Trying to sell one home while buying another can feel like a full-time job. Make that an interstate move, and stress can easily skyrocket.
What most people don’t realize is that they’ve started the process completely backwards. They’re up at 2 AM scrolling through Zillow in their destination city, falling in love with houses, saving favorites, maybe even driving by on Google Street View. Meanwhile, their current house is sitting there with peeling trim paint and a garage that looks like a storage unit exploded.
When you start the process in the wrong order, it costs you time, money, and opportunities.
Whether you’re moving to Colorado Springs, leaving it for new adventures, or relocating anywhere in the United States, this guide will walk you through how to sell your current home and buy a new one the right way with less stress, fewer surprises, and better results.
“We found the perfect house in our new city!”
Cool. Is your house on the market?
“Well, no, but we’re planning to…”
Sorry, buddy. No seller or listing agent is going to take your offer seriously if your house isn’t at least listed. Even in today’s slower market, an offer contingent on a house that’s “going on the market soon” is wishful thinking.
This applies whether you’re moving from Colorado Springs to Austin, from Seattle to Colorado Springs, or between any other cities. The sequence matters, and starting at the wrong end virtually guarantees frustration.
This isn’t the fun part. Looking at houses in your destination city online is more exciting than touch up paint and raking mulch. But don’t skip this preparation stage that actually gets you to your new home faster in the long run.
The Prep List To Help Your House Sell Quickly:
Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks for this preparation phase. That timeline might feel pessimistic if you are in a rush, but it’ll prevent panic later.
When you’re relocating out of state, your listing agent should be your secret weapon for finding the right local real estate agent in your destination city.
Not all agents understand this role, but the good ones know how to find you the best possible agent in your new city.
When we help our sellers navigate relocations, we never just give them a random referral. We put destination agents through a rigorous vetting process. We start by researching up to ten agents in the target market, examining their social media presence, recent transactions, and how they talk about their clients.
Then we call these agents at odd times like 10 AM on a Sunday, 6:30 PM on a Friday, and random times during the week. We’re not expecting immediate answers, but we’re testing response time and communication skills. Someone handling an out-of-state purchase needs to understand that good, prompt communication is key.
Our Agent Interview Must Haves:
After all this vetting, we narrow it down to three agents that would be the best fit for our client’s specific needs and personality. If none of them feel right, we start the process over. The goal is to find someone who will communicate consistently, handle virtual showings like a pro, and coordinate with us throughout the entire transaction.
Finding a new home, especially in a different state, means that you need to have great representation. Especially if you’re buying remotely, you need an agent who becomes your eyes, ears, and even your nose on the ground.
Take advantage of virtual showing (live video calls) where you’re directing the action. You need to see every corner, check under sinks, test water pressure, and understand the real condition versus what the photos suggest.
Your agent should be noting things like noise levels from nearby roads, the neighborhood feel beyond the listing description, any funny smells, the view out of the window (hello, Pikes Peak!), and the other details that will matter when you arrive.
The Colorado Springs market has shifted significantly. We’re not in the feeding frenzy of 2020-2021 anymore. Houses are sitting longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and that “it’ll be gone tomorrow” pressure has eased. This is good news for relocating buyers because you have more time to be thoughtful rather than desperate.
If you’re relocating to Colorado Springs, the current market shift can work in your favor. You’re no longer competing with 20 other offers. Sellers are more willing to work with contingencies, especially if your current home is already under contract. The military PCS season (May-August) still sees more activity, especially for homes around the Air Force Academy, but even then, the panic buying has calmed down.
If you’re leaving Colorado Springs, price it right from the start. The days of testing the market with an optimistic price are over. Homes priced correctly are still selling, but overpriced properties are sitting on the market for a long time. Listen to your agent’s pricing strategy, because they know what’s actually selling versus what’s collecting dust.
Despite your best efforts, perfect timing rarely happens. Closings don’t align perfectly, inspection issues arise, and unexpected delays occur. This is normal, not catastrophic.
Your Backup Plan Arsenal: Many sellers use a rent-back agreement to stay in their home for 30 to 60 days after closing while they finish buying. Temporary housing can fill the gap too, but in busy military towns like Colorado Springs, you’ll want to book early. If your move involves a short gap, professional storage like PODS can save your sanity, and extended-stay hotels work well for shorter transitions.
The key is having these options identified before you need them, not scrambling when your closing dates shift by two weeks.
If you’re military, PCS moves come with unique challenges but also specific advantages. Your orders create non-negotiable timelines that sellers and agents understand and respect. In military-friendly markets like Colorado Springs, “We need to close by June 15 for our report date” can carry weight in negotiations.
VA loans travel with you, and in some cases, you might be able to assume another VA loan at a better rate. Your BAH can be factored into the loan qualification for your new location. Most importantly, agents in military communities understand the pressure and timeline constraints you’re facing.
No matter your financial situation, you need to budget beyond just down payments and closing costs. The overlapping expenses of “double moving” can add up, and being prepared prevents desperate decisions.
You might face overlapping mortgage payments for a month or two, especially in slower markets. Temporary housing can range from $2,500 to $4,000 monthly, depending on location. Storage solutions cost $200-400 per month if the timing doesn’t align. And always maintain an emergency fund of $5,000 to $10,000 for the unexpected, just in case.
Your current house must be market-ready and listed before you can make credible offers elsewhere. Your local agent should be your resource for finding excellent representation in your destination city. And virtual tours (with brutal honesty from your destination agent) should help you feel at ease about your new home.
Today’s market actually makes some aspects easier. You won’t be forced to make panicked decisions or waive inspections just to compete. Use this to your advantage by being strategic rather than reactive.
Whether you’re moving to Colorado Springs, from it, or between any other cities, these fundamentals don’t change. The complexity is manageable with the right approach, the right team, and realistic expectations about current market conditions.
Your next chapter is waiting. Let’s make it happen without the chaos. Get in touch today!
Sailing Stone Real Estate is your home resource whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie to the home-buying scene, a seasoned pro with plenty of houses under your belt, or simply looking to offload that fixer-upper. We know buying or selling a home is a huge deal, which is why we’re here to help you through it no matter what comes our way.
Sailing Stone Agents will keep your buying or selling plans on course. Our seasoned pros have the expertise to steer you clear of financial disasters and guide you toward your real estate goals. Our TOP Priorities are Your Goals, Your Dreams, and Your Peace of Mind.
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