Buying and selling a home at the same time can feel like a high-wire act—especially in a fast-moving market like Indiana. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating within towns like Carmel, Fishers, or Greenwood, timing both sides of the move is a challenge.
But with the right plan (and the right agent), it can be a smooth transition. Here’s how I help clients buy and sell successfully—without the stress.
Step 1: Know Your Local Market on Both Ends
The first step is understanding whether it’s a seller’s market, buyer’s market, or somewhere in between. In Indiana, the landscape can shift from neighborhood to neighborhood.
If it’s a seller’s market:
- Your current home may sell quickly, but finding your next one might take longer.
- Consider temporary housing or rent-back options after closing.
If it’s a buyer’s market:
- You might have more options for your next home, but your current home could sit longer.
- Pricing and staging your listing become even more critical.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Financial Flexibility
Before you jump in, review your financial position and talk to a lender about:
- Bridge loans: Short-term loans to help cover the gap between closing on your new home and selling your current one.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): If you have equity, this can be a smart way to fund your purchase.
- Contingent offers: Some buyers include a clause that says the purchase depends on the sale of their current home—but this can weaken your offer in a competitive market.
A strong mortgage pre-approval gives you options. I can connect you with local Indiana lenders who specialize in this type of transition.
Step 3: List and Stage Your Current Home Strategically
Timing is everything. I work with sellers to:
- Stage and photograph the home in advance
- List at the right time (often while house hunting has already begun)
- Pre-plan showings around your schedule
- Set buyer expectations for your timeline or post-closing occupancy
In many cases, we can market your home while still searching—keeping the momentum moving both ways.
Step 4: Align Your Sale and Purchase Dates
Coordinating two closings can feel overwhelming, but I help manage every step:
- Negotiate flexible closing dates on both ends
- Explore lease-back agreements (where you temporarily rent your home after selling)
- Use a trusted title company that can close both deals efficiently, sometimes on the same day
Having an experienced agent manage the paperwork, timelines, and logistics is key.
Step 5: Be Prepared with a Backup Plan
No matter how carefully we plan, real estate involves variables. That’s why I always advise clients to have a fallback option, such as:
- Short-term rental
- Staying with family for a few weeks
- Using storage for belongings during a transition period
With a solid backup plan, you won’t feel rushed or pressured—and your decisions will stay focused and strategic.
Conclusion: One Move, Two Successes
Buying and selling at the same time doesn’t have to be a balancing act. With the right strategy, you can protect your equity, avoid double moves, and land in a home that fits your next chapter.
If you’re planning a move in Indiana, let’s talk. At Talk to Annie Real Estate, I’ll guide you through both sides of the process with confidence, timing, and care.
Sources:
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/buying-and-selling-a-home-at-the-same-time
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-to-buy-a-house-before-selling-yours/
- https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-and-selling-home-simultaneously/
Photo Credits: Frames For Your Heart
