Should You Buy First or Sell First?

This is honestly the most common question I have gotten over the last few months. So much so I've debated doing a full webinar on the topic! Let me break it down as short as I can:

Buying First:

The biggest advantage of buying first is knowing you have somewhere to go and taking your time to find the right home without feeling rushed. 

The risk here is that you don't have a solid number on what your home is actually going to sell for. You also run the risk of taking longer to sell your home, or having to price it lower to sell it quickly. This could affect you in the long term because the gap between your buy and sell may be bigger than originally anticipated. 

Some ways around this are by putting a condition on selling your home. This condition is often met with resistance and you will lose negotiating power on the price when it comes down to it since it's a risk for the seller to accept the condition and tie up the home for 30 days. 

A second option is getting yourself a longer closing of 120 days to give you plenty of time to sell your home. Bridge financing is something I have personally used often to co-ordinate this.

Selling First:

This gives you great financial clarity. You'll know exactly how much you have to work with and can make confident offers on your next home. The downside is you may feel pressured to find something quickly. 

The ways I find to best deal with this is by firstly giving yourself a long enough closing to go out and find something. Again, 120 days is a long time, and although the home you want may not be on the market right now, there is a high likelihood of it coming to market and you being able to act on it.

Another way is by having temporary accommodations lined up to bridge the gap between your home selling and moving into the home you purchase. 

Me and Cassandra once moved back in with my mom for 3 months between closings in 2018! It was a great decision for us as it allowed us to get into the home we wanted while also saving money from no mortgage, property tax, utility, and insurance payments. (Plus all the home cooked meals and help with laundry was a nice bonus!)

My Take:

In today's market I would recommend listing your home while you are looking. We can list at the top end of price and try for that higher price so you can sell without being rushed. If you find a home you like, and we make an offer, we can then reduce the home to a price point that would move the sale along quicker. At the end of the day if you receive an offer on your home but haven't found anything you like yet, there is no obligation to accept it.

If you're thinking of making a move but want to talk through the best path forward, reach out anytime I am always happy to chat!

Happening in Hamilton

Week of Oct 17th - 23rd

Fall blooms, glowing trails, live music, and Halloween fun — Hamilton’s got something for everyone this week.

FALL GARDEN & MUM SHOW: UNDER THE SEA (Gage Park) Oct 18–26, 9am-7pm — Stunning floral displays, family fun, games & crafts for all to enjoy. Tickets $10 Click here for more info

THE GREAT PUMPKIN TRAIL (Royal Botanical Gardens) Oct 16–19, 5:30-10pm — A glowing jack-o’lantern experience through winding trails and seasonal ambiance. Tickets $30.25 Click here for more info

JURASSIC PARK: FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA (FirstOntario Concert Hall) Sat, Oct 18, 2pm & 7:30pm — Watch the film while the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra performs the original score live. Tickets $33.50-$98.50 Click here for more info

DOG DAY HALLOWEEN (Grain & Grit Beer Co.) Sun, Oct 26, 12–4pm — Dress up your pup and join this Halloween bash featuring a dog costume contest, prizes, pizza from Red Door, and plenty of craft beer and community fun. Free Click here for more info

Featured Listing

This spacious two-storey brick home in Hamilton’s family-friendly Gilkson neighbourhood offers over 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The main floor features a bright and inviting layout with formal living and dining rooms, a generous eat-in kitchen, and a cozy family room perfect for gatherings. Upstairs, the primary suite includes its own ensuite, while three additional bedrooms provide plenty of space for a growing family. The true highlight of this property is the backyard—an expansive, private retreat complete with a gazebo that sets the stage for summer barbecues, outdoor entertaining, and relaxing evenings. With a double garage, parking for four, and close proximity to parks, schools, shopping, transit, and highway access, this home combines everyday convenience with a welcoming community feel.

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Partner of the Week
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