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Steps To Buying And Selling A Home May 2026

You have two main paths. You can sell first (which puts cash in hand but may require temporary housing) or buy first (which is more convenient but may require a "bridge loan" if your capital is tied up in the first house). Phase 2: Preparing the Sale

Minor fixes—like patching drywall or freshening up neutral paint—offer the highest return on investment.

To get the best price for your current home, you must transition from "homeowner" to "seller." steps to buying and selling a home

This is the most delicate stage. When you find a house you love, your offer will likely include a . This tells the seller: "I will buy your house, but only if my current house sells by a specific date."

The title company or attorney coordinate the wire transfers. The funds from your sale are used to pay off your old mortgage, and the remaining profit is applied toward your new purchase. You have two main paths

On closing day, you will typically sign the papers to sell your old home in the morning and sign the papers to buy your new home in the afternoon.

Most buyers find their homes online first. High-quality photos and a staged layout make your home stand out in a crowded market. To get the best price for your current

Once the deeds are recorded, you hand over your old keys and receive the new ones. Final Thoughts