How Do I Sell My Home and Buy a New One at the Same Time in Des Moines?
You love parts of your house, but you've outgrown it. Maybe the family is bigger now. Maybe you just need a home office, a bigger yard, or a fresh start in a new neighborhood. The dream is simple: sell the home you have and move into the one you want. But the question that keeps you up at night is the hard one — how do I do both at the same time without ending up homeless or paying two mortgages?
Take a breath. This happens every single week here in Des Moines, and there is a clear plan for it. I'm Natasha Ratliff with Ratliff Real Estate Group at RE/MAX Precision, and helping move-up buyers line up both sides of this move is one of my favorite things to do. Let's walk through exactly how it works.
Why Timing Feels So Scary (And Why It Doesn't Have to Be)
The fear is real. If you sell first, where do you live while you shop? If you buy first, can you carry two house payments? Most folks freeze right here and stay put another five years.
Here's the good news. Des Moines is a steady, healthy market. As of spring 2026, the typical Des Moines home value sits around $210,000, and homes are going to pending in about 26 days. That's quick, but not so fast that you can't plan. With around 950 homes for sale in the city at any given time, you have real choices — and a smart strategy bridges the gap between selling and buying so you're never stuck.
Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy
With this path, you list and sell your current home before you buy the next one. The upside is huge: you know exactly how much money you're walking away with, and you shop for your new home as a strong, non-contingent buyer. Sellers love a buyer who isn't waiting on their own house to sell.
The trade-off is the in-between period. You may need a short-term rental or a stay with family for a few weeks. To soften that, we can negotiate a rent-back (also called a post-closing possession agreement), where the buyer of your home lets you stay 30 to 60 days after closing while you finish your purchase. I write these into offers all the time in the Des Moines metro.
Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell
If the in-between move sounds exhausting, buying first may fit better. You find your new home, close on it, move on your own schedule, and then list your old house empty and clean. Empty homes show beautifully and often sell faster.
The catch is money. You either need to qualify for both mortgages at once, or use a tool to free up your equity. Two common options are a bridge loan (short-term financing secured against your current home) or a HELOC you set up before listing. We can also write your purchase offer with a sale contingency, meaning your purchase depends on your current home selling — though in a moving market, a clean offer is stronger.
Option 3: The Contingent Move (The Middle Path)
Most of my move-up clients land somewhere in the middle. We list your home and shop at the same time, then sync the two closings to land days apart — sometimes even the same day. It takes coordination, sharp negotiating, and a lender who communicates fast, but it's absolutely doable. This is where having one team handle both sides of your move pays off. At Ratliff Real Estate Group, I keep both transactions talking to each other so nothing falls through the cracks.
How to Get Your Numbers Straight Before You Move
Before you do anything, you need three numbers: what your current home will sell for, how much equity you'll walk away with, and what you can comfortably afford on the new home. I'll prepare a free, honest market valuation of your current home and connect you with a trusted local lender to map your buying power.
Don't forget the costs of selling — agent fees, possible repairs, and closing costs — usually run 7 to 9 percent of your sale price. Knowing this upfront keeps you from a nasty surprise at the closing table. With Des Moines homes selling close to asking (the typical sale-to-list ratio is about 98 percent), most well-prepared sellers in our area land right where they expect.
Don't Forget New Construction
If your next home is a new build — say in Ruby Rose Ridge, Woods of Copper Creek, or a Destiny Homes community — the timing gets easier in one big way. New construction takes months to finish, which gives you a natural runway to sell your current home before the new one is move-in ready. As a New Construction Specialist and 2024 DRAS Construction Diversity Accelerator Graduate, I help move-up buyers use that build timeline to their advantage all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really sell and buy on the same day in Des Moines?
Yes. Same-day or back-to-back closings happen often. It takes a coordinated team, but it removes the need for temporary housing.
What is a rent-back agreement?
It's a deal where the buyer of your home lets you stay a set number of days after closing — usually 30 to 60 — so you have time to move into your next home.
Should I buy first or sell first?
It depends on your savings, your loan options, and your comfort with moving twice. We'll look at your full picture and pick the path that protects your money and your peace of mind.
Will I have to pay two mortgages?
Not if we time it right. Bridge loans, sale contingencies, and synced closings are all designed to keep you from carrying two payments.
How much equity do I need to move up?
Enough to cover your next down payment and selling costs. I'll give you those exact numbers in a free valuation before you commit to anything.
Ready to Make Your Move?
You don't have to figure this out alone, and you don't have to choose between selling smart and buying smart — you can do both. Let's build a plan that fits your family, your budget, and your timeline. With faith, a clear strategy, and 11+ years of local experience, I'll walk with you every step.
Reach out today for a free Move-Up Strategy Call.
Natasha Ratliff
Ratliff Real Estate Group | RE/MAX Precision
📞 515-943-0219
Proudly serving Des Moines, Ankeny, Grimes, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, the 50317 zip code, Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines.
