Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know
Let’s be real: trying to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time can feel like juggling flaming torches... blindfolded... during hurricane season. But with the right strategy (and a local real estate pro in your corner), it’s totally doable — and honestly? It can even be exciting.
If you’re in Boynton Beach, Delray, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, here’s what you need to know to pull off this real estate balancing act without dropping the ball.
Step One: Know Your Market (It Matters — A Lot)
Before anything else, you need to understand whether you're in a seller’s market, buyer’s market, or somewhere in between. This directly affects your strategy.
Seller’s Market? Great — your current home might sell fast, but finding your next one could be competitive.
Buyer’s Market? You might snag your next home at a deal, but selling could take longer.
In South Florida, especially places like Boynton Beach and Delray, we’re seeing a unique mix — low inventory is driving competition, but some homes are sitting longer if they’re overpriced or poorly marketed.
Pro Tip: A local agent (like the Howell Realty Group) can give you hyper-local insights, not just Zillow estimates.
Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy
Pros:
You know exactly how much you made on the sale.
No risk of two mortgages at once.
Cons:
You might need temporary housing (hello, Airbnb).
If you fall in love with a home before yours sells… tough luck.
If you go this route, consider:
Asking for a post-sale rent-back from your buyer.
Having your next home pre-identified and ready to pounce.
Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell
Pros:
No pressure to find your next home fast.
You can move at your own pace.
Cons:
You may carry two mortgages briefly.
Offers contingent on selling your current home are weaker.
Bridge loans or HELOCs can help here — but they’re not for everyone. You’ll want to talk to a mortgage advisor before making a move.
Option 3: Do Both Simultaneously (Yes, It’s Possible)
This is where the magic happens — and where a skilled real estate team makes all the difference.
Here’s how we help our clients at Howell Realty Group pull it off:
We list your home with maximum exposure (MLS, social, local SEO).
We time your closing dates to align as closely as possible.
We negotiate flexible terms on both sides — like lease-backs, extended closings, or even early occupancy.
Think of it like a real estate relay race. You hand us the baton, and we sprint both legs.
Local Example:
Recently, we helped a Boynton Beach couple sell their home in Valencia Isles and buy a new construction villa in Westlake — all within 45 days. With tight coordination, strong negotiation, and local lender partners, we closed both deals seamlessly — no double mortgages, no moving twice.
Final Tips to Keep Your Sanity
Get pre-approved before listing your home — seriously, don’t skip this.
Work with ONE agent or team (not two!) to streamline communication.
Be realistic about timelines, pricing, and emotions. Things will get hectic.
Have a Plan B (short-term rental, family, PODs, etc.) just in case.
Want Expert Help Navigating the Chaos?
Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, selling and buying at the same time doesn't have to be stressful — if you've got the right team.
At Howell Realty Group, we specialize in smooth transitions. From Boynton Beach to Boca and beyond, we’ve helped dozens of South Florida families make the move — with zero regrets.
Let’s talk strategy — book a free consult today at HowellRealtyGroup.com
Or just Google "real estate agent near me" — we’ll be there.
