Upsizing in LA: Should You Buy First or Sell First?

Upsizing is one of the most exciting moves a family can make — and one of the trickiest to time. The question we hear most is simple: do we buy the new home first, or sell the current one first?

Option one: sell first

Selling first means you know exactly what you have to spend, and your offer on the next home is not tied to another sale. The trade-off is that you may need a place to land in between. Many sellers negotiate a rent-back, staying in the home for a set period after closing, to bridge that gap.

Option two: buy first

Buying first lets you move once and take your time finding the right home. It usually requires carrying two homes for a while, which means planning ahead with your lender. Some buyers use bridge financing or a home-equity line of credit to access equity before the sale; whether that fits depends on your finances.

Option three: a contingent offer

A contingent offer makes your purchase depend on selling your current home. It can protect you, but in competitive situations sellers often prefer offers without contingencies, so it works best when the market or the specific home allows it.

Questions to answer first

• How much equity do you have, and how quickly can you access it?
• What payment would you be comfortable carrying if both homes overlap?
• How flexible is your move date, and is a short-term rental an option?
• How competitive is the neighborhood you want to move into?

Getting the timing right

There is no one right order. The best plan comes from looking at your equity, your lender's guidance and the market in the neighborhoods you are considering. We coordinate both sides — listing your current home and searching for the next — so the timelines line up.

Talk with a licensed lender and your tax professional about financing and tax questions. When you are ready, we are happy to map out both paths with you.