Buying and Selling at the Same Time in Navarro, Ellis & Freestone Counties

Moving from one home to another means juggling two transactions. There's no single right order. It depends on your finances, the market and how much flexibility you have. Here are the common ways to handle it in Texas.

Option 1: Sell first

Selling first means you know exactly how much money you'll have for the next home, and you won't carry two mortgages. The trade-off is you may need somewhere to stay between closings.

Option 2: Buy first

Buying first lets you move once and take your time. It usually means qualifying for the new loan while still owning your current home, or using savings or bridge financing. Ask your lender what you qualify for.

Option 3: Make your purchase contingent on your sale

Texas has a standard addendum for this: the TREC Addendum for Sale of Other Property by Buyer. It makes your purchase depend on your current home selling by a set date. Sellers may be less eager to accept contingent offers, so this works best when your home is already under contract or likely to sell quickly.

Option 4: Line up closings and use a temporary lease

Many movers schedule both closings close together. If you need a few extra days in your old home after it sells, or early access to the new one, TREC has temporary residential lease forms for sellers and buyers.

Tips for a smoother move

• Talk to your lender first about what you can qualify for with and without selling.
• Get a realistic value for your current home before you shop.
• Build a cushion of time between closings when you can.
• Keep both title companies and lenders in the loop on dates.

Planning a move? Call Lacy Rider, Broker/Owner of K4G Realty, at (775) 934-1655, or get a free home value.

Explore Our Town Guides

Learn more about the towns across our area, including local history, school districts and what to research before you buy.

Navarro County: Corsicana, Kerens, Rice, Blooming Grove, Frost, Dawson, Richland, Mildred

Ellis County: Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, Ferris, Italy, Palmer, Maypearl

Freestone County: Fairfield, Teague, Wortham, Streetman

Henderson County: Athens, Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Malakoff, Seven Points, Chandler, Brownsboro, Eustace