Buying and Selling at the Same Time — How to Transition Smoothly in New Hampshire’s Market

One of the most common — and most stressful — real estate challenges is buying a new home while selling your current one. It’s a delicate dance involving timelines, finances, emotions, and often, a few sleepless nights.

But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At Lovlien Realty Group, we’ve helped countless New Hampshire clients coordinate successful transitions — and we know how to craft a custom strategy that protects your equity, supports your timeline, and keeps you moving forward with confidence.

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, here’s how to approach buying and selling at the same time.

1. Start With the Big Picture

Before diving into listings or pricing strategies, it’s important to clarify your priorities:

• Do you need the equity from your current home to buy the next one?

• Are you aiming for a seamless move with no temporary housing?

• Can you carry two mortgages for a short period if needed?

• Do you need to be in the new home by a certain deadline (school year, job start, etc.)?

Understanding your financial and logistical flexibility will shape the entire strategy. And don’t worry — we’ll help you make sense of it all, one step at a time.

2. Financing First: Know What’s Possible

Before you list or shop, talk with a local lender to understand your borrowing power. In some cases, you may have more options than you realize — including bridge loans, home equity lines, or other creative solutions.

📌 Disclaimer: We are not mortgage brokers and this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed mortgage lender to explore your specific options. We’d be happy to introduce you to trusted professionals who specialize in transition financing here in New Hampshire.

A good lender can help you:

• Determine if you can buy before you sell

• Evaluate your debt-to-income ratio with two homes in play

• Explore options like HELOCs, bridge loans, or contingent offers

Knowing your financing strategy ahead of time gives us the roadmap we need to time everything properly.

3. Understand Contingencies — and When to Use Them

If you're selling your home and buying another, you'll likely encounter one of two common contingencies:

• Home Sale Contingency: Your purchase depends on successfully selling your current home first

• Home Purchase Contingency: You won’t close on your current home until you’ve secured the next one

Each has pros and cons. In today’s still-competitive market, sellers may hesitate on contingent offers — but there are strategies we can use to strengthen your position and improve acceptance rates.

We know how to structure terms, present your offer in the best light, and advocate for your timeline.

4. Should You Buy First or Sell First?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some factors to consider:

Reasons to Sell First:

• You’ll know your exact budget for the next purchase

• You avoid the risk of carrying two mortgages

• Stronger negotiating power with cash in hand

Reasons to Buy First:

• You can move directly without a gap or temporary housing

• You may be able to leverage savings or equity for down payment

• Better inventory selection if timing is tight

Still unsure? You’re not alone. That’s why we tailor a step-by-step timeline based on your needs, your finances, and your market — all with built-in contingencies and backup plans.

5. Get Creative With Timing Options

We regularly help clients manage “the in-between” with a few common tactics:

• Rent-back agreements – Stay in your current home after closing for a set period

• Flexible closing dates – Align your sale and purchase to close on the same day

• Temporary housing plans – Short-term rentals or family stays as a buffer

We’ll walk you through all your options and help you put together a move plan that minimizes stress — and maximizes peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Buying and selling a home at the same time isn’t just a real estate transaction — it’s a life transition, and it deserves thoughtful, proactive planning.

With the right agent and the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible to move forward confidently and seamlessly, even in a fast-paced market.

At Lovlien Realty Group, we specialize in these coordinated transitions. We’ll help you protect your equity, time your move, navigate the market, and keep all the moving parts working in sync — so you can focus on your next chapter.

📞 Thinking about making a move? Let’s build your transition plan together — reach out today.
📍 Serving buyers and sellers across Southern NH, the Seacoast, Central NH, and beyond.