How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time Without Losing Your Mind
- Sara Hopkins
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Thinking about buying and selling a home at the same time in Des Moines? This step-by-step guide explains how to avoid costly mistakes, protect your equity, and move with confidence.
One of the most stressful conversations I have with clients sounds like this:
“We want to move… but we don’t know how to sell our house and buy a new one at the same time.”
You’re not alone. This is hands-down one of the most confusing parts of the real estate process, especially in a market where timing, inventory, and financing all have to line up perfectly.
The good news is this. You do not need to figure it out on your own, and it does not have to feel overwhelming.
Here is exactly how we help our clients buy and sell at the same time without panic, rushed decisions, or losing equity.
Step 1: Start With Strategy, Not Zillow
Before you even look at homes, we walk through your current situation.
How much equity do you have
What your realistic buying budget is
Whether you should sell first, buy first, or try to do both simultaneously
Every plan looks different. Some families need a rent-back. Others use bridge financing. Some sell first and live with family for a few weeks. The biggest mistake is assuming one path works for everyone.
Step 2: Get Fully Pre-Approved
This is not the same as being pre-qualified.
A full pre-approval means your income, credit, and assets are reviewed by a lender so you know exactly what you can do before your home even hits the market. This protects you from falling in love with something that is not financially realistic.
Step 3: Prepare Your Home Before You List
Deferred maintenance is the number one reason deals fall apart.
Before photos, showings, or pricing conversations, we walk your home together and flag:
Small repairs that will raise buyer confidence
Items that will show up on inspection
Easy fixes that protect your value
This step saves you thousands and a lot of emotional energy later.
Step 4: Line Up Your Timelines
This is where having an experienced agent matters most.
We coordinate:
Listing date
Offer deadlines
Closing timelines
Possession and move-out strategy
This is how we prevent you from being homeless for a week or carrying two mortgages.
Step 5: Negotiate From a Position of Strength
When your home is prepped, priced correctly, and launched with intention, you gain leverage.
That leverage allows us to negotiate:
Flexible possession
Rent-backs
Contingencies that protect you while you buy
This is not about luck. It is about planning.
Step 6: Breathe. We Handle the Chaos.
Our job is to be the buffer between you and the stress.
We coordinate inspections, timelines, lenders, contractors, and moving pieces so you can focus on your family, your job, and your life while we solve problems behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Buying and selling at the same time is not easy. But with the right strategy, the right timeline, and the right team, it becomes manageable and even exciting.
If you are thinking about making a move in 2026, I would love to help you create a plan that fits your life instead of forcing you into a box.
Download our full guide here:
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