If your mortgage pre-approval requires that you sell your current home before buying your next one, you're not alone. This is a common scenario for many homeowners—and one that can feel overwhelming. The good news? There’s a smart, strategic way to approach this: listing your home with a contingency.

At Great Move Realty, we help clients navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes every day. In our latest video, Mike Love, Principal Broker, explains how a contingency listing can be your best friend during a transitional move.

What Is a Contingency Listing?

A contingency listing means that your home is on the market, but the sale is contingent on you finding and securing your next property. It allows you to:

• List your home confidently without rushing your next purchase

• Negotiate extended closing dates to allow time for house hunting

• Attract serious buyers while protecting your timeline and financial interests

This strategy offers a more manageable approach to what can otherwise feel like a high-stakes juggling act.

Why Timing Matters

Timing is everything in real estate. Without a contingency, you risk being pressured into a rushed purchase or, worse, being left without a place to go after closing. Mike explains how this method gives you control over the timeline—ensuring your transition is both smooth and smart.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is accepting offers from buyers who haven’t listed their own home yet. In the video, Mike emphasizes why that can introduce risk and uncertainty to your deal.

He also explains how rate lock expiration dates can affect your buyer’s financing—and why understanding this detail can save your deal from falling through at the last minute.

Whether you’re planning a move soon or just exploring your options, this strategy might be exactly what you need.