Why This Matters Right Now
The GTA’s spring market is off to an early and competitive start in 2025. With rising buyer activity and low inventory, many families are wondering how to navigate the complexity of buying and selling simultaneously – without risking their financial footing or family routine.
If you’re a growing family in the GTA trying to upsize, you’ve likely asked yourself: How do we sell our current home and buy a new one at the same time – without everything falling apart?
It’s one of the most stressful parts of upsizing, especially in March 2025, when the spring market is active, inventory is tight, and timing is everything.
The good news? With the right strategy, you can buy and sell with confidence – and keep family life as uninterrupted as possible.
Why It’s So Tricky for Families
Juggling two transactions isn’t just about money. It’s about managing school schedules, childcare, work commutes, and the emotional weight of moving. Add in unpredictable market behaviour, and it’s no wonder most families find the process overwhelming.
Three Approaches to Consider
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to buying and selling at the same time, so here’s a breakdown of three common strategies – each with its own pros and cons to help you decide what works best for your family.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying & Selling Together
- Overpricing your home based on emotion rather than market data
- Underestimating how long it takes to prep, stage, and list
- Skipping mortgage pre-approval before starting your search
- Relying on bridge financing without confirming eligibility
- Assuming your timelines will align without contingency planning
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to buying and selling at the same time, so here’s a breakdown of three common strategies – each with its own pros and cons to help you decide what works best for your family.
1. Buy First, Then Sell
Best for: Families who need time to find the right home and can carry two mortgages temporarily.
Pros:
- You don’t feel rushed or forced to settle on your next home.
- You can move out before listing your current home, which helps with staging.
Cons:
- You may need bridge financing or carry two homes for a short time.
2. Sell First, Then Buy
Best for: Families who want to avoid carrying two homes or are relying on equity from their current home.
Pros:
- You know exactly how much you can spend.
- No need to juggle two mortgages.
Cons:
- You may feel rushed to find your next home or have to rent temporarily if your ideal home isn’t available yet.
3. Buy and Sell at the Same Time
Best for: Families who are flexible with timing and have a strong real estate team to coordinate both sides.
Pros:
- Smooth transition when done right.
- Potential to align closing dates and reduce disruption.
Cons:
- Requires careful coordination and may involve conditions that can complicate negotiations.
Planning to Move This Year?
What is Bridge Financing – and Should You Use It?
Bridge financing is a short-term loan that helps cover the gap between buying your next home and receiving funds from your sale.
It’s commonly used when you buy first, then sell and need flexibility with closing dates. It’s not for everyone, but when used wisely, it can be the key to a smooth upsizing move.
What You Should Know About Bridge Financing:
- Eligibility: Most lenders require a firm sale agreement on your current home before approving bridge funds.
- Costs: Expect to pay interest (often prime + 2–3%) plus a setup fee, typically a few hundred dollars.
- Timing: Funds are usually available for 30–90 days. It’s essential to coordinate dates closely with your lawyer and mortgage broker.
We’ll help you understand your eligibility, the costs, and whether it makes sense for your situation.
Why Timing Matters in March 2025
Right now, the spring market is already in motion. Inventory remains tight, particularly for detached homes under $1.5M. This creates:
- More competition among buyers
- Faster sales for well-priced listings
- A need for precise planning to avoid overlap or gaps
Trying to “time the market perfectly” often leads to delays or missed opportunities. It’s better to focus on making the right move for your family, with professional guidance to minimize risk.
Checklist: Your Buy/Sell Game Plan
Prep Phase
✅ Get pre-approved and understand your budget
✅ Meet with your real estate team to create a buy/sell strategy
✅ Decide which approach suits your family best (buy first, sell first, or both)
Listing Phase
✅ Prep your home early – photos, staging, small repairs
✅ Review your mortgage and talk to your lender about any penalties or options
✅ Confirm bridge financing eligibility if needed
Closing Phase
✅ Align closing dates with your lawyer to avoid gaps
✅ Have a short-term rental or backup plan if timing gets tricky
✅ Stay flexible but focused on your family’s big picture
✅ Get pre-approved and understand your budget
✅ Meet with your real estate team to create a buy/sell strategy
✅ Decide which approach suits your family best (buy first, sell first, or both)
✅ Explore bridge financing if needed
✅ Prep your home early – photos, staging, small repairs
What to Do Next
- Talk to your mortgage advisor about pre-approval
- Schedule a consultation to review your options
Let’s Make It Happen
Buying and selling at the same time is doable – with the right plan. At The Halyard Group, we specialize in helping growing families upsize without the overwhelm.
Still have questions?
FAQs About Buying and Selling at the Same Time
Can I make an offer on a home before I sell mine? Yes, but it depends on your financing and risk tolerance. You may need a condition on the sale of your current home, which can affect your offer’s competitiveness.
What if my home doesn’t sell in time? You may need to consider bridge financing, renegotiating your purchase closing date, or arranging a short-term rental. We help you plan for these scenarios in advance.
Is it better to buy or sell first in today’s market? It depends on your financial situation, your ideal neighbourhood, and current demand. In a low-inventory market like March 2025, selling first gives you budget clarity – but buying first gives you time to find the right home.
Let’s talk through your options. We’ll help you make the move, not the mistakes.
