If you’re looking to buy and sell a home in Austin at the same time can feel like a high-stakes balancing act. With a competitive market and tight timelines, you may wonder: Should I sell first or buy first? What if I get stuck between homes? These concerns are valid—but with the right planning, resources, and support, you can navigate the process smoothly.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to successfully sell your Austin home and buy a new one at the same time. We’ll cover options like contingent offers, leasebacks, bridge loans, and how to create smart backup plans to reduce stress and keep your move on track.
Step 1: Understand the Local Austin Market
Before making any decisions, it’s essential to understand the real estate landscape in Austin.
- Is it a seller’s or buyer’s market?
In a seller’s market, you may have more flexibility with buyers, including rent-backs or longer closings. In a buyer’s market, you’ll have more options for your next home but may face pressure to price competitively when selling. - What’s the average days on market?
Knowing how long homes typically take to sell in your neighborhood helps you anticipate your timeline. - What’s your home worth today?
A professional home valuation from a local Realtor can give you the numbers you need to start planning.
💡 Working with an experienced Austin real estate agent who understands both the buying and selling sides of the market is key to making smart, timely decisions.
🛠️ Market Watch: Check out our Austin Real Estate Price Reports for a monthly assessment of the market. Curious how the market is in your zip code? Email us at info@11OaksRealty.com.
🛠️ Home Value Estimate: Use our ePropertyWatch tool for an estimate of what your home is worth. All we need is your address and email.
Step 2: Decide What Comes First—Buying or Selling?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but there are pros and cons to each strategy:
Option 1: Sell Your Home First
Pros:
- You know exactly how much equity you have.
- You won’t carry two mortgages at once.
Cons:
- You might need temporary housing if your next home isn’t ready.
- You may feel rushed when house hunting.
Option 2: Buy Your Next Home First
Pros:
- You can take your time finding the right property.
- You move once—no temporary housing.
Cons:
- You may have to qualify for two mortgages.
- If your current home takes longer to sell, you carry financial risk.
Option 3: Buy and Sell Simultaneously
This is the most complex route but often the most efficient when executed well. You’ll need strong coordination between timelines, financing, and negotiations—but it’s absolutely doable with the right tools and support.
Step 3: Explore Your Financial Options
1. Contingent Offers
You make an offer to buy a home that’s contingent on selling your current one. This protects you, but in a competitive market, sellers may prefer non-contingent offers.
When it works best:
- In a balanced or buyer’s market
- When your current home is already listed or under contract
- When your home is in a desirable area with strong demand
2. Bridge Loans
A bridge loan is short-term financing that gives you access to equity in your current home to use toward the down payment on your next one. It “bridges” the gap until your old home sells.
Pros:
- Make a strong, non-contingent offer
- Avoid moving twice
Cons:
- Higher interest rates and fees
- Requires strong credit and income to qualify
3. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
If you haven’t listed your home yet, a HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity. Unlike bridge loans, this option is typically cheaper—but must be set up before listing.
Step 4: Use a Leaseback (Rent-Back) to Stay Put After Closing
A leaseback allows you, the seller, to remain in your home for a set period after closing. You essentially rent your home from the new buyer while finalizing your next move.
Benefits:
- Avoids double moves
- Gives you time to close on your next home
- Reduces stress around tight closing windows
How it works:
- Negotiated as part of the sale
- Usually includes daily rental rate and security deposit
- Typically lasts 1–60 days
💡 Leasebacks are popular in Austin’s fast-moving neighborhoods. If your home is in high demand, you may even be able to negotiate a leaseback for free or at a discounted rate.
Step 5: Line Up Backup Plans (Just in Case)
Even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. That’s why having a well-thought-out “Plan B” is not just a safety net—it’s a smart strategy. It can save you significant costs, spare you unnecessary stress, and ensure you don’t feel pressured into choosing a home that doesn’t truly fit your needs just because it aligns with your moving timeline. While the ultimate goal is a smooth and seamless transition, it’s equally important to select a home that supports your family’s long-term needs, so you’re not back to square one in just a few years.
