Should We Sell or Buy First?
Date: Tuesday July 22, 2008Posted in: multiple offers, home, buyer's market, housing market, seller's market
I often have clients ask, “Should we find the house we want to buy prior to listing our house on the market?” And the answer depends on what the real estate market is doing. For example, we currently have a buyer’s market with a large number of homes listed. So, instead of jumping into a purchase that is contingent on the sale of the buyer’s home, it is much better to sell the home first. This is because it could take many months and possible price reductions until the home is sold. Not only will there still be a good supply of homes available for sale when the home is sold, but the person who has already sold their home has much more leverage in the negotiation process in their next purchase.
Now consider the seller’s market we had a few years ago. There were few homes available for purchase and those that came on the market were often sold very quickly with multiple offers. In that kind of market, it’s advisable to find a desirable, affordable house and put in an offer that gives you time to attract a good offer on your current house.
Also keep in mind that if you’re selling high, you’re probably buying high and if you’re selling low, you’re buying low. Don’t try too hard to time the market when you are buying and selling in the same type of real estate market.
