t's the ultimate chicken-or-egg question for anyone needing to move: do I buy my next home first and then sell, or sell first and figure out where I'm going after?

There's no universal right answer—it depends on your finances, risk tolerance, and the current Indianapolis IN real estate 2025 market. Let's break it down.

Selling First: The Safer Play

Most experts (including Liz Marks-Strauss, a 12-year veteran real estate agent) recommend selling first if possible. Here's why:

You Know Your Budget
Once your home sells, you know exactly how much cash you're walking away with. No guessing, no stress about carrying two mortgages, no financial gymnastics.

Stronger Negotiating Position
When you're a non-contingent buyer (meaning you don't need to sell your home first), sellers take you more seriously. In competitive markets like Carmel and Fishers, that matters.

 

Less Financial Risk
Carrying two mortgages, paying double utilities, insurance, and property taxes? That adds up fast. Selling first eliminates that risk.

The Downside?
You might need temporary housing—staying with friends, short-term rental, or negotiating a rent-back agreement (more on that in another post).

Buying First: When It Makes Sense

If you have strong financials and can qualify for two mortgages, buying first gives you flexibility. You can move on your timeline, avoid temporary housing, and not feel rushed to accept a lowball offer.

Liz Marks-Strauss, REALTOR BROKER at FC Tucker Company, has helped clients successfully navigate buying first—but it requires careful planning and usually bridge financing or home equity access.

What About Contingent Offers?

You can make an offer on a new home contingent on selling your current one. Some sellers accept these, but in hot markets with multiple offers, you're at a disadvantage.

The 2025 Market Reality

 

With interest rates higher and inventory improving, buying in Indianapolis IN 2025 is less frantic than a couple years ago. That means selling first is usually less risky—you won't miss out on every good listing while waiting for your home to close.

Liz Marks-Strauss real estate guidance includes analyzing your specific finances, local inventory, and risk tolerance to determine the best strategy for you—not some generic advice.

With over 400 homes sold and 12 years navigating these exact scenarios, she knows how to structure deals that work.

 

Contact Liz Marks-Strauss at FC Tucker Company | 317-502-3358 | www.HeyMomImHome.com for a FREE 2025 Market Strategy Session