Should I buy a new home before selling my current one?

Buying before selling lets you move once and avoid temporary housing, but it can mean carrying two mortgages at the same time, which is risky if your old home lingers on the market. Selling first gives you a known budget and stronger negotiating power, but you may need an interim rental or a rent-back arrangement with your buyer. Options to bridge the gap include a home-sale contingency in your offer, a bridge loan, or a HELOC on your current home for the down payment. Each adds cost or weakens your offer in competitive markets. The right choice hinges on how confidently your current home will sell and whether you can truly afford both payments for a few months. Stress-test that two-payment scenario before you commit.