By: Rachel Lowell, Division President / Broker
Buying a new construction home when you already own one is one of the most common challenges buyers face today.
I usually explain it like this. What comes first, the chicken or the egg? Do you sell your current home first, or do you buy the new one first? How do you make it all work without ending up with two mortgages or, even worse, nowhere to live?
These logistics are what stop most buyers, not the desire to move or the new home itself. This is also why many buyers are drawn to guaranteed options that help remove uncertainty from the process and provide a clear path forward.
Buyers searching for new construction homes often assume they need to sell their current home before moving forward. In reality, buying new construction while owning a home is common, and with the right planning, it can be done without unnecessary financial strain or rushed decisions.
Why Buying New Construction While You Still Own a Home Is So Common
Most buyers interested in new construction aren’t first-time buyers. They already own a home and are trying to transition smoothly into the next one.
New construction homes come with timelines tied to build schedules, phases, and incentives. Your current home has its own timeline based on preparation, listing, and market conditions. When buyers aren’t sure how those two timelines can work together, it creates hesitation.
The questions we hear every day include:
- What if my house sells too fast?
- What if it sells too slow?
- What if it doesn’t sell at all?
These concerns are valid. Without a plan, the timing can feel overwhelming.
What Usually Holds Buyers Back from Buying New Construction Homes
Most buyers assume there is only one way to do this. Sell first, then buy.
That assumption alone causes many buyers to delay or walk away from homes that otherwise make sense. The fear of carrying two mortgages, being rushed into selling, or listing before they are ready is what really holds people back.
In reality, there’s often more options than buyers realize.
How Timing Conflicts Actually Work in Real Life
Timing conflicts rarely happen all at once.
When someone is building a home or purchasing a spec home, we usually have a clear idea of how long that process will take. That gives us a starting point. From there, we work with the builder and the lender to line up the best plan for the buyer’s current home.
Some buyers want to move into the new home first, get their belongings out, clean, make repairs, and then list. Others prefer to list sooner. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is matching the plan to the buyer’s comfort level and financial goals. Guaranteed options can help provide that clarity by defining outcomes upfront instead of leaving buyers guessing.
How Marketplace Homes Helps Bridge the Gap
This is where Marketplace Homes and our guaranteed programs play a critical role.
We help buyers coordinate all moving pieces instead of trying to solve everything independently. That includes:
- Aligning builder timelines with selling or transitioning out of the current home
- Working with lenders to understand short-term and long-term options
- Creating multiple paths forward so buyers are not relying on a single outcome
- Offering guaranteed solutions that create certainty around timing and next steps when selling or transitioning out of a current home
A lot of the solutions we use are not obvious or advertised. They come from putting everyone at the table and asking one simple question. What do we need to do to make this work?
Common Myths About Buying Before Selling Your Home
One of the biggest myths is that you have to sell your home before you can buy new construction. That’s not always true.
Many buyers can hold onto their home for a short period of time while they transition. The key is knowing how long that period might be and having a clear plan for what happens next.
Another common myth is that the only backup plan is lowering the price. While pricing matters, it is not the only lever. We focus on realistic expectations from the start and build multiple plans.
Plan A might be selling.
Plan B might be leasing.
Plan C might involve another solution entirely.
Having those options in place gives buyers confidence and flexibility.
Final Thoughts on Buying New Construction When You Still Own a Home
Buying new construction while owning a home doesn’t have to feel risky or stressful.
With proper planning, realistic expectations, and options built in, buyers can move forward confidently instead of waiting on the sidelines. The goal is not to predict exactly what will happen, but to be prepared no matter how the timing plays out.
Not Sure How to Time Buying New Construction?
Every situation is different. The right approach depends on your current home, your timeline, and the new construction opportunities you’re considering.
If you’re unsure how to make the transition work, our team can help you map out your options, including guaranteed programs designed to reduce risk and uncertainty.
Fill out the form below to connect with our New Construction Solutions team and explore your next steps.
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