Making the Move: How to Successfully Sell Your Home While Buying the Next One

Tips for Upgrading to Your Second, Third, or Even Fourth Home

Whether you're outgrowing your current space, looking for a better location, or just ready for a change, moving up to your next home is an exciting step. But coordinating the sale of one home while purchasing another? That can get complicated—especially in today’s competitive market.

At NorthPort Funding, we help clients navigate this “buy-sell” dance every day. Here are some key strategies buyers are using to make smooth, successful moves.

1. Understand Your Financing Options (Bridge Loans Included)

One of the biggest hurdles when moving up is timing: how do you buy your next home if you need the equity from your current one?

That’s where a bridge loan can help. This short-term financing allows you to tap into your current home’s equity before it’s sold, giving you the funds you need for a down payment on your new home. Once your old home sells, you can pay off the bridge loan in full.

It’s a great tool if:

• You’ve found your dream home and don’t want to miss out

• You’re confident your current home will sell quickly

• You want to make a strong, non-contingent offer

  
  

2. Know What “Contingent” Means—And When to Use It

In a traditional move-up scenario, many buyers make their new home purchase contingent on the sale of their current home. That means the new home deal won’t go through unless their old one sells.

It’s a safer financial move for some, but in a competitive market, it can make your offer less attractive. Sellers may pass over contingent offers in favor of buyers who are already pre-approved and ready to close.

If you’re going the contingent route, it helps to:

• Already have your current home listed (or under contract)

• Work with an agent and lender who can move fast

• Communicate timelines clearly with all parties

  
  

3. Work with a Lender Who Understands Creative Solutions

Not every move-up situation fits a box—and that’s okay. Whether you’re juggling multiple properties, waiting on proceeds, or figuring out how to qualify for both mortgages at once, a team like NorthPort Funding can help you find a strategy that works for your timeline.

Some other solutions may include:

• HELOCs or cash-out refinances before selling

• Rent-back agreements after closing, so you have time to move

• Extended closing timelines negotiated through your agent

  
  

4. Get Pre-Approved Early

Before you start browsing new homes, get pre-approved. Not only does it give you a clear picture of your budget and buying power—it also puts you in a stronger position to act when the right home comes along.

At NorthPort, our pre-approval process is quick, easy, and doesn’t require a hard credit pull unless you’re ready to move forward.

5. Stay in Sync With Your Team

This kind of transaction takes coordination. You, your agent, your loan officer, and possibly a buyer’s agent for your current home all need to work together seamlessly.

At NorthPort, we pride ourselves on being problem solvers. Our job is to make sure the financing side is aligned with your real estate goals—and that nothing slips through the cracks during your transition.

Thinking about moving up?Let’s talk about the best path forward—whether it’s your second, third, or forever home. Get pre-qualified today with no impact to your credit score, or reach out directly to chat with one of our loan experts.