Buy First or Sell First? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Making Your Move

It’s one of the most common — and stressful — questions homeowners ask when they’re ready to upgrade or rightsize:

“Should I sell my current home first, or buy my next property first?”

The fear is real on both sides.

• What if I sell first and can’t find a place I love in time?

• What if I buy first and end up stuck with two mortgages?

You’re not alone — many Singaporeans face this exact pressure. And the truth is, there’s no fixed right or wrong. But if you ask David & Audrie, after years of walking with countless families through this journey…

It’s often wiser to sell first — with a properly planned timeline.

Why Sell First?

When you sell first, you put yourself in a position of clarity and control.

You’re not rushing.

You’re not panicking.

You’re not trapped between payments or scrambling to match timelines.

Instead, you’re focused — and confident.

You know exactly how much cash or CPF you’re working with, and more importantly, you get to secure the best price for your property without being desperate.

The market can sense urgency. And when urgency sets in, emotions run high, and costly mistakes follow.

“But What If I Can’t Find My Ideal Home After I Sell?”

That’s where proper planning and the right guidance come in.

With us, we don’t just put your flat or condo on the market and cross our fingers.

We eliminate the fear of the unknown by ensuring you know exactly what you’re looking for, even before your home is sold.

Here’s how we help you zoom in with certainty:

1. Refine Your Search Criteria Early

• Private or HDB?

• Budget range, location, size?

• Renovation or move-in condition?

Knowing these upfront removes the guesswork.

2. Understand Renovation vs Non-Reno Homes

• If you’re renovating: focus on exterior factors — block orientation, layout, surroundings.

• If you’re not: be prepared to sacrifice A for B. You won’t get the best location, condition, size, and price all in one unless you’re bursting your budget.

3. Cluster-Hop With Purpose

We walk you through targeted clusters — HDB towns, condo projects, landed zones — to help you zoom in on 1–3 viable options. No more endless house viewings that go nowhere.

4. Accept This Truth: Buy High, Sell High

In a rising market, it’s almost impossible to sell high and buy low.

In a soft market, the opposite applies. Understanding this helps you make peace with the cycle and act strategically.

5. Be Focused, Be Firm

Whether you’re upgrading or rightsizing, a clear mind leads to quicker decisions and smoother transitions. We keep your goals in front, so emotions don’t derail your path.

Why Engage a Real Estate Consultant?

Because property decisions are not just about price — they’re about timing, emotions, paperwork, and planning.

We’re not just here to list your home or book viewings.

We’re here to walk with you, every single step.

• We attend viewings with you.

• We help you evaluate offers realistically.

• We align timelines, help with temporary housing options, and structure your CPF usage properly.

• We give advice in person, not just over text.

Because you deserve someone who’s invested in your journey, not just your transaction.

Final Thoughts

The question isn’t buy first or sell first?

The question is — do you have a clear plan and a trusted guide?

If you’re ready to upgrade, downsize, or simply figure out the next move — we’re here.

Let’s make your next home a confident step forward, not a stressful leap of faith.

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Have questions? Let’s talk it through — no obligations, just a real conversation.

– David & Audrie, The Real Estate Couple for Couples