By Jason Boice, REALTOR®, eXp Realty — Published on February 19, 2026

If you’re planning to move within Marlborough — or from Marlborough to another town — one of the biggest strategic decisions you’ll face is:

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.

Marlborough adds its own layer of complexity because inventory is often limited and new construction is minimal. When the right home becomes available, timing matters.

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

Below is how to think through this decision strategically in Marlborough.

TL;DR — Sell First vs Buy First in Marlborough

Sell First Makes Sense If:

• You want clarity about your budget

• You’re dependent on your equity

• You want to minimize financial risk

Buy First Makes Sense If:

• Inventory is tight

• You don’t want to miss the right property

• You have strong equity or financing flexibility

The best strategy balances opportunity with risk — not just what “feels safer.”

Why This Decision Is Unique in Marlborough

Marlborough is a smaller market with fewer homes available at any given time.

That means:

• You may not have many options when you’re ready to buy

• Well-priced homes can attract strong interest

• Waiting for “the perfect timing” isn’t always realistic

If you sell first, you reduce financial uncertainty — but you may feel pressure to find something quickly.

If you buy first, you secure the home you want — but you temporarily assume more financial exposure.

This is a strategy conversation, not just a timeline conversation.

Option 1: Sell First

Selling first gives you financial clarity.

You’ll know:

• Your exact net proceeds

• Your true purchasing power

• Your timeline

Pros of Selling First

• Lower financial risk

• Stronger position as a buyer (non-contingent offer)

• No pressure if your home takes longer to sell

Cons of Selling First

• You may need temporary housing

• You could feel rushed finding your next home

• Inventory may not line up with your timeline

Selling first works best if you:

• Need your equity to buy

• Prefer certainty over timing flexibility

• Want to avoid carrying two properties

Option 2: Buy First

Buying first can make sense in a low-inventory town like Marlborough.

Pros of Buying First

• You don’t miss the right home

• You avoid moving twice

• You eliminate pressure during your home search

Cons of Buying First

• You may temporarily carry two homes

• You take on short-term market risk

• Financing can be more complex

Buying first works best if you:

• Have significant equity

• Qualify financially without selling first

• Have a home that is likely to sell quickly

Option 3: Strategic Middle-Ground Options

There are structured solutions that can reduce risk on both sides.

Depending on your situation, options may include:

• Sale contingencies

• Extended closings

• Rent-backs

• Flexible possession timelines

• Bridge-style financing (when appropriate)

These tools must be structured correctly — and not every option works in every market.

 For a deeper explanation of these strategies, 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 defaulting to a strategy without analyzing the numbers.

Some sellers assume:

“Selling first is always safer.”

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

Others assume:

“We’ll just buy first and deal with it.”

That can create unnecessary financial pressure.

The smarter approach is evaluating:

• Your real risk tolerance

• Your equity position

• Market conditions

• Current inventory

This decision should be personalized — not guessed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling and Buying in Marlborough

Is it better to sell first or buy first in Marlborough, CT?
It depends on inventory levels, equity position, and risk tolerance. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

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

What 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 Marlborough a competitive market?
Inventory is often limited, which makes timing important when buying and selling simultaneously.

How do I reduce risk when buying and selling at the same time?
Strategic pricing, proper timeline planning, and understanding financing options 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 Marlborough?
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.