How to sell and buy a home at the same time

by Christina Sparks

If you’re like many homeowners in Springfield, Missouri, you might be ready to move — but unsure how to balance selling your current home while buying a new one.

Do you sell first and risk being without a home?
Do you buy first and carry two mortgages?
How do you time it all just right?

The good news? With the right strategy (and the right agent), you can make a smooth move selling and buying a house at the same time without unnecessary stress.

Let’s break down exactly how to sell and buy at the same time in Springfield’s 2025 market.

🏡 Step 1: Understand Your Local Market

Timing your move starts with knowing whether Springfield is a buyer’s or seller’s market.

In a seller’s market (like we’re still seeing in many price ranges under $300K), homes sell fast — sometimes within days.
In a buyer’s market, there’s more inventory and homes take longer to sell, giving you more flexibility on your purchase.

🔍 Right now in 2025, Springfield’s market is moderately competitive. Homes under $300K are moving quickly, while higher-end homes may take longer to sell.

How to time selling and buying at the same time can be tricky. This video will help you understand if you're currently in a buyers market or sellers market.

🧮 Step 2: Know Your Numbers

Before making any moves, talk with a local lender and real estate agent (👋 that’s me!) to understand:

How much your current home is worth
How much equity you have
What you can afford in your next home
Whether you can qualify for a mortgage before selling

Many Springfield homeowners are surprised to learn they can buy their next home before they sell — especially if they have strong equity or income.

📝 Step 3: Explore Financing Options

If you need to use the equity in your current home to buy, you have a few creative options:

Bridge Loan
Short-term loan that helps you "bridge" the gap between selling and buying.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Tap into your home equity for a down payment, then pay it off once your home sells.
Contingent Offer
Buy your next home with a contingency that your current home must sell first. These are less competitive but can work with the right seller.
Rent-Back Agreement
Sell your home, then rent it back from the buyer for 30–60 days while you close on your new one.

I’ll help you decide which option works best based on your timeline, finances, and the homes available in your price range.

🔄 Step 4: List Strategically

When selling and buying simultaneously, timing is everything.

List your current home at a competitive price to attract buyers quickly.
Begin looking at homes to buy once you’re under contract on your current one.
Set realistic closing timelines (30–45 days is standard) and communicate closely with your lender and both agents involved.

Springfield Tip: If your home is priced under $300K, be prepared for fast action — you may be shopping for your next home while fielding offers on your current one!

Take a few tips here when it comes to selling your home. Avoid making mistakes that can leave you accruing days on market!

🧭 Step 5: Work With an Experienced Agent

This process can be complex — so having a real estate professional on your side who knows both the local market and the timing strategy is crucial.

I’ll coordinate:

The sale of your current home
The search and offer on your next home
Communication with both closing companies and your lender
A seamless timeline to help you avoid double moves, temporary housing, or overlapping payments

✅ Final Thoughts

Buying and selling at the same time is totally doable — especially when you have a plan. In Springfield’s 2025 housing market, the key is preparation, flexibility, and a great team.

With my help, we’ll create a customized move strategy based on your goals, timeline, and finances — so you can focus on your next chapter without the stress.

📞 Let’s talk about your move — whether it’s now or six months from now, I’m here to help you plan it right.

417-350-6419 | christina@thehouseofsparks.com