Should I sell before or after I move?
The right sequence depends on cash flow, certainty about the next home, property condition and how much disruption you want to tolerate.
Move first, then sell.
This can make cleaning, repairs, photography and showings much easier because the home is vacant. It can also reduce the emotional strain of trying to pack while buyers are walking through the house.
The tradeoff is carrying two housing costs for a period of time and accepting uncertainty about exactly when the old home will sell.
Sell first, then move.
This reduces the risk of carrying two homes and may be necessary when the equity from the current property is needed for the next purchase or senior-living move.
The harder part is timing. You may need possession after closing, temporary housing, a coordinated purchase or another contingency plan.
The timing question
Do not choose the sequence based only on convenience. Map the likely sale proceeds, move date, next-home requirements and fallback plan before committing.
Run these four numbers.
Carrying cost
Mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, association fees and maintenance for the overlap period.
Expected net proceeds
What you are likely to walk away with after payoff, selling costs and any preparation expenses.
Move cost
Movers, storage, cleanout, estate-sale help and temporary housing if needed.
Flexibility cost
What it is worth to avoid rushed decisions, repeated showings or a forced move date.
You can decide the sequence before you decide how to sell.
We can estimate value, likely preparation, timing and selling options first. Then you can choose whether moving first or selling first gives you the cleaner overall plan.