Selling and Buying in a Buyer’s Market when buying another home: Why It Can Work to Your Advantage

When you’re selling and buying in a buyer’s market, it might seem like a challenging time to make your move. With more homes on the market and buyers holding the power, many sellers hesitate. But if you’re both selling your current home and buying another, this kind of market can actually work in your favor. Here’s why.

Here’s why.

1. You Might Sell for Less—But You’ll Buy for Less, Too

It’s true: in a buyer’s market, you may not get as high a price for your current home as you would in a hot seller’s market. But remember, your replacement home will also be priced lower.
If you’re moving up to a more expensive property, the savings can be even more dramatic.

Example:

• In a seller’s market: You sell your home for $400,000 and buy your next home for $600,000.

• In a buyer’s market: You might sell for $380,000, but that $600,000 home could now be $550,000.
  You “lose” $20,000 on the sale but save $50,000 on the purchase—a net gain of $30,000.

2. More Inventory = More Choices for Your Next Home

One of the hardest parts of buying in a seller’s market is the competition. Homes fly off the market, bidding wars are common, and you may end up settling for something that’s “good enough.”
In a buyer’s market, there’s more inventory to choose from. You can take your time, compare options, and negotiate on the home that truly fits your needs and lifestyle—whether that means a better location, more space, or those dream-home features you’ve been waiting for. Just look at all the homes for sale in the metro area today.

3. Stronger Negotiating Power as a Buyer

When you’re on the buying side in a buyer’s market, the leverage shifts in your favor. Sellers are often more willing to:

• Cover closing costs

• Include home warranties

• Make repairs after inspection

• Be flexible on closing dates
  These benefits can save you thousands and reduce stress during the process.

4. Less Pressure on Timing

In a hot seller’s market, timing is everything—homes sell in days, and lining up your sale and purchase can be stressful. In a buyer’s market, transactions tend to move at a more reasonable pace. You can negotiate for rent-backs or extended closings to make your move smoother.

5. Long-Term Equity Advantage

If your new home is bought at a lower price in a buyer’s market, your potential for long-term appreciation is greater. When the market shifts back toward a seller’s market (as it always does eventually), you could see a significant boost in equity—especially on that more valuable property you purchased.

Bottom Line:
If you’re selling one home and buying another, the market label—buyer’s or seller’s—matters less than you think. In fact, a buyer’s market could be the perfect opportunity to make your move, especially if you’re trading up to a larger or more expensive property. Curious what your home may be worth in todays market?

The key is to look at the entire picture, not just the sale side. With the right strategy, you can turn today’s buyer-friendly market into a win-win for your next chapter.