QUESTION: I want to move and I know my home will sell quickly, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to find a house to buy and I don’t want to move twice. What should I do?
Answer: You are not alone! Many potential home sellers are finding themselves in the same situation. One of the main reasons there are so few homes for sale today is because potential sellers, like you, find themselves wondering where they will go if their home sells quickly. The answer in part depends on your level of motivation. When inventory is low it provides a great opportunity for sellers. However, the tables are turned when sellers become buyers and there are very few homes for sale.
Here are a few options to consider:
You could find a home to buy and make your offer contingent upon selling your present home. However, in a competitive home buying environment you may find yourself competing with other buyers who do not have a home to sell, and that puts you at a disadvantage – especially if your home is not yet on the market.
A better option might be to negotiate the sale of your present home contingent upon finding a suitable replacement home. Having your home already on the market tells a seller that you are serious and have already taken the first step.
Another option might be to negotiate a 30 or 60 day “rent back” from your buyer. You would then have an extra month or two to find a new home and make your move. Understand that your “rent” would most likely be determined by the new owner’s cost to carry the house, which might be higher than you are used to paying. However, eliminating the cost of a double move may well be worth paying a little extra for a short period of time.
I have found that most often sellers find a suitable replacement home within a reasonable period of time once they set their minds to it, and things work out just fine. I recommend talking to your real estate agent and coming up with a plan.
Judy-Lynn Kiersey is a REALTOR with J. Rockcliff Realtors in Danville, California
Cal BRE Lic 01802558
To submit questions for this column or for an evaluation of your home’s new value in today’s market contact Judy-Lynn Kiersey at
(925) 640-0040 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
