A family packing boxes in their DeSoto home while a new construction site is visible outside the window

  Selling a Home in DeSoto TX to Buy New Construction: Timeline Breakdown

June 16, 20253 min read

Selling a Home in DeSoto TX to Buy New Construction: Timeline Breakdown

By Steven Thomas

A family packing boxes in their DeSoto home while a new construction site is visible outside the window

Introduction

Thinking of selling your DeSoto home to move into a brand-new build? You’re not alone. This process can feel complex—but I’ve got a clear, reliable timeline that shows how to align selling and buying without stress or overlap. Here’s how we’ll make it work, step by step.

Step‐by‐Step Timeline

Phase What Happens Typical Time

1. Financial Check-In I’ll run a CMA for your current home, check mortgage payoff, and estimate how much equity you have. We'll also get you pre-approved for your new mortgage. 1–2 weeks (stevenjthomas.com, texaslivingcompany.com)

2. Decide Order We'll choose whether to sell first (safer) or buy first (convenient). With new construction, we often lock in a lot while your house sells—a smart hybrid strategy. 1 week

3. Prep Current Home Staging, repairs, curb appeal, photos, and listing launch—all designed to attract buyers quickly. 2–6 weeks

4. Listing & Sale Expect offers within 2–4 weeks (average in DeSoto). Under contract, you'll have 30–45 days to close. 4–8 weeks

5. Lot & Build Start Meanwhile, we’ll secure a lot with your builder. New homes in Texas take about 6–10 months to complete. 6–10 months

6. Coordinate Closings We time sale and move-in around your builder's completion. You can close on your current home and roll directly into the new one—or use a leaseback if needed. 1–2 months

7. New Home Move-In After final inspections and closing on your new home, you move in—usually around 8–12 months after starting the process. Overall: 8–12 months

Why it Works

  • Aligned Timing: Selling and building happen in harmony.

  • Protected Position: No rushing to close either side.

  • Flexibility Built-In: Options like leasebacks or temporary housing allow smooth transitions.

Summary Overview

  1. Month 0–1: Financial prep, pre‑approval

  2. Month 1–2: Prep and list current home

  3. Month 2–4: Listing, offers, under contract

  4. Month 2–12: Build new home, coordinate closings

  5. Month 8–12: Move into your new home

Conclusion

Selling your current home and buying new in DeSoto doesn’t have to be stressful. With clear timeline planning, strategic booking, and my experience guiding hundreds of DeSoto families, we can make it seamless. You get to sell confidently and move into your dream home without missing a beat.

Ready to get started?
Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
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FAQs

1. How long before my current home sells?
Most DeSoto homes go under contract in 2–4 weeks and close in 30–45 days (stevenjthomas.com, stevenjthomas.com, homelight.com).

2. How long is the building timeline?
In Texas, expect 6–10 months from lot selection to move‑in .

3. Can I avoid double moves?
Yes. A leaseback or strategic closing dates allow you to move directly into your new home.

4. Should I sell first or buy first?
With new builds, we lock in the lot and price early, giving you time to sell your current home while construction happens.

5. What if construction is delayed?
We’ll build extra time into the timeline and keep communication strong with your builder and lender.

6. Do I need pre-approval before selling?
Absolutely. Builders require it before reserving lots—and it strengthens your negotiating position (stevenjthomas.com).

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