Is "Buy Before You Sell" the Game-Changer for Homeowners?

By Dave Zajdzinski

A 20-year real estate veteran married for 20 years with 5 kids. He has sold over 1,500 homes for $500 million in volume.

When working with sellers, one simple strategy can set you apart and help you win more business—the “buy before you sell” approach. This unique strategy allows you to stand out and help clients feel more in control of the process. It sparks conversations, builds trust, and puts sellers at ease.

How buy-before-you-sell works. This strategy begins by introducing sellers to the idea of purchasing their next home before selling their current one. It opens the door to deeper conversations and helps clients explore options beyond the traditional approach. For example, sellers who are ready to commit to another agent might reconsider once they realize the benefits of this strategy, such as avoiding contingencies and reducing stress.

The key to making this strategy effective is presenting the options clearly. By offering sellers a structured plan, you showcase your expertise and position yourself as a problem-solver, which can lead to securing the listing.

Recommended companies. Here are four companies offering buy-before-you-sell programs that I can recommend:

1. HomeLight. This company offers a buy-before-you-sell program, unlocking up to 70% of a home’s equity for purchasing a new property. By eliminating contingencies and even converting clients into cash buyers, they ensure competitive offers.

2. Homeward. Homeward works with agents to help buyers and sellers manage market sales and financing contingencies.

3. CrossCountry Mortgage. Another option is CrossCountry Mortgage, although availability varies by state. In addition to its buy-before-you-sell program, it also offers mortgage purchase, refinance, and home equity solutions.

4. Wallick & Volk. I’ve recently started working with this company and had a chance to speak with their president. They offer a solid buy-before-you-sell program, along with a “cash to win” program.

Each program has its pros and cons, but the main benefits are clear. Clients avoid the hassle of contingent offers, stay in control, and feel less stressed.

Maximizing value. Beyond securing offers, it’s vital to maximize the value of the current home. This includes small repairs, inspections, staging, and painting to make it shine. A clean, empty, and market-ready home grabs more attention and can sell for a higher price.

The ultimate goal of the buy-before-you-sell strategy is to give clients peace of mind. With more control over the timeline and process, they avoid stress and protect their equity. If you have questions or need assistance, contact me at (480) 332-6468 or email me at dave@zteamaz.com. I look forward to hearing from you.