How to Build a Contingency Plan When Selling and Buying New in Dallas | Refind Realty DFW
How to Build a Contingency Plan When Selling and Buying New in Dallas
By Steven J. Thomas
Direct Answer
A contingency plan keeps your move smooth when you’re selling your current Dallas home and buying a new one at the same time.
The goal: avoid double payments, temporary housing, and missed opportunities.
You can do this by planning financing, timing, and sale options before you list — not after.
In short: know your numbers, secure pre-approval, and choose a sale strategy that protects your timeline.
Why Contingency Planning Matters in DFW
Dallas–Fort Worth’s market remains active, but balancing two transactions is a common challenge.
Buyers often ask: “Should I sell first or buy first?”
The right answer depends on your home equity, new construction timeline, and local inventory levels.
Without a plan, you risk:
Carrying two mortgages.
Selling too early and needing short-term housing.
Missing your preferred new build because of financing delays.
The good news? You have structured programs and data tools that make it easier than ever.
1. Start With Your Home Equity and Market Value
Knowing what your current home is worth sets the foundation for your plan.
📊 Use my Home Seller Score to understand:
Market timing and local demand.
Estimated sale range.
Recommended selling approach (cash, bridge, or traditional).
Once your equity position is clear, your lender can design a transition strategy that fits your build or purchase goals.
2. Get Pre-Approved Early
Pre-approval clarifies whether you can qualify for your next home before selling your current one.
Through Get Pre-Approved, we review:
Your equity release options.
Bridge or temporary loan programs.
Debt-to-income ratios factoring your current home.
💡 Tip: Even if you plan to use equity from your sale, pre-approval helps builders and sellers take your offer seriously — especially if your current home isn’t under contract yet.
3. Explore Flexible Selling Programs
Contingency programs help you unlock your next home without pressure.
Cash Offer
Sell fast to an institutional buyer and move on your timeline.
HomeSwap Program
Buy your next home first with a short-term bridge loan, then sell your current home after you move out.
SureSale
Pre-inspect and market your home with a cash-backed guarantee that speeds up closing.
Sell and Stay
Close your sale, then lease the home back for up to 60 days while your new build finishes.
Compare all options here: Home Selling Options
4. Time the Sale With Your Builder or Seller
If you’re building new, confirm your estimated completion window early.
Most new construction contracts include 30–60 days of flexibility depending on weather and permitting.
Structure your sale timeline backward:
Completion Date: Target move-in window.
Closing Date: 2–3 weeks before completion.
Listing Date: 30–45 days before closing.
This ensures your sale proceeds and loan are ready without rushing your buyer or builder.
📘 Download the New Construction Home Guide for a detailed walkthrough of the build-and-sell timeline.
5. Keep Backup Housing Options Ready
Even well-planned transactions can face delays. Prepare a “Plan B” so you stay flexible.
Options include:
Short-term rental or Airbnb for 2–4 weeks.
Extended stay hotel near your new neighborhood.
Sell and Stay program for a post-closing leaseback.
This backup gives you breathing room if the builder or buyer timeline shifts.
6. Protect Your Financing Contingency
When you make an offer on a new home, your contract may include a home sale contingency — meaning your purchase depends on selling your current property first.
To strengthen your offer:
Keep your current home listed and active.
Price competitively using current MLS data.
Provide proof of pre-approval and equity.
Shorten your closing window if possible.
Strong preparation helps your offer stand out, even in competitive Dallas submarkets.
7. Communicate Constantly
Coordination between your agent, lender, builder, and title company is essential.
Weekly check-ins prevent surprises and keep both deals on track.
At Refind Realty DFW, I manage both sides — sale and purchase — under one process, minimizing timing gaps and communication errors.
Example: The DeSoto Move-Up Buyer
A family in DeSoto wanted to move into a new Highland Home in Midlothian.
We used the HomeSwap Program to buy first, staged their old home, and listed after they moved out.
Result:
Sold in 9 days.
Closed both homes within 72 hours.
No double payments or temporary housing.
This type of coordination is exactly why having a contingency plan matters.
Conclusion
Selling and buying new in Dallas doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
With the right plan, you can align both timelines, protect your financing, and move into your next home with confidence.
Start by evaluating your home’s readiness with a Home Seller Score, explore your flexible sale options, and get pre-approved before you list.
📈 Get Your Home Seller Score
🏠 Compare Home Selling Options
📅 Book a Home Goals Consultation
Key Takeaways
Start with your home value and equity position.
Secure pre-approval early to strengthen your offer.
Use structured selling programs (HomeSwap, SureSale, Sell and Stay).
Sync your builder timeline with your sale date.
Keep a short-term backup housing plan ready.
Constant communication keeps both closings aligned.
