Should You Sell Your Dallas Home Before Buying Another in 2025?

By Steven J. Thomas

Buying and selling at the same time is one of the trickiest moves in real estate. In Dallas, where inventory is shifting and interest rates are keeping buyers cautious, timing your sale and purchase matters more than ever. The question: should you sell your current home before buying another in 2025? Let’s break it down.

Direct Answer

Yes, in many cases selling your Dallas home before buying another is the safer move in 2025. It reduces financial strain, gives you a stronger offer position, and helps you avoid carrying two mortgages. However, bridge loans, rent-backs, and builder incentives offer flexibility if you want to buy first.

Neighborhood Spotlights: Move-Up Buyer Hotspots

Frisco

Families moving up often target Frisco for its strong ISDs, master-planned communities, and access to the $5 Billion Mile. Explore more in the Neighborhood Reports.

McKinney

Historic charm meets new construction. Buyers love the mix of lifestyle perks and affordability, making it a top choice for sellers looking to buy again nearby.

Mansfield

Growing families and commuters value Mansfield’s schools and balanced price points, keeping move-up demand strong.

[Pro Tip: Use the Home Seller Score to time your listing and upgrade strategy.]

Local Market Trends (Fall 2025)

As of September 2025:

• Median DFW Home Price: $418,500 (up 1.8% YoY – NTREIS, Sept. 2025)

• Average Days on Market: 34

• Inventory: 3.2 months

• Mortgage Rates: 6.8% (Freddie Mac PMMS, Sept. 2025)

Expert insight: “With limited inventory, contingent offers still face challenges. Sellers who list first often secure stronger terms,” notes a Texas Real Estate Research Center analyst.

Cost Breakdown for Sellers Who Plan to Buy

• Staging & Photography: $800–$2,500

• Temporary Housing: $2,000–$4,000/month if renting in between

• Bridge Loan Fees: ~1–2% of loan amount

• Moving Costs: $1,500–$3,500 locally

These costs are real, but so are the potential savings from avoiding dual mortgages.

Builder & Community Insights: Buy New, Sell Smooth

DFW builders in Prosper, Celina, and Aubrey are attracting move-up buyers with incentives like:

• Temporary interest rate buydowns

• Closing cost contributions

• Flexible move-in timelines

Pair these perks with our New Construction Homes Rebate Program to stretch your budget.

Financing & Incentives That Help

• Bridge loans can buy you time between transactions.

• HELOCs let you tap equity before selling.

• Rent-backs allow you to stay in your old home briefly after closing.

Get started with pre-approval options here: Get Pre-Approved.

Conclusion

Whether you sell first or buy first, the key in Dallas is knowing your numbers and having the right strategy. For many, selling first is simpler and less stressful—but new construction incentives and financing tools make both paths possible.

Next steps:

• Check your Home Seller Score

• Explore rebates on new construction homes: Rebate Program

• Download the Lone Star Living App to explore listings

You’re always home with Steven J. Thomas.

Key Takeaways

• Selling first gives you leverage and reduces risk.

• Dallas inventory remains competitive in 2025.

• Builder incentives and bridge loans provide options.

• Costs like staging and temporary housing are worth planning for.

• Partnering with an experienced agent helps you time both moves.

FAQ: Selling vs. Buying First in Dallas 2025

Should I sell first or buy first in Dallas?

Most sellers benefit from selling first to avoid dual mortgages and strengthen their buying power.

Can I make a contingent offer in Dallas?

Yes, but with competition, contingent offers may be less attractive unless paired with strong terms.

How do bridge loans work?

They provide short-term funds to buy before you sell, with fees around 1–2%.

What if I need more time after selling?

Negotiate a rent-back to stay in your old home for weeks after closing.

Are builder homes easier for move-up buyers?

Yes, many offer flexible timelines, making it easier to coordinate selling and buying.

Where can I track listings and neighborhoods?

Download the Lone Star Living App now.