How to Upsize Without the Stress: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selling and Buying at the Same Time

You’ve decided it’s time to move up.
Maybe you’re ready for a larger kitchen, a home office, or space for family visits. You can picture the next home clearly — but there’s one thing holding you back:

“How do I sell my current home and buy my next one without losing my mind?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
For many Central Ohio homeowners — especially those in New Albany, Granville, and Pataskala — the biggest hesitation around upsizing isn’t the move itself. It’s the timing.

The good news? With the right plan (and the right Realtor®), you can upsize confidently and seamlessly.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to upsizing without the stress.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

Before you browse listings or pack a single box, start with the facts.

1. Find out what your current home is worth.
   The equity you’ve built in your current property is the key to your next one.
   I recommend getting a personalized market analysis — not just an online estimate — so you know your true potential profit after selling. Here is a link to my automated home valuation.

2. Understand your buying power.
   Meet with a trusted lender early to determine your pre-approval amount. This will help you shop confidently and understand how your current equity can serve as your down payment.

Pro Tip:
Many Central Ohio homeowners are surprised to learn they can qualify for their next mortgage before selling their current home, depending on equity and debt ratios. A lender can help you explore bridge loans or home equity options if needed.

Step 2: Decide Which Comes First — Sell or Buy?

This is the most common (and stressful) question in the upsizing journey:
“Do we sell first or buy first?”

Here’s how to decide:

• Option A: Sell First
  Best for risk-averse homeowners.
  You’ll know exactly how much you have to work with before buying your next home.
  Downside: You may need temporary housing between homes, and you will need to "move" twice.

• Option B: Buy First
  Best for buyers who’ve found their dream home or have financial flexibility.
  You’ll avoid the “where do we live now?” gap.
  Downside: You’ll be carrying two mortgages briefly — unless you use a bridge loan with deferred payments. Also, you don't know exactly how much you will net from the sale of your current home.

• Option C: Do Both at Once (with Strategy)
  With smart timing and a coordinated agent, you can align your closing dates to minimize overlap.
  For example:

• List your current home once your offer on the new one is accepted.

• Negotiate a rent-back period (where you remain in your current home briefly after closing).

• Or, use a contingency offer that ties the purchase of your new home to the successful sale of your existing one.

Step 3: Prep Your Current Home for Maximum Value

When upsizing, every dollar counts.

You want to sell for top dollar while minimizing time on the market.
That means smart, strategic prep:

• Declutter + Depersonalize — Create clean, open spaces that feel bigger.

• Professional Staging + Photography — Homes in Westerville, Granville, and New Albany that use professional staging consistently sell faster and for more money.

• Minor Updates — Focus on high-impact areas like paint, lighting, and curb appeal.

• Pre-Inspection (optional) — This can prevent surprises and make buyers feel confident.

Local Tip:
Buyers in Central Ohio tend to favor light, bright, and neutral interiors — and are drawn to move-in-ready homes. Small details can add thousands to your final sale price.

Step 4: Start Shopping — Smartly

Once you know your budget and have your home market-ready, it’s time for the fun part: finding your new home.

Upsizing buyers often look for:

• More functional layouts (open floor plans, main-floor offices)

• Modern upgrades (updated kitchens, bathrooms, and smart features)

• Lifestyle amenities (golf course communities, walking paths, pools)

Areas like New Albany, Granville, and Pataskala are full of options — from new builds near the Intel expansion to established neighborhoods with large lots and mature trees.

Pro Tip:
Make a clear list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. This helps you stay focused and avoid overwhelm, especially if you’re juggling the sale of your current home.

Step 5: Coordinate Closings (the Secret Sauce)

This is where working with an experienced Realtor® pays off.

The goal: minimize the time between closings so you’re not moving twice.

Here’s how we do it:

• Timeline Mapping: I align your sale and purchase timelines so your current home closes just before (or the same day as) your new one.

• Contingency Management: If needed, I’ll structure your purchase offer to be contingent on your current home selling — protecting you from double mortgage risk.

• Rent-Back or Early Occupancy: If closing dates don’t align perfectly, we can negotiate for a rent back. Early occupancy is something to consider, but most sellers are not open to this for a list of reasons. That could be a post all by itself!

With the right planning, you can transition seamlessly from one home to the next — no storage units or hotel stays required.

Step 6: Plan the Move Like a Pro

Moving doesn’t have to be chaos.
Here’s how to simplify it:

• Book Movers Early — The best movers in Central Ohio fill up fast, especially in spring and summer.

• Color-Code Boxes by Room — It makes unpacking a breeze.

• Keep Documents Handy — Closing papers, IDs, and lender info should travel with you.

• Plan for Pets + Plants — Keep them comfortable and safe on moving day.

Bonus: I provide clients with a Moving Checklist that outlines everything from utility transfers to mail forwarding — so nothing slips through the cracks.

Step 7: Celebrate Your New Space

Once you’ve made it into your new home, take a breath and enjoy it.
You’ve earned this upgrade — the space, the comfort, the fresh start.

Then… invite your friends and family over. Because nothing feels better than hosting your first get-together in a home that truly fits your life.

Ready to Start Your Upsizing Journey?

If you’re thinking about selling your current home and moving up to your next one, let’s create a customized plan that fits your goals and timing.

I live and work right here in Central Ohio, and I’ve helped countless families and couples transition smoothly — even when selling and buying at the same time felt overwhelming.

Let’s make your next move simple, strategic, and stress-free.