I have to move before my house sells. What can I do?

Out-of-state move planning with sale folder and calendar

First, review price, condition, marketing and carrying costs on the old property. If you have already moved, your agent can coordinate showings, vendors and updates while you decide whether the pricing or sale strategy needs to change.

Plan the move and the real estate transaction together

Write out the move date, the date housing is needed in the new area, and the earliest realistic date the current home could be ready to list. Then identify whether money from the current sale is needed for the next purchase. Those dates and cash requirements determine whether selling first, buying first, arranging a coordinated closing, or using temporary housing is realistic.

Understand the order of the transactions

Selling first gives a clearer amount of available cash but may create a gap between homes. Buying first can reduce moving pressure but may require qualifying while carrying both properties. A coordinated closing can work, although one delay may affect both transactions. Review contingency, bridge-financing, and temporary-housing options before committing to a sequence.