How to Sell Your Existing Home While Buying New Construction (Without Losing Your Mind)

Buying a new construction home while trying to sell your current one is a bit like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—possible, but it takes balance, planning, and ideally, someone nearby with a fire extinguisher (that’s me).

Maybe you’ve fallen for a beautiful new home in a fresh development, or you’ve got your heart set on a custom build with all the bells and whistles. But you also have a home to sell—and unless you’re sitting on a pile of cash or planning on camping full-time, you’re probably trying to figure out how to make it all work at the same time.

Good news: it’s doable. Great news: it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here’s how to pull it off without pulling your hair out.

Step One: Know What You’re Working With (and When You Need to Move)

Timing is everything. Before you list your current home or pick your finishes for the new one, you need to understand your timeline—and how flexible or fixed it really is.

New construction can come in a few flavors:

• Spec homes (already built or near completion): These can close fast—sometimes 30–60 days after contract.

• Semi-custom or custom builds: These can take several months to a year (or more) depending on the builder and permitting timelines.

Knowing the timeline on your future home helps you create a plan for what to do with your current one. The trick is balancing both so that you’re not stuck paying two mortgages—or worse, scrambling to find a roof when your buyer wants possession, because the timelines you work to in Real Estate can have real consequences!

Step Two: Have Your Current Home Market-Ready—Before You Fall for the New One

If you’re eyeing new construction, don’t wait until your dream home is halfway bricked before you start thinking about your own home sale.

You want to prep, price, and position your home for the market early. That means:

• Decluttering and minor updates (your future self will thank you)

• Professional photos (and yes, your countertops should be clear)

• Talking with your agent (hi! 👋) about the best timing to list

Even if you don’t list right away, having everything ready puts you in the driver’s seat when the time is right.

Pro tip: In many cases, you’ll want your home under contract before your builder will accept an offer on a spec home or begin construction on a custom. They want assurance that you’ll be ready to close when they are.

Step Three: Consider Creative Timing Solutions

There are a few ways to line up the sale of your current home with the purchase of your new one, and which one works best for you depends on your builder, buyer, lender, and life.

Option A: Sell First, Then Buy (with Temporary Housing)

This is the cleanest route on paper: you sell your home, pocket the equity, and then use it for your new purchase. But that means you’ll need somewhere to live in between.

Some popular options:

• Short-term rentals (Airbnbs, corporate housing, or fully furnished apartments)

• Staying with family (bless them)

• Month-to-month leases (can be hard to find, but gold if you do)

If your builder is still several months out from completion, this gives you breathing room to sell on your own terms without rushing—and to make a strong, non-contingent offer on the new build.

Option B: Buy First, Then Sell (with a Financing Plan)

If you’re in love with a new construction home that’s ready now, and you’re not quite ready to list, this path might make sense. But—you’ll need to qualify for both mortgages or get a little creative.

Enter: bridge loans, HELOCs, and equity lines.

These temporary financing options allow you to pull equity out of your current home to put toward the new one. They typically have short terms and are paid off once your current home sells.

They’re not for everyone, but if your finances are strong and timing is tight, they can be the lifeline you need.

Your lender can help you decide if this is a smart route or if it’ll just cause more stress than it’s worth.

Option C: Lease-Back Agreements

This is the unicorn scenario, but it happens more than you’d think.

Sometimes, when you sell your home, your buyer may allow you to lease it back for a short time—often 30 to 60 days—after closing. This gives you time to finish your new build and move on your schedule.

Lease-backs need to be written into the contract, and they often depend on your buyer’s timeline (and their lender's approval). But when they work? Chef’s kiss.

Step Four: Get Clear on Contingencies

When writing your offer on a new construction home, your ability to move forward might depend on your existing home selling. That’s what we call a contingency—and builders have mixed feelings about them.

If the builder has multiple buyers in line, a contingent offer might not be accepted. But if your current home is already on the market—or under contract—that changes the game.

What helps?

• Having your home already listed (and the builder will check this!)

• Providing proof of pre-approval or strong financials

• Working with a real estate agent who can communicate clearly with the builder and listing agents (hi again 👋)

Your agent will help draft the cleanest possible offer and present your situation in the best light.

Step Five: Pack Your Patience (and Snacks)

This process isn’t always a straight line. Delays happen. Closings get rescheduled. Builders push timelines. Buyers request repairs. Lenders ask for things you swore you already sent.

Stay flexible, stay informed, and work with people who keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Because the truth is—this can be a lot. But it’s also totally worth it.

When you’re sitting in your brand-new living room, watching your favorite show on your favorite sofa (that you didn’t have to shove through a bendy stairwell), it’ll all feel like a distant memory.

Need a Hand Making it Happen?

This is what I do—and I genuinely love helping people navigate this tricky but exciting moment. I grew up in homebuilding, have worked behind the scenes at a major builder, and now specialize in new construction and resale. Which means I understand how to time, negotiate, and juggle the flaming torches so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re ready to list, just thinking ahead, or already eyeing a shiny new build across town, I’d love to help you come up with a plan.

📍 Based in Norman, helping buyers and sellers all across the OKC metro
📞 Let’s chat about timelines, options, and what will work best for you
💌 Contact me here: Get in Touch