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Buy First or Sell First?
You’re thinking about moving, but where do you start? Buy first or sell first? What’s smartest depends on several factors and on you. Here are a few things to consider. Take a look, and then get in touch so we can find out together what works best for your situation.
Buy First:
Pros:
- Find your dream home
Do you have the time to search and want to move only if it’s truly your dream home? Searching for that perfect house before putting your current home on the market ensures you don’t have to compromise! - Certainty of a new home
Koop je eerst een nieuw huis, dan weet je zeker dat je niet tijdelijk zónder thuis komt te zitten en bijvoorbeeld ergens moet logeren of tussentijds iets moet huren. Fijn, die vastigheid. - Move just once
You relocate directly into your new home, saving both time and effort.
Cons:
- Double financial obligations
If you buy your new home first, you still need to sell your old one – and that can take some time. This exposes you to the risk of carrying two mortgages temporarily. - Budget?
The sale of your current home often partly determines your budget. An extra €50,000 could mean that extra room or finally moving to that desirable neighbourhood. If you buy first, you face less certainty during negotiations and have a weaker sense of what you can afford.
Sell first:
Pros
- Certainty
The market can change quickly. If you sell first, you get a clear idea of what to expect from the sale. Waiting a little longer could mean the market shifts – maybe in your favour, maybe not. - Clear budget
It’s great to know exactly how much you can spend on your new home. This puts you in a stronger position during negotiations. Sell first, and you’ll have the money in hand, knowing precisely what you can afford – maybe that dream neighbourhood, an extra room, or even home improvements or energy upgrades.
Cons
- Temporarily Homeless
If you’ve sold your home but haven’t found a new one yet, you’ll need a solution. Renting temporarily? Staying with family or friends? Make sure you plan ahead. - Rushed Decisions
Once your current home is sold, the transfer date moves closer. This can create pressure to find a new property quickly. It’s important to choose a home that will make you truly happy in the long term.
In Conclusion
What’s the best choice for you?
The key is to start your moving journey with confidence and peace of mind. Does the risk of carrying two mortgages weigh heavy on your mind? Then selling first might be the wiser move. Or does the idea of being “between homes” feel daunting? In that case, buying first could work better.
It’s important to clarify what matters most to you and how to make the process as smooth as possible. We’re here to help. Get in touch, and we’ll guide you through your options!
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