One of the most common questions homeowners ask when they’re thinking about moving is: “Should we sell our home first, or buy our next home first?”

In a market like Seattle’s where pricing, interest rates, and competition can shift quickly there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right strategy depends on your finances, your risk tolerance, and what today’s market is actually doing (not what headlines suggest).

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option so you can decide what makes the most sense for your situation.

Selling First: The Safer, More Predictable Option

For many Seattle homeowners, selling first provides clarity and peace of mind.

Pros of Selling First:

• You know exactly how much equity you have
  No guessing, no assumptions.
• Stronger negotiating position as a buyer
  Non-contingent offers are more appealing to sellers.
• Less financial risk
  You’re not carrying two mortgages or relying on perfect timing.

Cons of Selling First:

• Temporary housing may be needed
  Rent-back agreements or short-term rentals can help.
• Pressure to buy quickly
  Especially if inventory is tight in your target area.

Best for:
Sellers who value certainty, are budget-conscious, or are moving into a competitive price point.

Buying First: Flexibility, With More Risk

Buying first can work well if it’s done strategically.

Pros of Buying First:

• More flexibility and less pressure
  You can wait for the right home.
• Easier transition
  No temporary move or storage needed.
• Time to prepare your current home properly
  Staging, updates, and thoughtful pricing not rushed decisions.

Cons of Buying First:

• Carrying two homes temporarily
  This requires strong financial positioning.
• Market timing risk
  If your current home takes longer to sell than expected.
• More complex logistics
  Coordinating financing, timelines, and contingencies.

Best for:
Sellers with strong equity, stable income, and flexibility if timelines don’t align perfectly.

What Today’s Seattle Market Changes About the Decision

Seattle’s market today isn’t defined by instant multiple offers or homes selling in a weekend and that actually creates more strategy options, not fewer.

• Homes are taking longer to sell → pricing and preparation matter more
• Buyers are more cautious → clean, well-positioned listings win
• Contingent offers are more common → but still need to be handled carefully

This means:

• Selling first doesn’t mean “missing out”

• Buying first doesn’t have to mean “high risk”

• Strategy matters more than timing

Alternatives Most Sellers Don’t Realize Are Options

Many sellers assume it’s either sell first or buy first  but there are middle-ground strategies:

• Rent-back agreements to stay in your home after closing
• Extended closings to align timelines
• Bridge loans or equity access (when appropriate)
• Sale contingencies written strategically, not generically

These approaches can reduce stress and protect your financial position when done correctly.

So, What’s the Right Choice?

The best option depends on:

• Your equity position
• Your comfort with short-term risk
• Your timeline flexibility
• The specific Seattle neighborhoods you’re buying and selling in

What matters most is not choosing the “popular” option  but choosing the one that protects your finances and gives you leverage.

Final Thought

Whether you sell first or buy first, the goal is the same, a smooth transition without unnecessary stress or financial strain.

The right plan is always specific  to you, your home, and today’s market conditions.

If you’re weighing your options and want to talk through real numbers and timelines, Click Here and lets get the conversation started!

Tyler Morgan | REAL BROKER | Managing Broker | Maple Valley | Bellevue | Kirkland | (509) 993-3408 | www.tylermorganhomes.com