Should I Sell First or Buy First in Hebron, CT?

By Jason Boice, REALTOR®, eXp Realty — Published on February 18, 2026

If you’re planning to move within Hebron — or move out of Hebron into another town — one of the biggest strategic decisions you’ll face is this:

Should I sell my current home first… or buy first?

There’s no universal answer.

The right move depends on inventory levels, your financial position, risk tolerance, and how competitive the market is at the moment.

Hebron adds another layer of complexity because inventory is often limited. When the right home hits the market, you may not have the luxury of waiting.

📺 Watch my full video breakdown here:
👉 Buying and Selling at the Same Time - Your Options Explained

Below is how to think about this decision strategically in Hebron.


TL;DR — Sell First vs Buy First in Hebron

Sell First Makes Sense If:

  • You want certainty about your budget

  • You’re equity-dependent

  • You want to reduce financial risk

Buy First Makes Sense If:

  • Inventory is tight

  • You don’t want to miss the right home

  • You have strong equity or financing flexibility

The best strategy is the one that balances opportunity with risk — not the one that “sounds safest.”


Why This Decision Is Different in Hebron

Hebron is not a high-inventory town.

At any given time, there may only be a handful of homes that truly fit your criteria. That means timing matters more than people expect.

If you sell first, you reduce financial risk — but you may feel pressure to find a home quickly.

If you buy first, you secure the right house — but you temporarily carry more risk.

This isn’t just a logistical decision. It’s a financial strategy decision.


Option 1: Sell First

Selling first gives you clarity.

You’ll know:

  • Exactly how much you net

  • Your true buying budget

  • Your timeline

Pros of Selling First

  • Lower financial risk

  • Stronger negotiating position as a buyer

  • No pressure if your home doesn’t sell immediately

Cons of Selling First

  • You may need temporary housing

  • You could feel rushed finding your next home

  • Inventory in Hebron may be limited when you’re ready

Selling first works best if you:

  • Need your equity to purchase

  • Want to minimize stress

  • Prefer financial certainty over timing flexibility


Option 2: Buy First

Buying first secures the home you want — especially important in a low-inventory town like Hebron.

Pros of Buying First

  • You don’t miss the right house

  • You can move once, not twice

  • You avoid temporary housing

Cons of Buying First

  • You may temporarily carry two homes

  • You assume market risk on your current property

  • Financing can be more complex

Buying first works best if you:

  • Have strong equity

  • Qualify for financing without selling first

  • Are confident in your current home’s marketability


Option 3: Strategic Middle-Ground Options

This is where experienced planning matters.

Depending on your situation, options may include:

  • Sale contingencies

  • Extended closings

  • Rent-backs

  • Flexible possession agreements

  • Bridge-style financing (if appropriate)

These aren’t one-size-fits-all tools. They require careful structuring.

📺 For a deeper breakdown of these options, watch the full video here:
👉 Buying and Selling at the Same Time — Your Options Explained


The Biggest Mistake People Make

The most common mistake is choosing a strategy emotionally instead of strategically.

Many people default to:

“Selling first feels safer.”

But in a tight Hebron market, that can mean missing the right home.

Others think:

“Let’s just buy first and figure it out.”

That can create unnecessary financial pressure.

The smarter approach is evaluating:

  • Your real risk tolerance

  • Your equity position

  • Market timing

  • Current inventory

This decision should be personalized — not guessed.


Frequently Asked Questions About Selling and Buying in Hebron

Is it better to sell first or buy first in Hebron, CT?
It depends on inventory levels, your equity position, and your risk tolerance. There is no universal right answer.

Can I make an offer contingent on selling my home?
Yes, but in competitive markets, contingent offers may be less attractive to sellers.

What happens if I buy first and my home doesn’t sell quickly?
You may temporarily carry two mortgages or need pricing adjustments to accelerate your sale.

Is Hebron a competitive market?
Inventory is often limited, which makes timing important when both selling and buying.

How do I reduce risk when buying and selling at the same time?
Strategic planning, pricing correctly, and structuring timelines properly are critical.


About the Author

Jason Boice is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty serving Hebron, Andover, Marlborough, Colchester, East Hampton, Tolland, and surrounding Connecticut towns. He helps homeowners sell with clear pricing strategies, professional marketing, and a low-stress process built around real data — not guesswork.

Thinking about selling your home in Hebron?
Get a no-pressure home value and strategy consultation so you understand your options before making a decision.
Call or text me at 860-452-3153.

Check out this article next

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back in Tolland, CT

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back in Tolland, CT

By Jason Boice, REALTOR®, eXp Realty — Published on February 17, 2026When homeowners in Tolland start thinking about selling, one of the first questions they ask is:“What…

Read Article