If you plan to buy again after you sell, you're likely wondering what should come first. You don't want to sell and be caught without a place to live - even for a short time! Nor do you want the expense of two homes - in the case of buying before you sell.

By selling your current home first, you remove the burden of uncertainty and know exactly how much you've netted from the sale of your home - an important consideration in determining the price range for your next home.

Moreover, a seller usually takes unconditional offers more seriously. By selling first, you'll negotiate the purchase price on your new home more confidently.

If you do buy first, when it comes to the contract and depending on the circumstance I will make your offer to purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. If you don't sell within the specified time period, your offer simply lapses without penalty.

Bridge financing may also be a short-term solution when buying first. Based on your credit situation and the probability that your current home will sell quickly, some lenders will extend additional credit on a short term basis, using the equity in your current home as security.

*** Rule of thumb ***

In a buyers market, many people prefer to sell first to limit risk. In a seller's market, many consider buying first. All situations are individual and I will discuss this with you at great length.