Toolkit
Sell-Then-Buy Planner
Moving up, downsizing, or right-sizing in Waterloo Region? This guide walks you through how to sequence your sale and purchase to avoid carrying two mortgages or being caught without a place to live.
Get a market value estimate first
Before you can plan your purchase budget, you need to know what your current home is worth. I'll walk your property and give you a realistic range — not a flattery number.
List conditional on purchase (if the market allows)
In a buyer's market or balanced market, you can often list your home with a condition that your sale is conditional on you finding a suitable property. This eliminates the bridge risk entirely.
Know your bridge financing options
If you find the right purchase before your sale closes, bridge financing covers the gap — typically for 60–90 days. Most lenders require your existing home to be sold (firm) before they'll approve a bridge. I connect buyers to Matthew Pickering at National Bank for this.
Negotiate closing dates strategically
Your sale closing date and purchase closing date can often be aligned by negotiation. Aim for a 5–7 day gap so you have time to clean and move without double-paying.
The co-ordinated close
On closing day, proceeds from your sale fund the purchase. Your lawyer handles both transactions in sequence. This is the standard Waterloo Region move-up play.
Want to run your specific numbers?
Every move-up or downsize situation is different. Send me a message and I'll map out the timeline and numbers for your property specifically.
Get a plan →