What if your home sells before you find a new one?
- Rent-back agreement with your buyer
- Short-term rental in your preferred school district or neighborhood
- Storage unit + extended stay hotel or Airbnb if you’re in between homes
- Move in with family (only if it’s a realistic option)
What if you find your dream home before selling?
- Bridge loan or HELOC to help with financing
- List your home ASAP with professional photos and staging to accelerate the sale
- Price competitively to avoid a long market time
- Consider a temporary rental agreement if the seller of your new home needs extra time (this gives you breathing room to sell your current house)
Step 6: Choose a Local Austin Agent Who Specializes in Dual Transactions
Navigating a buy-sell at the same time isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. You need an experienced agent who can coordinate both sides of the deal, help you time closings correctly, and manage multiple negotiations with precision.
A great buyer’s and seller’s agent will:
- Price your current home accurately and get it sold fast
- Help you make strong offers on new homes
- Suggest trusted lenders for bridge loans or HELOCs
- Negotiate leasebacks and favorable contract terms
- Keep your deals aligned to avoid a gap between closings
Step 7: Follow a Coordinated Timeline
Here’s a general step-by-step plan that helps buyers and sellers move forward in sync:
1. Meet with a Realtor and Lender
Discuss goals, finances, and timing. Get pre-approved for your next home and estimate net proceeds from your current sale.
2. Prepare Your Home for Market
Declutter, stage, and schedule professional photos. List the home when you’re ready to begin seriously house hunting.
3. Begin House Hunting
Start looking as soon as your current home hits the market—or even a bit earlier if you have financing in place.
4. Accept an Offer (with Leaseback if Needed)
Once your home goes under contract, negotiate closing and possession dates to align with your next purchase.
5. Make an Offer on Your Next Home
Depending on your financial situation, this offer may be:
- Contingent on the sale of your current home
- All-cash (via bridge loan or equity access)
- Timed to close right after your home sale
6. Coordinate Closings
Ideally, schedule your home sale closing in the morning and your home purchase later the same day or the next day.
7. Move Once
With a leaseback or same-day close, you can move once—directly from your old home into your new one.
Tips to Avoid Moving Twice
- Negotiate leaseback or early occupancy—whichever side you’re on
- Align closing dates carefully (your Realtor will help coordinate)
- Have financing in place early so you’re ready to move when the right house pops up
- Be flexible—perfect alignment is rare, but small adjustments can make a big difference
Remember – Wait for the Right House, Or You’ll Be Doing this Again in a Few Years
While the ultimate goal is to sell your current home, purchase a new one, and move just once, it’s crucial to ensure the house you choose is one you can happily live in for the long term. Moving once may be ideal, but selecting the wrong home could mean facing another move in just a few years—after you’ve unpacked, settled in, and given away all those moving boxes. If you have more flexible criteria and can find several homes that suit your family’s needs, you might consider listing your home first and then searching for your next one. However, if your search criteria are more specific, it may make sense to secure your new home before putting your current one on the market. A skilled Realtor can guide you through these options and help craft a strategy tailored to your unique situation, ensuring a smoother and more thoughtful transition.
Final Thoughts: You Can Buy and Sell at the Same Time in Austin—Here’s the Key
The idea of buying and selling a home at the same time can be intimidating, especially in a high-demand market like Austin. But with careful planning, the right financing tools, and an experienced real estate team, you can pull it off with confidence—and without having to crash in a hotel or store your couch in a garage.
Whether you’re moving up to a larger home, downsizing, or relocating across town, understanding your options—contingencies, leasebacks, bridge loans—and having a solid plan makes all the difference.
Thinking about Buying and Selling a Home in Austin at the Same Time?
Let’s create a custom strategy for your move. We’ll help you evaluate all your options and come up with a plan to buy and sell a home in Austin at the same time. With the right timing and our expert help, you can skip the stress and go straight to your new front door. Check out our Austin Home Buyers section to learn a little bit more about our team and how we work. Then call/text us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to schedule a no obligation conversation.
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