How do I Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in Grand Rapids?

Perigon Realty Group
Oct 31
3 min read

Updated: Nov 11

By Perigon Realty Group

Helping West Michigan families move with confidence — from one home to the next.

The Challenge of Moving Up (or Down) in Today’s Market

Selling your current home while buying your next one can feel like solving a puzzle — especially in a market as active and competitive as Grand Rapids.You’re trying to time two major financial moves perfectly: selling at the right price and buying before your dream home slips away. The good news? With smart planning and a strong local team, it’s absolutely doable.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers First

Before you start looking for your next home, talk with your agent and lender to understand your full financial picture:

How much equity you’ll likely net from your current sale
What your buying power looks like once that home sells
Whether you qualify for a bridge loan or can buy before you sell

In the Grand Rapids area, where homes often move quickly, this early planning helps prevent surprises and gives you flexibility when the right opportunity appears.

Step 2: Decide Which Comes First — Buy or Sell?

This is one of the biggest decisions in a move-up scenario. Each path has pros and cons:

Sell first:✅ You’ll know exactly how much equity you have.✅ You can make a strong, clean offer on your next home.⚠️ You might need temporary housing between closings.

Buy first:✅ You can take time finding the perfect next home.⚠️ You’ll likely need a bridge loan or enough funds to cover both mortgages.

Every situation is different — and that’s where a coordinated strategy with your Realtor and lender is key.

Step 3: Use Contingencies to Protect Your Move

If you need to sell first, a home sale contingency can protect you.This clause in your purchase offer lets you move forward on your next home while your current one is still on the market.In competitive areas like East Grand Rapids, Ada, or Byron Center, your agent can help structure this contingency so it’s still appealing to sellers.

Pro Tip: Pairing a strong pre-approval letter with a local lener, with your contingency can give your offer extra strength and confidence.

Step 4: Time the Closings Carefully

When possible, aim for back-to-back closings — selling in the morning, buying that same afternoon.Your title company and lender can often coordinate this with your agent.This approach helps you avoid temporary housing and minimize storage or moving costs.

If closing dates don’t align perfectly, consider:

A post-closing occupancy
A short-term rental or Airbnb in your new neighborhood

Step 5: Work With a Team That Coordinates Both Sides

Buying and selling at the same time requires communication — between your agent, lender, and title company. At Perigon Realty Group, we’ve guided dozens of West Michigan clients through this exact process, helping them:

Price their home strategically to sell quickly
Negotiate offers that allow for flexible possession
Move seamlessly into their next chapter with minimal stress

Key Takeaway

Timing your sale and purchase doesn’t have to be overwhelming.With the right plan, you can leverage your current home’s equity, secure your next property, and transition smoothly — even in a fast-paced market like Grand Rapids.