Should You Buy Before You Sell? Advice for Moms with Wild Kids in Tow

(Because We All Need a Little Real Talk in the Real Estate Game)

Alright, mama, you’ve probably heard the question a million times—“Should I buy before I sell?” But with kids running wild, the thought of juggling both ends of the real estate spectrum sounds like a game of Tetris in a tornado. Trust me, I get it! As a mom, homesteader, and real estate pro, I’m here to break it down in a way that’s as fun as it is practical. So, let’s dive in and see if buying before you sell is the right move for you and your wild bunch!

The Perks of Buying Before You Sell

1. Beat the Competition
Mamas, if you’ve found a house that feels like it’s “the one,” don’t wait for someone else to snatch it up. Buying before you sell lets you stay ahead of the market, especially when it’s hot and there’s no time to waste. No need to risk losing your dream home while you wait for your current place to go under contract.

2. Move at Your Own Pace
Ever tried packing with kids in tow? It’s like trying to herd cats. Buying before selling means you get to move in on your own timeline, not someone else’s. You don’t have to rush through showings or move into a temporary spot. You’ll be able to breathe easy as you settle into your new space—without packing up your kitchen for the third time this month.

3. Stability for the Little Ones
Here’s the thing, moving with kids is no joke. Buying first means no hotel hopping, no staying with relatives, and no wondering “Where are we going to sleep tonight?” Your kiddos will feel more secure knowing their new home is ready for them to walk into. Plus, less stress for you means more sanity for everyone.

The Downside: The “Uh-Oh” Moments

1. Double the Bills
Buying before selling sounds dreamy, but mama, double the mortgages means double the stress (and the bills). Unless you’ve got a solid financial cushion, this could be a major headache. Keep in mind, until your home sells, you’ll be juggling two payments, and if that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time—well, I’m with you!

2. Two Properties, Twice the Trouble
Let’s paint the picture: You’re dealing with two properties, two sets of schedules, and, if you’re anything like me, a house that’s never “show-ready” with a toddler running around. If your current home is taking longer than expected to sell, you’ll be sitting on a lot of extra weight—and I’m not talking about the snacks you need to get through the day.

3. Chaos Factor = 100
Packing, selling, showing, and keeping your sanity while kids are either running around or glued to a screen—it’s enough to make you want to hide in the pantry with some chocolate (trust me, I’ve been there). Trying to balance it all can make your day feel like a circus, and not the fun kind. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you might want to reconsider.

So, Should You Buy Before You Sell?

Here’s the deal, mama—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. If you’re financially ready to take on two homes and you don’t mind a little extra chaos, buying before selling could be a good move. But, if you’re already feeling maxed out between carpooling, meal prep, and keeping up with that mountain of laundry, it might be better to sell first and avoid the extra stress.

Whatever you choose, trust yourself. As a mom who’s doing it all, you’re more than capable of handling whatever comes your way. Whether you buy first or wait for the right buyer to come along, I’m here to help guide you through every step of the process. After all, we’re all just doing the best we can—and that’s the real win!

Got questions or need some advice? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help you navigate this wild real estate ride!