The Art of Buying and Selling Your Home at the Same Time

Are you considering downsizing, upsizing, or relocating to Austin, Texas? Are you wondering how you can sell your home while simultaneously searching for a new home? Buying and selling a home at the same time can be an extensive and stressful feat with many variables to consider, from staging and marketing to pricing and negotiation. Read on to learn how to buy and sell a home fast in the Austin real estate market.

The first step is getting all the preliminary preparations done. Get a home inspection and appraisal done on your Austin home for sale. The inspector’s report will indicate what condition it is in and whether or not it requires any repairs. An experienced Austin real estate agent can refer you to a qualified home inspector who will examine your property and check the roof, foundation, HVAC system, electrical systems, and more. This home inspection gives prospective buyers peace of mind that it is safe and no large repairs are needed.

Another essential tool in selling a home quickly is a home appraisal. Like a home inspection, home appraisers will check the home's condition. However, home appraisals also consider the size, style, age, floor plan, recent renovations, and amenities. Ultimately, the home appraisal report is used to determine the home's fair market value. Knowing what your home is worth can be used to determine a price that is fair but also competitive. Getting an inspection and appraisal done early in the selling process is vital when it comes time to negotiate and price your home for sale!

One of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners is, “How do I sell a home fast?” Use an expert stager. A home that has been professionally staged can spend 73% less time on the market than a home that has not been staged. The key to staging is creating an open and versatile space in which many homebuyers can visualize their future lives.

When staging for success, you need to clean your home from top to bottom and room to room so that every countertop and surface area shines. In addition, you must also declutter and remove extra clothes, shoes, and books. Further, you should store away the kids’ toys, pet accessories, family photos, and other personal items. A professional stager will work with you to rearrange furniture, add decor, and more. Ultimately, when a home is staged well, you could sell for 25% more of your home’s value.

Another essential thing you need to add to your “selling my home checklist” is professional photography. A home that’s listed with high-quality and professional photographs can sell up to 32% faster. Therefore, hire a professional photographer with experience capturing luxury homes in Austin. An experienced photographer knows what camera angles to use to showcase the best features of your Austin home. Whether using the scenic landscape of the Hill Country or the beautiful Austin cityscape, a professional photographer will capture your home in the best light possible so that it appeals to many home buyers.

While you are in the process of listing your Austin home for sale, consider what kind of home you want to buy. In Austin, there are many options, from multi-family condos in downtown to spacious single-family luxury homes with spectacular views of the surrounding hills, forest, or golf courses. Do you want to live in a gated community or a neighborhood with an impeccably designed golf course? Create a list of must-haves and want-to-haves that will help you imagine your next home. By knowing attributes such as location, size, architectural style, and amenities, you and your Austin real estate agent can use the exclusive Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find a home that matches your needs and lifestyle.

To prepare for the eventuality that both transactions most likely won’t happen at the same time, it is vital to consider contingencies. For example, you might consider a home sale contingency, which states that you need to sell your home by a certain date to proceed with the purchase of the new one. This ensures you will have a place to stay while buying and selling. However, note that sometimes buyers and sellers are wary of transactions that carry contingencies because they risk falling through. Consult your real estate agent to determine if a home sale contingency is best for your situation.

An experienced real estate agent can guide you through real estate transactions by analyzing the local Austin real estate market to determine the best time to buy and sell. They can also help set the listing price for your home and find the neighborhood and home that align with your must-haves.

If you’re ready to get started, contact real estate agent Lesli Ray, who can provide expert guidance on everything from negotiating to marketing. As a member of the Million Dollar a Month Club, Leslie can help you find your dream home while selling your current property for top dollar.