Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Home and Buying New in DeSoto, TX
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Home and Buying New in DeSoto, TX
By Steven Thomas | Refind Realty
Hi, I’m Steven Thomas with Refind Realty, and I’ve helped dozens of families sell and buy homes across DeSoto and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If you're thinking about selling your current home and buying new construction—or even another resale—this guide breaks down the entire process into clear steps.
It's a big transition, but with the right strategy, you can move smoothly and avoid double mortgages, missed opportunities, or unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before anything else, understand your financial picture. You’ll need to know:
How much your current home is worth
Your remaining mortgage balance
Your estimated equity
How much you’ll need for your next down payment
Use my free Home Seller Score or request a no-obligation valuation. I’ll run a comparative market analysis to show you what your home can sell for in today’s market.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for Your Next Purchase
Even if you haven’t listed yet, getting pre-approved is key. It shows sellers (and builders) you’re serious and ready. If you’re buying new construction, many builders require pre-approval before they’ll hold a lot or start building.
Step 3: Decide the Order — Sell First or Buy First?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are your options:
Sell first: Lower financial risk. Gives you full buying power. But you’ll need a backup plan (like temporary housing).
Buy first: More convenience. Avoid moving twice. But you may need to carry two mortgages or use a bridge loan.
New construction: Gives you time to sell while the home is being built. Use my New Construction Guide to learn how it works.
Need help deciding? My Home Selling Options page outlines flexible solutions like leasebacks, cash offers, and builder incentives.
Step 4: Prep and List Your Current Home
Your home needs to stand out. We’ll focus on:
Curb appeal and staging
High-quality listing photos
Highlighting recent updates and upgrades
Marketing across MLS, social media, and direct platforms
Get started with my Home Seller Checklist to prep with confidence.
Step 5: Market and Show Your Home
Once listed, I handle the marketing. I’ll coordinate showings around your schedule and promote your listing to qualified buyers.
We’ll also discuss pricing strategy. The goal is to sell quickly and maximize your return.
Need more support? Check out my Home Seller Guides for pro tips and timelines.
Step 6: Time Your Sale and Purchase
This is where I help you line up both deals.
Negotiate your ideal closing date
Request a leaseback if needed
Coordinate your move-out with your builder’s timeline
If you’re buying new construction, don’t forget: many builders offer cash toward closing and free upgrades. My New Construction Rebate Program can save you thousands.
Step 7: Close and Move With Confidence
When both deals align, we’ll close one after the other—or on the same day. You’ll sign, fund, and start fresh in your new home.
I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
You're Always Home With Refind Realty
FAQs
Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?
It depends on your finances and timing. If you’re building new, you may have more flexibility to sell during construction.
How do I avoid owning two homes at once?
You can ask for a leaseback, use a bridge loan, or time your closings carefully. I help you plan each step.
Can I buy new construction with equity from my current home?
Yes. Many clients sell, use equity toward a down payment, and time their closings to avoid renting.
Do builders in DeSoto offer incentives?
Absolutely. Many offer closing cost credits, upgrades, or financing discounts. I’ll help you compare options.
Where can I see new homes in DeSoto?
Use my New Construction Homes page to browse inventory or tour in person.
