- Selling first gives you certainty about money. Buying first gives you certainty about where you'll live.
- Bridge financing can cover the gap when you buy first and sell shortly after, if your sale is firm.
- Matching possession dates is the goal. Plan them from day one.
This is one of the most stressful parts of moving, and one I plan carefully with clients. There are three ways to do it.
Option 1: sell first
How: list your home, get a firm sale, then buy. Pros: you know exactly how much you have. Your purchase offer can be strong, with no sale condition. Cons: you may need temporary housing if you don't find the right home in time. Ask for a longer possession date to give yourself room.
Option 2: buy first
How: buy your next home, then sell your current one. Pros: you secure the home you want. Cons: you might carry two homes for a while, and your sale may feel rushed.
Option 3: buy with a condition on your sale
How: your purchase offer is conditional on selling your current home by a certain date. Pros: you're protected if your home doesn't sell. Cons: sellers see it as a weaker offer. In busy markets it may not be accepted. Many sellers accept it only with an "escape clause" that lets them keep marketing their home.
Bridge financing
If you buy first and your sale closes later, a bridge loan lets you use your current home's equity for the down payment on the new one, usually for days or weeks. Most lenders require a firm sale on your current home.
Usually needs a firm sale on your current home. Terms vary by lender; ask your mortgage broker.
Estimates for planning, not financial advice.
Which is right for you?
Your area has few homes like the one you want. Which approach usually fits?
You need every dollar of equity for the next purchase. Which is safer?
Planning checklist
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Plan both moves with one person
- Reply within 24 hours
- Everything in writing, in plain English or Polish
- Winnipeg and all of Manitoba
Questions people ask
How long can a bridge loan last?
Often up to 90 days, sometimes longer, depending on the lender.
What if my home doesn't sell in time?
That's the risk of buying first. A realistic price and a back-up plan reduce it. We'll talk about it before you buy.
This article is general information for Manitoba, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Rules, rates and programs change; figures are estimates as of October 2026. Check your situation with a lawyer, lender or accountant before you act. Adela Strycharz is a REALTOR® with Real Broker Manitoba Ltd. If you already have an agreement with another brokerage, please speak with your own REALTOR® first.