Buying and Selling at the Same Time: How Northern Colorado Homeowners Plan the Move

by Jason Levi

Northern ColoradoMove-Up PlanningBuy & Sell

Jason Levi & Carrie Levi

CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC

Published 2025-12-29 • Updated 2026-10-20

Direct Answer

Should I sell my home first or buy my next home first?

It depends on your finances and comfort with risk. Selling first gives you certainty about your budget but may require temporary housing. Buying first lets you move once but usually requires financing to cover both homes. A lender conversation and a home value estimate are the best starting points.

Talk to a Northern Colorado Agent →

For many homeowners, the hardest part of moving is not finding the next home. It is figuring out how to sell one home and buy another without paying for two at once or ending up with nowhere to live. Here is how to plan the sequence.

Option 1: Sell First

Selling first tells you exactly how much you have to put toward your next home and removes the risk of carrying two mortgages.

The trade-off is that you may need temporary housing if your next home is not ready when you close.

Option 2: Buy First

Buying first lets you move once and take your time settling in.

It usually requires enough savings or financing to cover the new home before the old one sells, so talk with a lender before you start shopping.

Option 3: Make Your Offer Contingent on Selling

A home sale contingency makes your purchase depend on selling your current home.

It lowers your risk, but some sellers see it as a weaker offer, especially when other buyers are competing for the same home.

Tools That Can Bridge the Gap

Some sellers negotiate extra time to stay in the home after closing, often called a rent-back.

Lining up closing dates or arranging short-term housing can also smooth the transition.

Build Your Plan Before You List

Start with a lender conversation and an estimate of what your current home could sell for.

With those numbers in hand, you and your agent can choose the sequence that fits your finances and your comfort with risk.

Schedule a Consultation → Northern Colorado Area Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home sale contingency?

It is a condition in your offer that makes your purchase depend on selling your current home.

What is a rent-back?

An agreement that lets the seller stay in the home for a set time after closing.

Who should I talk to first when planning a move?

Start with a lender and an agent so you know your budget and your current home's likely value.

Who are Jason and Carrie Levi?

Jason and Carrie Levi are CLHMS-certified luxury Realtors with the GUILD distinction who co-lead The Levi Group Colorado with Real Broker, LLC in Fort Collins. They specialize in Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor, Loveland, and Northern Colorado, serving buyers and sellers, and were recognized in the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings as a Top Team by Volume and by Sides.

Summary

Selling first, buying first or using a contingency each have trade-offs. The right sequence depends on your finances and timeline.

Planning to sell and buy in Northern Colorado? Talk with Jason and Carrie Levi about the right sequence for you.

Carrie Levi & Jason Levi — The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · 300 Boardwalk Dr, #6b, Fort Collins, CO 80525 · (970) 426-8916 · jason@thelevigroup.net