How to Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time

How to Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time

If you’re selling your current home while buying at the same time, you’ll find that it is one of the most complex transactions in real estate. Balancing both these two timelines, two negotiations, and two financial commitments will require careful planning and coordination. That is where the correct agent can make the process seamless. 

The ideal agent in this situation will act as both a strategist and a conductor. So they can ensure that your sale and purchase align smoothly, so you can move forward without unnecessary stress. Below is a guide to hiring the right real estate agent who can help manage both sides of your transaction with confidence. 

Look for Experience in Dual Transactions

Not all agents specialize in handling simultaneous transactions that involve both sales and purchases. The best ones in this will understand the delicate timing and financial considerations involved, from ensuring the closing dates are synced to structuring the contingent offers. 

Here are some questions you can ask:

• How many clients have you helped with purchasing and selling at the same time? 
• How do you typically handle situations where a sale is delayed or a purchase closes early? 
• What’s your plan to prevent me from the situation where I’m left without a home or paying two mortgages? 

Agents who have experience with dual transactions will have a clear plan and proven strategies to protect your time, finances, and peace of mind.  You can use our ultimate interview checklist in this process to get a clear understanding of your agent.

Prioritize Coordination and Communication Skills

Managing two deals requires exceptional organizational skills. You’ll want an agent who is proactive, detail-oriented, and also responsive. Your agent should be in constant communication and not just with you. Your agent will need to maintain contact with the lenders, inspectors, and the agents on the other side of both transactions. 

A great agent who manages both transactions will maintain a clear timeline that tracks both sales simultaneously. They will also update you on key milestones such as listing readiness, offer deadlines, and closing logistics. 

Ensure They Have Local Market Knowledge on Both Ends

If you’re buying and selling with the same agent, it will be easier, as you will still need to find an agent with great local market knowledge, but only in your one location. Their insight into the buyer demand of your chosen location, pricing trends, and inventory levels will allow them to time both sides of your move strategically. 

If you’re relocating to a different city or state, it can become a bit more complicated. If the cities are close together, it might be possible to use the same agent. If they are further apart, then you might want to work with two agents, one for the sale and one for the purchase, and have them coordinate with each other. Platforms like RealEstateAgents.com will be able to help you find these qualified agents on both ends who are used to collaborating for smooth transactions. 

Ask about Contingency Planning

Even the best plans can encounter road bumps, so you’ll need to make sure your agent has contingency plans ready. They should be able to guide you on different options, such as bridge loans, temporary housing solutions, or rent-back agreements, that will allow you to stay in your current home for a short period of time after selling. 

Agents who are experienced in a dual transaction will walk you through backup plans in case one transaction moves faster than the other, which will protect you from unnecessary delays, financial pressure, or last-minute surprises. 

Evaluate Their Marketing and Negotiation Strength 

You will need an agent who can sell your current home quickly and for top value, while also negotiating a favorable purchase price on your next home. This will require different skills, both marketing for maximum exposure and negotiation for precision and control. 

Ask the agents to see examples of their past marketing materials, and also look at their ratio of listings vs actual sales. An agent with a lot of experience will know how to attract serious buyers to your listing while helping you stay competitive when purchasing your next property. 

RealEstateAgents.com will help you in this process

This entire process will be easier if you have an expert team. RealEstateAgents.com can connect you with top local agents who have already been vetted for: 

• Proven success with prior transactions
• Local expertise on both the buying and selling sides
• Verified Credentials

It's an easy process; you simply have to fill out a short form with your details, and the AI-powered platform will match you with agents who are best equipped to coordinate with your move efficiently. 

Conclusion

The process of selling a home and buying a new one at the same time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The right real estate agent will manage timelines, negotiate effectively, and communicate clearly so both transactions stay aligned. 

With RealEstateAgents.com, you can skip the guesswork by getting matched with trusted local professionals who have proven they can handle these complex transactions successfully.