Upgrading to a New Home: What Should I Do, Sell First or Buy First?

Feeling cramped in a home that used to feel perfect, whether it's a new baby, an older child moving back, or working and learning from home taking over the dining room? You're not alone, and inventory being tight makes the sell-then-buy timing tricky.

Hi, I'm Tanja Odzak, Realtor with eXp Realty, helping people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay for the last 10 years.

Coordinating a sale and a purchase at the same time is one of the most common challenges I help clients navigate. In a seller's market, sellers often won't accept a contingent offer, especially if your current home isn't even listed yet, but there are real options. A seller lease-back lets you stay in your home after closing for a negotiated period while you find your next one. Extending the escrow period, 60 days instead of 30, buys more time on the buying side too, and both can shape the strategy behind the offer you make on the new home.

I'm Tanja Odzak, and I've sold over $100 million worth of homes with a decade of experience in the East Bay. I've helped many clients through exactly this kind of coordinated move. Let's talk about the right sequence for you.