Buy or Sell First? How to Make the Right Move in today's Market

Planning a move in Calgary raises a big question: should you buy your next home before selling your current one, or sell first and play it safe?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your finances, timeline, risk tolerance, and current market conditions.

With over a decade of helping Calgarians navigate the real estate market, I’ve seen both strategies work. It’s all about choosing the one that fits your situation.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the pros, cons, and key strategies for each approach so you can move confidently.

Buying First: When It Makes Sense

A buy-first strategy is often ideal in a competitive market where inventory is limited and finding the right home may take time.

Why it works:

• Fewer moves: You avoid temporary housing and move just once.

• Time to find your dream home: No pressure from an impending sale lets you shop more carefully.

• Use conditional offers: A “Sale of Buyer’s Home” (SOBH) clause can give you breathing room between buying and selling.

Things to consider:

• Mortgage requirements: You’ll need pre-approval without a confirmed sale.

• Budget uncertainty: Not knowing your home’s sale price can make planning tricky.

• Potential double payments: If your home doesn’t sell quickly, you may carry two mortgages.

• Conditional offers can weaken leverage: Sellers often prefer offers with standard conditions, like financing or home inspections. SOBH conditions can limit your negotiation power. Selling First: Playing It Safe

  
  

Selling before buying is the more conservative approach, especially when buyers have the upper hand and homes may take longer to sell.

Benefits:

• Clear budget: Knowing exactly what your home sells for lets you shop confidently.

• Stronger offers: Unconditional offers make you more appealing to sellers.

• Lower financial risk: Avoid double mortgages and reduce pressure to rush a decision.

Potential drawbacks:

• Time pressure: Even with extended possession dates, you may feel rushed to find your next home.

• Temporary housing: Short-term rentals or Airbnb may be needed if your next home isn’t ready.

• Possible compromises: Deadlines can lead to sacrifices on location, size, or features.

Our Recommendation: Let the Market Guide Your Choice

A simple rule of thumb: tackle the more complex part of the transaction first.

• If homes are scarce, consider buying first and preparing your current property for a smooth sale.

• If inventory is plentiful, selling first can give you more options and negotiating power when buying next.

There’s no single “right” answer, only the strategy that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort level.

With my experience in both hot and balanced Calgary markets, I can help you:

• Evaluate your options

• Connect with trusted mortgage professionals

• Build a plan that protects your finances and your peace of mind!

Ready to start? Let’s talk through your options and make your next move with confidence.