Growing Family, Bigger Home: How to Buy a New House Before Selling Your Current One

Growing Family, Bigger Home: How to Buy a New House Before Selling Your Current One

• For many growing families in Douglas County and Elbert County, the biggest question isn’t where to move—it’s how to move without feeling stuck.
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• If you need more space but haven’t sold your current home yet, you’re not alone. Upsizing is one of the most common challenges I help families navigate, and there are realistic ways to buy your next home before selling your current one—if it’s done correctly.

• Here’s what you need to know.
• Why Upsizing Feels So Stressful
• Families looking to move up often worry about:
• Carrying two mortgages
• Missing out on the right home
• Being forced into temporary housing
• Timing the sale and purchase perfectly
• The good news: you don’t have to rely on perfect timing.

Option 1: Buy With a Home Sale Contingency

A home sale contingency allows you to make an offer that depends on selling your current home first.

• Pros
• Lower financial risk
• No overlap of mortgages
• Cons
• Less competitive in a strong market
• Not always accepted by sellers

This can still work in parts of Douglas County and Elbert County when the home is priced correctly and the listing has been sitting.

Option 2: Use a Bridge Loan

• A bridge loan lets you access the equity in your current home before it sells.
• Pros
• Allows you to buy first, then sell
• Stronger, non-contingent offer
• Cons
• Short-term higher interest
• Must qualify financially

This option is popular with families who have significant equity and want flexibility.

Option 3: Buy First With a Rent-Back Strategy

• Some buyers sell their current home first, then rent it back temporarily.
• Pros
• Strong buying power
• Less financial risk
• Cons
• Requires cooperation from the buyer
• Short-term uncertainty

This strategy works well when your current home is in a high-demand neighborhood.

Option 4: New Build or Builder Flexibility

If you’re considering a new build in Douglas or Elbert County:

• Longer build timelines allow your home to sell later
• Some builders accept contingent sales
• You may avoid moving twice
• This is often one of the least stressful upsizing paths for growing families.

What Lenders Look At When Upsizing

Before choosing a strategy, lenders will evaluate:

• Your current mortgage balance
• Equity in your existing home
• Debt-to-income ratio
• Cash reserves

This is why lender conversations must happen early, not after you fall in love with a house.

Why Local Strategy Matters

• Upsizing in Douglas County is different from upsizing in Elbert County.
• Douglas County often moves faster and is more competitive
• Elbert County offers more flexibility, land options, and timelines
• A local Realtor can structure the plan around your specific location, not generic advice.

• Yes—you can buy a new house before selling your current one.
• But the strategy matters.

• The right approach protects your finances, reduces stress, and helps your family transition smoothly into the next stage of life.

If you have questions about pricing, timing, loan options, school considerations, or long-term affordability, I’m happy to walk through the full picture so you can make a confident decision.

Marjorie Engle – Realtor

📞 303-881-2707

🌐 www.marjorieengle.com