Selling & Buying at the Same Time · Straight answer from Kathleen
Can I make an offer that's contingent on selling my house?
Yes, a sale contingency is legal and common, but it is a weaker position when homes have competition, because sellers prefer offers with fewer conditions. The stronger version is to be under agreement on your sale first, which removes the contingency entirely.
Also answered on this page
- Can I buy a house before my current house sells?
There are different flavors. Some buyers offer with a full sale contingency, some with a 'sale and settlement' contingency, and some put their home under agreement and only need their closing to align with the purchase. The cleaner your position, the more sellers will take you seriously.
When the market is competitive, which it often is in the towns buyers want, a contingent offer can lose to a cleaner one. That is when bridge financing or selling first becomes worth a serious look.
I will be honest about how your offer will be received in your target market, and we will find the strongest structure your situation allows.
On the North Shore
North Shore sellers, especially in the coastal villages where inventory is tight, tend to favor offers that promise a clean close. Knowing that going in shapes the strategy.
Still wondering
Ask your own version of this question.
Every situation is different, which is why Kathleen asks questions before she answers them. Send your details and she will reply personally with advice specific to your move.
Selling & Buying at the Same Time
Ready to make a smart move?
The answer that fits your situation usually needs one more question from Kathleen. That is what the conversation is for.