Should you sell your home before or after buying a smaller home in Springfield Ohio?
Amanda Mullins explains that the right choice depends on your finances, timing, comfort level, and plans for your next home. Amanda uses her SRES background and strong banking relationships to help Springfield downsizers compare both paths, including options like blanket loans that let you buy first without rushing the sale.
Why This Decision Matters for Downsizers
Downsizing involves more than moving to a smaller home. Many Springfield homeowners want financial stability, predictable timing, and as little stress as possible. Amanda explains that the order of buying and selling affects everything from moving plans to mortgage costs.
Both options can work well when chosen with a clear plan. Amanda guides clients through the decision so they do not feel rushed or overwhelmed.
Option 1: Selling Your Home First
Selling first works well for homeowners who want full financial clarity before buying. This gives a clear snapshot of proceeds, inspection results, and closing timelines.
Advantages of selling first:
You know exactly how much money you will have
No risk of carrying two mortgages
Stronger financial position when buying
Less pressure on retirement budgeting
Selling first gives you complete certainty before choosing your next home.
Challenges of selling first:
You may need temporary housing
Moves can feel more rushed
Limited time to find the perfect smaller home
Amanda helps sellers reduce stress by planning temporary options early, such as short leases or staying with family between closings.
Option 2: Buying Your Smaller Home First
Buying first can feel easier because you move directly into your next home before your current home sells. This is helpful for seniors who want a smooth transition and less physical stress.
Advantages of buying first:
You can move at your own pace
No temporary housing needed
Easier to declutter and list after moving out
Allows time to choose the perfect home
Many downsizers like this option because it avoids rushed decisions.
Challenges of buying first:
You may qualify for a second mortgage temporarily
Higher short-term financial pressure
Some lenders require strong credit and income
Amanda explains each requirement so buyers know whether this route is realistic.
Option 3: Using a Blanket Loan Through Amanda’s Bank Partners
Amanda’s relationships with local banks allow some clients to use a blanket loan, which covers both homes temporarily. This lets downsizers buy the smaller home first and sell their current home later, often without carrying two separate mortgages long-term.
Why blanket loans help downsizers:
One loan covers both properties
No need for temporary housing
Move first, sell later
Lower stress for seniors with mobility needs
These loans are not always widely advertised. Amanda helps clients compare terms and choose lenders who understand downsizing timelines.
Option 4: Making a Contingent Offer on the Smaller Home
A contingent offer means the purchase of your next home depends on selling your current one. This can be helpful when you want to avoid financial risk but still want the next home secured.
Advantages:
No double payments
Less financial strain
Buyers can still shop early
Challenges:
Sellers may prefer non-contingent offers
Fewer homes may accept the terms
Can create longer timelines
Amanda helps craft strong contingent offers that increase a seller’s confidence.
Decision Framework: Sell First or Buy First?
Amanda uses a simple set of questions to help Springfield downsizers decide.
1. Do you need the proceeds of your sale to buy your next home?
Yes → Selling first is safest
No → Buying first or using a blanket loan may fit
2. Do you want to avoid temporary housing?
Yes → Buying first or blanket loan
No → Selling first works fine
3. Are you comfortable owning two properties temporarily?
Yes → Buying first is possible
No → Sell first or use a contingent offer
4. Are you trying to reduce physical stress during the move?
Yes → Buying first allows slower packing
No → Either option works
5. Do you want maximum financial clarity before buying?
Yes → Sell first
No → Buy first or blanket loan
Amanda walks homeowners through each answer and helps choose the path that reduces stress the most.
How Timing Affects Downsizing in Springfield
Springfield’s real estate market moves quickly in some neighborhoods and more slowly in others. Amanda explains that timing your sale correctly keeps the process smooth.
Three timing factors matter most:
Local demand for your current home
Availability of smaller homes
Your ideal moving date
Amanda reviews market data from recent sales so homeowners understand how long each step is likely to take.
Why Downsizers Need a Clear Financial Plan
Moving to a smaller home affects taxes, utilities, insurance, and long-term costs. Amanda explains every step so homeowners understand how buying before or after selling affects their budget.
She prepares:
Estimated net proceeds
Monthly payment comparisons
Insurance and utility estimates
Cost differences between home types
This helps homeowners choose the timeline that supports their financial goals.
How Amanda Helps Clients Make the Transition Smooth
Amanda uses her SRES certification and market knowledge to support downsizers through each step. She coordinates timing between both properties, schedules showings, and works with lenders who understand blanket loans and transition plans.
She also helps with:
Decluttering timelines
Staging suggestions
Room-by-room packing plans
Temporary living options if needed
Local service recommendations
Her goal is to make downsizing manageable, clear, and step-by-step.
FAQ: Selling Before or After Buying a Smaller Home in Springfield
Is it risky to buy a smaller home before selling?
It can be, but blanket loans and strong financing help reduce the risk.
Can I buy a smaller home without having sold mine yet?
Yes. You can buy first, use a blanket loan, or make a contingent offer.
Is selling first always better?
No. Selling first offers clarity, but buying first may reduce moving stress.
Do blanket loans help seniors who want to avoid multiple moves?
Yes. They allow buyers to move once and sell later.
Can Amanda help compare both paths?
Yes. She reviews timing, costs, and comfort level to choose the best fit.
Internal Links
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/top-reasons-to-choose-amanda-mullins-for-senior-downsizing-in-springfield-ohio
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/what-should-seniors-know-before-downsizing-in-springfield-ohio
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/how-do-homeowners-price-a-home-to-sell-in-springfield-ohio
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/should-i-sell-my-springfield-home-now-or-wait-how-do-i-know-the-right-time
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/is-it-worth-paying-a-realtor-to-sell-my-home-springfield-ohio
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Phone: 317-750-6316
Email: amullinsmba@gmail.com
Brand: Move Smart with Amanda
Serving Springfield, Dayton, and Columbus, Ohio.
