Buying a new home when you already own one can present a unique set of challenges. For move-up buyers—those looking for more space, a different location, or updated features—the process often involves coordinating the sale of a current home with the purchase of a new one.
Fortunately, with careful planning and guidance from a knowledgeable real estate professional, it's possible to navigate both transactions successfully. Here are some key considerations and negotiation strategies for move-up buyers.
Understanding What’s Negotiable
Move-up buyers often need to negotiate more than just the purchase price. These contract terms can be particularly helpful in aligning both transactions:
Home Sale Contingency: This clause allows you to make an offer on a new home contingent upon the successful sale of your current home.
Closing Date Flexibility: Adjusting the timing of your purchase to coordinate with the sale of your current property can reduce the need for temporary housing.
Possession Date: Negotiating post-closing occupancy can allow additional time to transition out of your current home.
Repairs or Credits: Requesting seller-paid repairs or financial credits can preserve funds for your next home.
Inclusions/Exclusions: Items such as appliances or fixtures can be negotiated to minimize replacement costs.
A real estate agent can help you structure an offer that reflects your needs while remaining competitive in the market.
Making Contingencies Work
In competitive markets, home sale contingencies may make an offer less attractive to sellers. However, there are ways to strengthen your position:
Offer a competitive price.
Shorten the inspection or contingency periods.
Provide documentation that your home is actively listed or already under contract.
Include a strong pre-approval letter from a trusted lender.
These steps help demonstrate to the seller that your offer is serious and likely to result in a successful transaction.
Strengthening Your Offer With Sibcy Secure Pre-Approval
Financing is a critical component of any real estate transaction. A Sibcy Secure pre-approval provides additional assurance to sellers by offering a fully underwritten approval, not just a basic pre-qualification.
It confirms your financial readiness.
It demonstrates a higher level of preparedness.
It can help your offer stand out in multiple-offer scenarios.
Including a Sibcy Secure letter with your offer can help reduce concerns about financing-related delays or fall-throughs.
Exploring the QuickBuy® Program
Move-up buyers looking for additional flexibility may benefit from the QuickBuy® program, which provides an immediate offer on your current home.
QuickBuy® allows you to:
Receive a firm offer within days
Bypass the traditional listing process and showings
Choose your closing date to align with your purchase
This option may be especially helpful if you prefer to avoid a home sale contingency, unlock your home equity quickly, or reduce the stress of managing both sides of the transaction simultaneously.
For even more flexibility, the QuickBuy® Leaseback option allows you to sell your home and lease it back while you search for your next one. This gives you time to find the right property without rushing and provides immediate access to your home equity—making it easier to make a competitive offer when the right home becomes available. It also helps avoid the hassle and expense of moving twice.
Need options? Get a cash offer on your home before you list, lock that offer in while it's on the market, and lease back your home if you need time to move. Let a Sibcy Cline agent show you all the paths to a successful sale with our QuickBuy™ Program!
View More
The Value of Working With a Real Estate Professional
A Sibcy Cline agent can assist with every step of the move-up process:
Coordinating the sale and purchase timelines
Navigating negotiation strategies
Recommending financing options and tools
Guiding you through the use of programs like Sibcy Secure and QuickBuy
With local market expertise and access to a range of resources, your agent can help make the transition to your next home as smooth as possible.
Planning Your Next Move
Buying a new home while selling your current one involves many moving parts, but with the right approach and professional support, it can be a well-managed and rewarding experience.
If you’re considering a move, contact your Sibcy Cline agent to start the conversation. We’re here to help you reach your real estate goals with confidence and clarity.
Browse the most powerful local network of REALTORS®, trusted by five generations of buyers and sellers.
Agent Directory