Hey folks, Art here. Maybe the dining room has become the office, the homework station, and the storage room. You know you need a different setup…but you also have a house to sell.
Choose the sequence with your team
- Sell first: You can clarify your sale proceeds, but may need somewhere to stay between homes.
- Buy first: You need to understand whether you qualify and can manage overlapping housing expenses.
- Coordinate the closings: This takes communication and a fallback if either transaction is delayed.
Talk with your lender and real estate agent before committing to dates. Equity in the current house isn’t the same as cash already available for the next purchase.
Budget for the whole move
The CFPB encourages buyers to set a comfortable housing budget and account for upfront costs. Keep savings for expenses beyond the purchase itself. Include ongoing insurance, taxes, maintenance, and any association charges when comparing homes.
My extra planning question: if the move takes longer than expected, what would you do? Write down the housing and storage arrangements you could actually use.
Define what needs to improve
For your next Atlanta-area home, name the daily problem you’re solving. A better layout may matter more than another room. Bring that list to the same conversation as your numbers.
Let’s talk through the financing questions early, so your next showing starts with a plan.
Financing is subject to credit approval and applicable requirements. General education, not a commitment to lend.
Sources: Luminate Bank’s move-up guide (opens in new tab) and CFPB homebuying budget guidance (opens in new tab).
