This is one of the most common questions among Carmel Valley home sellers, and the right approach depends on your goals, your timeline, and the structure of your finances. Both paths can work well, but each one carries a different type of comfort and strategy.
Listing before you buy offers clarity. You know exactly what your home sells for, and you can plan your next move with confidence. Some sellers prefer this because it removes guesswork and avoids carrying two properties at once. The tradeoff is that you may need a short term rental or temporary housing while you search for your next home.
Buying before you list can work smoothly when you have the ability to purchase without selling first or when creative financing options are available. This approach allows you to move directly into your new home, but it requires careful planning to avoid feeling rushed when preparing your current home for the market.
The best choice is the one that supports both your comfort and your long term plans, and that guidance will look different for each homeowner in Carmel Valley.
