By Jason Boice, REALTOR®, eXp Realty — Published on July 6, 2026
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when downsizing is this:
"How do I buy my next home if all of my money is tied up in the one I'm living in?"
It's a common challenge, especially for retirees. Your home may have appreciated significantly over the years, but until it sells, that equity isn't available to purchase your next home.
Recently, I worked with a homeowner in Colchester who was facing exactly this situation. She wanted to simplify her life, but she couldn't afford to buy her next home until the proceeds from her current home became available.
Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution, we built a strategy around her specific financial situation and goals.
Here's how it worked.
TL;DR
Our client wanted to downsize but couldn't purchase her next home until her current home sold.
Together we created a strategy that allowed her to:
Sell her home in just 3 days
Receive 19 offers
Sell for $110,500 over asking
Coordinate both closings
Use the proceeds from her sale to purchase her next home
Avoid temporary housing by negotiating additional time after closing
Every client's situation is different, but with the right strategy, buying and selling at the same time doesn't have to be overwhelming.
The Situation
Our client had lived in her home for many years.
It was a beautiful property in Colchester featuring:
Current Home
2,400 square feet
4 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms
14 private acres
While the home had served her well, she was retired and the maintenance had simply become too much.
She wanted something:
Smaller
Easier to maintain
More manageable
Close enough that she wouldn't have to change doctors or disrupt her daily routine
Ultimately, she found exactly that—a 1,900-square-foot home on one acre in neighboring Hebron.
The challenge was getting there.
The Challenge
Like many retirees, most of her wealth was tied up in her home.
She couldn't comfortably purchase another home while still owning the first one.
Buying before selling wasn't the right fit.
A bridge loan wasn't necessary.
Temporary housing wasn't appealing.
Instead, we needed a strategy that allowed her to unlock the equity in her current home while still giving her the opportunity to purchase the right replacement home.
Our Strategy
Rather than rushing into the market, we developed a plan before the home was ever listed.
The strategy was straightforward:
Prepare the home to maximize buyer interest.
Price it strategically to generate competition.
Sell quickly and for the strongest possible price.
Immediately shift our focus to finding the replacement home.
Coordinate both transactions so the move happened seamlessly.
Because every client's financial situation is different, the right strategy is different for everyone.
In this case, selling first created the strongest position.
The Results
| List Price | $625,000 |
| Final Sale Price | $735,500 |
| Over Asking | +$110,500 |
| Days on Market | 3 |
| Offers Received | 19 |
| Time From Listing to Closing | 30 Days |
The numbers were exciting.
But they weren't the end of the story.
They were just the beginning.
The Real Work Started After the Sale
Many people think the hardest part is getting an offer accepted.
In reality, coordinating two transactions at the same time is often where experience matters most.
While preparing her home for sale, we had already identified a home in Hebron that she absolutely loved.
Unfortunately, it went under contract before we were in a position to make an offer.
Most buyers would have simply moved on.
We didn't.
Staying Ready Created an Opportunity
Even after the property went under contract with another buyer, we stayed in regular communication with the listing agent.
Eventually, inspection issues caused that transaction to fall apart.
Because we had remained proactive—and because our client already had her own home under contract—we were ready immediately.
When the property came back on the market, there were multiple interested buyers.
But thanks to our preparation, communication, and timing, our client was first in line.
Her offer was accepted.
Coordinating Two Closings
Now came the logistics.
The goal wasn't simply to sell one house and buy another.
The goal was to make the transition as smooth as possible.
We coordinated:
The sale of her Colchester home
The purchase of her new Hebron home
The timing of both closings
The transfer of funds from one transaction to the next
Because the proceeds from her sale were needed to purchase the new home, everything had to happen in the right order.
Finally, we negotiated something that made a tremendous difference:
An additional two days after closing before she had to vacate her Colchester home.
That gave her time to move into her new home without feeling rushed or worrying about where she would stay.
No temporary housing.
No storage unit.
No sleeping on a family member's couch.
Just a smooth transition into the next chapter of her life.
Every Client Needs a Different Strategy
One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that there's one "right" way to buy and sell at the same time.
There isn't.
Depending on the client's situation, we may recommend:
Buying before selling
Selling before buying
A Hubbard contingency
A bridge loan
A rent-back agreement
Flexible occupancy after closing
The best strategy depends on:
Your financial situation
How much equity you have
Your comfort with risk
Current market conditions
Your personal goals
That's why every plan starts with a conversation—not a template.
The Bigger Lesson
People often think they're hiring a Realtor to sell a house.
In reality, they're hiring someone to help solve one of life's biggest transitions.
The real estate is only part of it.
The strategy is what makes the move possible.
Helping clients navigate financing, timing, negotiations, logistics, and unexpected challenges is just as important as putting a sign in the yard.
That's where thoughtful planning can make all the difference.
Thinking About Downsizing or Buying and Selling at the Same Time?
If you're considering a move and aren't sure how to coordinate selling your current home with buying your next one, I'd be happy to help you explore your options.
Every situation is different, and there are often more solutions than people realize.
Start here:
Want to see this home and how we marketed it?
Just Sold in Colchester, Connecticut
Or call or text 860-452-3153 for a no-pressure conversation about your goals and the strategy that fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sell my home before buying another one?
It depends on your financial situation, available equity, and current market conditions. Some homeowners benefit from selling first, while others are better served by buying first or using contingency strategies.
How can I buy a home if all of my money is tied up in my current house?
Depending on your circumstances, options may include selling first, bridge financing, a Hubbard contingency, or coordinating simultaneous closings. The best approach depends on your finances and goals.
What is a double closing?
A double closing occurs when the sale of your current home and the purchase of your next home are coordinated so the proceeds from one transaction fund the other.
Can I stay in my home after closing?
Sometimes. Depending on negotiations, sellers may be able to arrange a post-closing occupancy agreement that allows them to remain in the home for a short period after closing.
Is downsizing only about moving into a smaller house?
No. Downsizing is often about simplifying your lifestyle, reducing maintenance, lowering expenses, and finding a home that better fits your current stage of life.
About the Author
Jason Boice is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty serving Hebron, Colchester, Marlborough, Andover, East Hampton, Columbia, Portland, Tolland, and surrounding Connecticut towns.
Jason specializes in helping homeowners navigate life's major transitions—including downsizing, probate sales, relocation, and coordinating the sale of one home with the purchase of another. His approach focuses on building a strategy around each client's goals, finances, and timeline so they can move with confidence.
Call or Text: 860-452-3153
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