential. This includes:
📷 Professional Photography – High-quality photos make a huge difference.
🌍 Online Exposure – Listings on Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media attract more buyers.
📢 Open Houses & Private Showings – Get maximum visibility.
📌 Pro Tip: Homes that are priced right and marketed well typically receive offers within the first two weeks!
4. Finding and Securing Your Next Home
While selling, you’ll also need to be actively searching for your next home. Here’s how to make the process easier:
A. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
If you plan to buy before selling, get pre-approved to strengthen your offer. This helps you:
- Know exactly how much you can afford.
- Move quickly when you find the right home.
- Avoid financing delays.
B. Be Ready to Act Fast
Ankeny’s housing market moves quickly. To avoid missing out on a great home:
🏠 Have alerts set up for new listings that match your criteria.
📞 Stay in close contact with your Realtor (Allison Hart) to schedule showings ASAP.
📑 Have your financial documents ready to submit offers without delay.
5. The Closing Process: How to Align Timelines
Successfully coordinating the closing dates on both transactions is key to a smooth move. Here’s how:
A. Negotiate a Flexible Closing Date
If possible, align your closing dates so you can move directly from your old home into your new one.
B. Use Temporary Housing if Needed
If there’s a gap between closings, you may need:
🏡 Short-term rental (Airbnb, month-to-month lease).
📦 Storage unit for belongings.
C. Work with an Experienced Realtor
Managing two transactions at once requires careful coordination. A skilled Ankeny real estate agent like Allison Hart will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Move Stress-Free with the Allison Hart Home Team
Selling and buying a home at the same time can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s completely manageable. The key is planning ahead, working with an expert, and having a solid strategy.
At Allison Hart Home Team, we specialize in helping Ankeny homeowners successfully navigate the buying and selling process. Whether you need help pricing your home, securing financing, or timing your move, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Thinking about selling your Ankeny home while buying another? Contact Allison Hart today for expert guidance and a stress-free experience! 515-210-5198
