How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

By John Salkowski

The JRS Realty Group, founded by high-producing Real Estate Broker & Author John Salkowski was built on the notion that the secret to achieving incredible goals and getting true results is to dominate real estate with a team approach.

Can you really sell your home and close on your next one a few hours later? The answer is yes, but it takes preparation, structure, and the right experience.

The reason I wanted to make this video is because I’m hearing from a lot of buyers who are also sellers, and their agent isn’t able to handle both transactions at the same time. This is something I’ve done numerous times over my career, and it comes down to having a clear plan before anything hits the market.

Here’s how I structure it.

It starts with preparation. Before we even look at properties to buy, I want your home ready, photographed, and live on the market. That’s the foundation. Once your home is actively listed, we start looking at properties that fit what you want. The order matters because it puts you in a stronger position as a buyer.

You’re never going to be homeless. That’s probably the biggest fear sellers have, and I understand it. Every purchase I structure for a client who is also selling is contingent upon them selling their home. In the listing remarks, I let the other agents know: this sale is contingent upon the seller finding suitable housing. That protection is built into every deal.

If you have backup financing, we can go even stronger. When a client has backup financing available, I submit offers that are not contingent on the sale of their home. That makes the offer much more attractive to sellers. And because your home is already active on the market, you’re a desirable buyer either way. Sellers and their agents can see that you’re serious and already in the process.

A bridge loan is another option. I’ve had clients take out a bridge loan on their current home, use those funds to purchase their next property, and then sell and pay off the bridge loan. It adds a layer of flexibility when timing is tight.

Cash reserves and 401k funds can serve as a fallback. This hasn’t been something I’ve personally needed to use with clients, but it’s always an option to discuss. If you have reserves available, it gives you one more way to make the transaction work. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

This is where experience matters. Selling and buying simultaneously requires structure and strategy. This is also where a lot of agents get hung up. It’s not just about finding two homes and writing two contracts. It’s about coordinating timelines, managing contingencies, and making sure both closings happen the way they’re supposed to.

If you’re looking to sell your home and buy your next one at the same time, reach out to me. I’ll walk you through the steps, give you multiple options, and make sure you have a plan that works for your situation. Call me at (610) 709-5147 or email me at john@jrsrealtygroup.com. You can also visit thejrsrealtygroup.com for more information.