How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in the East Bay (Without Losing Your Mind)

Selling your current home while trying to buy a new one in the East Bay?
You're not alone—and yes, it’s absolutely doable. But it takes planning, timing, and a strategy tailored to this market.

Here’s how to navigate the buy/sell dance in Alameda or Contra Costa County, even in a shifting market like Fall 2025.

🔄 Option 1: Buy First, Then Sell

Best for:

• Homeowners with strong financing

• Cash buyers or those using a bridge loan

• Those who can carry two mortgages temporarily

Pros:
✅ More time to find the right home
✅ Less pressure to accept a lower offer on your current house
✅ Smoother move with less interim housing stress

Cons:
❌ Risk of owning two homes (and two payments)
❌ May need a bridge loan or HELOC
❌ Contingent offer could be less competitive

Pro Tip:
Consider a sale-leaseback where you buy, then sell your home and rent it back briefly while you move.

🔁 Option 2: Sell First, Then Buy

Best for:

• Buyers needing funds from the sale

• Risk-averse homeowners

• Those who don’t mind short-term rental or staying with family

Pros:
✅ Know exactly what you can afford
✅ Less financial pressure
✅ Makes your next offer non-contingent = stronger!

Cons:
❌ Must move twice or find short-term housing
❌ Could miss out on a dream home before you sell
❌ Pressure to buy quickly if you're already closed

Pro Tip:
Negotiate a rent-back from your buyer (30–60 days) so you can stay in your home while shopping for the next.

🧠 Option 3: Contingent Offer (Sell-to-Buy)

Contingencies allow you to make your next purchase dependent on selling your current home—but they must be structured well.

In today’s market (Fall 2025):

• Some sellers are open to this, especially in slower submarkets

• It helps to already have your current home on the market or in escrow

🧭 What Works in the East Bay Right Now?

• Contra Costa suburbs like Concord, Martinez, and Brentwood offer more flexibility

• Lafayette, Albany, and Alameda are still competitive—consider pre-listing your home before shopping in these markets

• Dual agents or referral teams help coordinate timing and paperwork across both ends

✅ 5 Tips to Pull It Off Smoothly

1. Know your numbers (net proceeds, pre-approval, bridge options)

2. Prep your home early—you may need to list fast

3. Work with one team who can coordinate both deals

4. Be flexible on move-in/move-out timing

5. Have a backup plan (short-term rental, family, or storage)

Bottom Line:
Buying and selling at the same time doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right team, timing, and tools, we can help you move forward without looking back.