Sell or Buy First?
Sell or Buy First
1.0 The Seller’s Dilemma: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem
It’s one of the most common and stressful questions in real estate: “Should I buy my next home before I sell my current one?” There is no single right answer—the best strategy depends entirely on your financial situation, your tolerance for risk, and the current state of the Edmonton real estate market. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each scenario to help you make an informed decision.
2.0 Scenario 1: Selling Your Current Home First
This is the most financially conservative and common approach. You list and sell your current home before you begin seriously shopping for your next one.
PROS:
CONS:
3.0 Scenario 2: Buying Your Next Home First
In this scenario, you find and purchase your next home before listing your current property for sale.
PROS:
CONS:
4.0 “Bridge Financing”: Bridging the Financial Gap
If you choose to buy first, you may need “bridge financing.” A bridge loan is a short-term loan from a bank that “bridges” the gap between the purchase of your new home and the sale of your old one. It allows you to use the equity in your current home for the down payment on your new home. While it’s a powerful tool, it comes with interest charges and fees and requires you to be approved by your lender.
5.0 How to Decide?
In the balanced market of Fall 2025, the best choice depends on you. We will help you analyze your finances, discuss your tolerance for risk, and provide up-to-the-minute data on how quickly homes like yours are selling. This information will empower you to build a strategy that you are comfortable and confident with.
For a complete overview of the selling journey, return to the Ultimate Guide to Selling a Home.
Common Seller FAQs
If you’re ready to sell or have more questions, you can contact us here.
How do I determine the right listing price for my home?
We don’t just guess. We use a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). We analyze recent sales of similar homes in your specific neighbourhood (not just active listings, but what actually sold), adjust for your home’s unique features and upgrades, and look at current market trends. Our goal is to price your home competitively to attract serious buyers immediately, rather than letting it sit on the market.
How long will it take to sell my home?
The time it takes to sell depends on three main factors: price, condition, and market conditions. In a balanced Edmonton market, a well-priced and well-presented home typically sells within 30 to 45 days. However, unique properties or luxury homes may take longer. Our “Move Faster” marketing strategy is designed to beat the market average by getting your home in front of the maximum number of qualified buyers instantly.
What are the costs involved in selling a home?
When selling, you should budget for a few key expenses. The primary cost is the real estate commission (typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents). You will also need to budget for legal fees (approx. $1,000–$1,500) to handle the title transfer. If you are selling before your mortgage term is up, check with your lender about any potential mortgage discharge penalties. We provide a full “Net Proceeds” sheet so you know exactly what you’ll walk away with.
Should I renovate my home before selling?
Not always. Large renovations often don’t yield a 100% return on investment. Instead, we recommend focusing on “high-impact” updates: a fresh coat of neutral paint, decluttering, deep cleaning, and fixing minor repairs (leaky faucets, loose handles). These small steps maximize your home’s appeal and sale price without breaking the bank. We can walk through your home and tell you exactly what to fix—and what to ignore.
Do I need to be home for showings?
It is highly recommended that you leave the home during showings. Buyers need to feel comfortable discussing the home freely and imagining themselves living there, which is hard to do if the owner is present. We use secure lockboxes and coordinate all showing times with you in advance so you can plan to be away for that short window.
