So, you're ready to move on from your first home—congrats! Whether your family is growing, your career has evolved, or you’re simply ready for a fresh chapter, upgrading from a starter home is an exciting step. But let’s be honest: selling your current home while buying your next one can feel like a juggling act.
At Stewart & Jane Real Estate, we specialize in helping clients transition smoothly from one home to the next—without the overwhelm. Here’s your stress-free guide to upgrading.
Know When It’s Time to Move On
There’s no single “right time” to upgrade, but some clear signs include:
You’ve outgrown your space
Your commute is exhausting
You want to change school districts
Your home’s value has appreciated, giving you more equity to work with
If you nodded at even one of those, it might be time to explore your options.
Understand Your Current Home’s Value
Before you get too far into dream-home mode, you need a clear picture of your current home's market value. This isn't just Zillow-guesswork—we’re talking about a professional Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that factors in:
Local sales trends
Property condition
Upgrades and features
Buyer demand in your area
Our team at Stewart & Jane provides free, no-obligation CMAs so you can understand your equity position right away.
Explore Financing Options Early
This step is critical. You'll want to speak with a trusted lender about your ability to buy before selling—or whether you'll need to sell first. Some potential pathways include:
Contingent offers: Making your next purchase dependent on the sale of your current home.
Rent-back agreements: Allowing you to stay in your sold home temporarily while you transition.
Our agents can walk you through each of these with real-world examples tailored to the Bryan–College Station market.
Prep Your Home for Market the Right Way
Selling a home you still live in requires some finesse. We’ll help you:
Declutter and stage without turning your home upside down
Choose the right listing time for local trends
Highlight features that stand out in your price range
And thanks to our in-house marketing coordinator (hey, that’s you!), your listing will shine across social media, the MLS, and beyond.
Find Your Next Home Strategically
Now comes the fun part—house hunting! The key here is strategy:
Know your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves”
Work within realistic timelines and budget parameters
Prioritize homes where contingencies are acceptable or flexible
We’ll help you balance excitement with smart planning, so your next home truly fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Navigate Both Closings Seamlessly
Here’s where having the right team makes all the difference. Our in-house transaction coordinator keeps everything aligned—whether you’re:
Coordinating back-to-back closings
Managing timelines with multiple lenders
Negotiating rent-backs or possession flexibility
We’ve done it all before, and we’ll do it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a new home before I sell my current one?
Yes, but it depends on your financial situation and local inventory. Bridge loans or second mortgages can help in some cases.
How do I time both transactions?
We typically recommend listing your home first and starting the purchase process once you’re under contract. Our team can help you line everything up with minimal overlap.
What happens if I sell my home before finding a new one?
You can consider temporary rentals, short-term storage, or negotiate a rent-back so you can stay in your home post-sale.
What’s the average timeline for upgrading?
In Bryan–College Station, 60–90 days is a common total timeframe from listing to moving into your new place.
Do I need to work with the same agent for both transactions?
You don’t have to—but you absolutely should. Having one team oversee both transactions ensures consistency, efficiency, and reduced stress.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your home should feel empowering, not exhausting. With the right guidance, you can move from your starter home into a space that fits your life now—with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a little excitement.
At Stewart & Jane Real Estate, we don’t just sell homes—we coordinate smooth transitions. Ready to talk about upgrading? Let’s plan it together.