How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in Orlando

TL;DR
Selling and buying a home at the same time in Orlando? It’s totally doable—with a plan.

✅ Use tools like bridge loans, recast mortgages, rent-back agreements, and HELOCs to stay sane.
✅ Timing, preparation, and a smart financial strategy are everything.
✅ Local expertise (hey, that’s me—Ted Moseley) can help you navigate both transactions without feeling like you’re juggling chainsaws.

Where Do I Start If I Need to Buy and Sell at the Same Time in Orlando?

Trying to sell your current home while buying your next one can feel like trying to change tires on a moving car. In the Central Florida market, where desirable homes in communities like Winter Garden, Lake Nona, and Oviedo move fast, you need a well-thought-out plan—especially if you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate closer to work or school.

Unlike other markets, Orlando gives you flexibility—if you know how to use it. With the right financing tools, savvy timing, and a local real estate expert (hi again), it is possible to avoid paying two mortgages or scrambling for temporary housing.

Should You Buy First or Sell First?

That’s the classic chicken-or-egg question in real estate. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Sell First: You’ll have clarity on your available funds, but may need to move twice or rent short-term.

• Buy First: More convenient—but requires careful financial planning and possibly creative lending solutions.

The good news? There are more tools than ever to help you do both with less stress.

Real-Life Examples from Orlando Sellers and Buyers

🔸 A family in Winter Springs used a bridge loan to secure their next home near UCF before listing their current one. They handled both mortgages for just under two months—and sold their home $25K over asking.

🔸 A Lake Nona couple negotiated a rent-back agreement to stay in their sold home while their new build in Laureate Park finished construction.

🔸 In Windermere, a downsizing couple used a recast mortgage to apply proceeds from their home sale after buying a condo near Dr. Phillips.

🔸 A first-time move-up buyer in Clermont used a HELOC to cover their down payment, avoiding the need to rush their current listing.

Financing Options for Buying Before Selling

🔹 Bridge Loans

Short-term loans that let you tap your current home’s equity to fund the purchase of your new home. Best suited for sellers with high equity and strong credit.

🔹 Home Sale Contingency

A clause that allows you to back out if your home doesn’t sell in time. In competitive Orlando zip codes like 32827 or 32789, it’s less common—but not impossible with good negotiation.

🔹 HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

A flexible option if you qualify before your home goes on the market. Offers lower rates than bridge loans, but requires upfront approval.

🔹 Mortgage Recast

After buying, you apply a lump sum (from your home sale) to your new loan, which recalculates your payment. Simple, effective, and usually costs less than $500.

🔹 Rent-Back Agreements

Negotiate to stay in your home post-sale while buying the next one. It’s like a short-term lease baked into your sale—common in competitive areas like Maitland or Baldwin Park.

Central Florida–Specific Strategies

1. Talk to a Local Lender Early
   You need to understand your financing options, especially if a bridge loan or recast might apply.

2. Work with a Contingency-Savvy Agent
   Not every agent knows how to navigate dual transactions. I do—and I know how to structure the offer so it still looks strong.

3. Prepare Backup Housing Options
   Think short-term furnished rentals in areas like Downtown Orlando or Altamonte Springs, or even vacation homes with flexible terms.

4. Coordinate Closings
   Escrow teams in Florida can work wonders when you plan ahead. Let’s set your sale and purchase up to minimize overlap.

5. Know the Inventory Cycles
   Orlando’s slower season (usually late summer and post-holidays) can give buyers more breathing room for contingencies and negotiations.

6. Stage in Advance
   Have your current home prepped and ready to list before closing on the next one. That way, there’s no scrambling.

FAQs for Orlando Buyers & Sellers Doing Both

Q1: Is it risky to buy first?
Yes—unless you’ve got backup financing or reserves. But tools like HELOCs and bridge loans can help.

Q2: Will a contingent offer be accepted in Orlando?
It depends on the neighborhood and timing. Some areas are red-hot, while others are more flexible. I can guide you either way.

Q3: Which is better—HELOC or bridge loan?
HELOCs are more affordable but require more lead time. Bridge loans move faster and don’t interfere with current mortgages.

Q4: Can I use my home sale proceeds after buying?
Yes—with a mortgage recast, you can reduce your new mortgage payment without refinancing.

Q5: How do I avoid paying two mortgages?
Align closing dates, negotiate a rent-back, or use a sale contingency when possible.

Q6: Can I afford to do both?
Let’s run the numbers. I’ll help you work with a lender to assess your debt-to-income ratio and simulate both payments.

Q7: Are there special options for move-up buyers in Florida?
Yes. Some lenders offer custom recast or refinance packages if you’re moving up from your first home.

Pro Tips for Pulling Off a Buy-Sell Move in Central Florida

✅ Pre-stage your current home — have photos and listing details ready to go.
✅ Keep escrow timelines flexible — both transactions need breathing room.
✅ Don’t apply for new credit — lenders will check everything again before closing.
✅ Stay organized — a shared folder or cloud storage with all your docs = less chaos.
✅ Watch those closing costs — title, transfer, insurance, commissions… they add up.
✅ Shop for insurance early — especially if you’re near lakes or flood zones.
✅ Book movers ahead of time — summer moves in Florida get booked solid.

Final Word: Be Strategic, Not Stressed

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all move—but that’s where I come in. With local knowledge of Orlando’s best neighborhoods and a plan customized for your situation, we can make this transition smooth, profitable, and surprisingly low-drama.

If you're wondering whether buying before selling—or selling before buying—makes the most sense, let’s talk strategy. I'll help you explore every option, including bridge loans, contingencies, recasts, and more.

Want a clear game plan tailored to your move?
📞 Call or text Ted Moseley at (321) 321-2025
🖥 Visit OrlandoNest.com
🏡 Brokered by Real Broker, LLC

Let’s get your next move working for you—not the other way around.