Carol Dopkin's Cheatsheet for Buying & Selling Your Home with Less Stress

Basalt, Colorado, is a hidden gem for those seeking a picturesque small town with a vibrant community and outdoor recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. One of the many reasons residents love owning real estate here is because of the area’s amenities, such as premier access to world-class performing arts at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW). For those who love hiking and biking, the Arbaney Kittle Trail and the Rio Grande Trail offer stunning views of the nearby mountains. Meanwhile, fishing enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with access to the Gold Medal waters of the Fryingpan River. Local breweries offer a place to unwind, and history buffs can immerse themselves in the town's rich past with a historic walking tour. With so much to enjoy, Basalt is the perfect location for seasoned homeowners who are selling their old homes and looking to buy a new one.

Juggling both at the same time, though, requires attention to detail, skill, and patience. If you need help navigating the tricky waters of selling and purchasing a home, you’ve come to the right place.

You'll want to create a solid budget, with savings built in to account for any potential hiccups during the home-selling and buying process. Sit down and list what you want in both sales, such as how much you’d like to get for your home and how much money you have to purchase your new home. When looking at homes for sale, you’ll want to create a separate list of must-haves, such as the number of bedrooms, the location or neighborhood you’d like to live in, lot size, and more.

You’ll also want to interview several real estate agents before finding the right one. You’ll want an expert who can help you navigate the sale and purchase of both homes as seamlessly as possible. Should any problems arise, you’ll want an agent who can help you figure out the best course of action to ensure your real estate transaction stays on track.

Anticipating timing issues and creating a plan to conquer them before they happen can alleviate stress. If your home sells before you find a new one, be prepared to find a place to live temporarily. Consider a rent-back contingency or have a solid plan in place for a short-term rental. On the other hand, if you find a new home before selling your current one, budgeting appropriately is crucial. Remember that you will need to afford payments on both properties, including the mortgage, HOA or condo fees, utilities, and other expenses until your old home sells.

When simultaneously juggling a home sale and purchase, staying organized and getting ahead of the curve is essential. Pack ahead of time. Not only will this free up precious time for house showings, but it will also make staging your old home a breeze. By packing up and storing away personal items, you’ll create a blank slate for buyers to envision themselves living in. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your fragile and valuable possessions are safely tucked away for the move.

From decluttering and cleaning your current home to preparing your new space for the big move, the amount of work needed can quickly become overwhelming. This is where hiring helpers can make a world of difference. They can assist with any heavy lifting, complete tedious tasks, and ensure both properties are in top shape for a successful sale and move.

Keeping up with the cleaning can be a real challenge if you're buying and selling a home at the same time. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help with general cleaning. Not only will it improve the overall appearance of your house during showings, but it will also show buyers that you take pride in your home.

Have your new home deep cleaned to ensure it’s ready for you to place furniture, decorate, and start making memories right away. Professional cleaners will have the necessary equipment and materials to clean your home thoroughly. This will also save you time, stress, and energy. Instead of worrying about cleaning the windows and floors, you can focus on the many other tasks involved in buying and selling a home.

A home inspector will check your current home for code violations and repairs that need to be addressed before you list it for sale. A pre-listing inspection can help you avoid any surprises during the selling process.

At the same time, home inspections are often required before loan approval, so be sure to have your new home checked before purchasing. Having a home inspector by your side can give you peace of mind and ensure you make a sound investment in your new home.

It’s essential to hire a home repair contractor if areas in your old or new home need updating. Why? A skilled contractor can fix any problem areas during the pre-listing inspection, ensuring your house is in great shape before buyers see it. They can also assist with any minor or major upgrades you'd like to make before moving into your new home.

Hiring a home appraiser is a wise choice when buying and selling a house at the same time. A reliable and experienced appraiser can provide an unbiased and accurate evaluation of your property's worth. This process will save you from overpricing or underpricing your home.

Consider staging your current home before selling it. Staging will help prepare your home to sell quickly and for a great price by organizing furniture and decor to highlight its best features and catch the eye of potential buyers.

It’s no secret that moving can be stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a professional moving company means you’ll have more time to focus on other aspects of your life. Some companies offer packing services, too, so be sure to ask about any additional amenities available.

Buying and selling a home simultaneously can feel daunting, but with the tips shared here, you are more than well-prepared to handle the task. If you have further questions on buying and selling a home or want to discuss how a real estate agent can help you reach your financial goals, reach out to trusted agent Carol Dopkin today!