Nicole Davidson: Best Real Estate Agent in Greater Sacramento

How Can I Buy a Home Before Selling My Current One?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

With a decade of experience with over 250 homes sold, Nicole’s journey to real estate is rooted in resilience and service. After relocating to California at age ten, she was raised by self-made entrepreneurs who built their success from the ground up.

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One of the biggest concerns homeowners have right now isn’t selling their home; it’s what happens after it sells.

You may already have your eye on the perfect property, but the idea of being stuck with two mortgages, or worse, selling your home and having nowhere to go, can make the process feel overwhelming. Moving isn’t just about finding a buyer anymore. It’s about timing two major transactions so you can secure your next home without unnecessary financial stress.

In today’s market, with over 70% of buyers and sellers saying it’s a good time to move, many homeowners are buying and selling at the same time. Housing inventory remains lower than historical norms, making it harder to find the right property quickly.

Interest rates and market competition also continue to shift, which makes it even harder to perfectly align the sale of one home with the purchase of another.

The good news is that buying before selling is possible when you understand the strategies available, such as:

1. The contingency strategy. One way to reduce financial risk is by including a sale contingency in your offer. A contingency simply means your offer to buy a home depends on the successful sale of your current property. In other words, you’re telling the seller, “I’m ready to buy, but only once my home sells.”

This protects you from carrying two mortgages at the same time. However, in competitive markets, some sellers may hesitate to accept contingent offers.

Another approach is negotiating a delayed closing, which gives you additional time to secure a buyer for your current home while keeping your next home under contract.

“Buying before selling is possible with the right strategy and planning.”

2. Bridge loans and asset-based lending. If you want to make a stronger, non-contingent offer, another option is a bridge loan.

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that allows you to access funds for your next purchase before the equity from your current home becomes available. It essentially “bridges the gap” between buying and selling.

Some homeowners also explore securities-backed lines of credit, which allow them to borrow against investment portfolios without selling their stocks. This can provide additional flexibility when timing is tight.

3. Tapping into existing assets. Another option is using assets you already have.

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow against the equity in your current home to fund the down payment on your next property.

Some homeowners also consider a short-term loan from a 401(k) to help cover transition costs. Because you’re borrowing from your own retirement account, the interest is often paid back into your own account.

These options can provide access to funds while your current home is being prepared for sale.

4. Buy-before-you-sell programs. In recent years, several companies have created programs designed specifically to help homeowners buy before selling. Services like Orchard, Knock, and Flyhomes provide financing solutions that allow you to purchase your next home while they help manage the sale of your existing property.

These programs aren’t the right fit for everyone, but for some homeowners, they can simplify the process significantly.

5. Rent-back agreements. Another practical option is a rent-back agreement, sometimes called a sale-leaseback.

With this strategy, you sell your current home first to unlock your equity, but you remain in the home temporarily as a tenant while you finalize your next purchase. This removes the pressure of moving immediately and allows you to buy your next home as a stronger, non-contingent buyer.

Buying before selling is entirely possible, but the right approach depends on your finances, your timeline, and the conditions of the local market.

If you’re considering a move and want to understand your options, the best first step is to create a clear strategy.

Feel free to reach out by phone, send us an email, or click this link to schedule a one-on-one strategy session. We can walk through the numbers together and build a plan that helps you move forward with confidence.

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The Best Way to Respond to a Lowball Offer

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

By Nicole Davidson

Your Timeline is My Timeline. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book a Call

Lowball offers are a common part of the real estate process, but receiving an offer far below your asking price can be frustrating. You might find yourself asking, “Are they serious?” or “What should I do next?” Instead of getting upset, it’s important to approach lowball offers with a strategic mindset.

Lowball offers are often used as a negotiation tactic. The buyer is looking for a good deal, and the seller wants the best price possible. It’s a typical part of the back-and-forth in real estate transactions. A lowball offer doesn’t necessarily mean the buyer doesn’t value your property; it might simply be a starting point for negotiation.

Here are the best ways to handle them while keeping control of the situation.

1. Understand the offer. The first thing to do when you receive a lowball offer is to take a moment and assess the situation. Instead of reacting right away, try to understand where the offer is coming from. Is the buyer trying to negotiate the best price, or do they not fully understand the market?

In some cases, the buyer may be testing your flexibility on price. In other cases, they may simply be unaware of your property’s true value. By understanding the motivations behind the offer, you can determine your next steps more effectively.

It’s important to remember that this is business, not personal. Once you understand why the offer is low, you’ll be in a better position to respond thoughtfully.

“A lowball offer doesn’t necessarily mean the buyer doesn't value your property; it might simply be a starting point for negotiation.”

2. Stay calm and collected. Maintaining composure is crucial in any real estate transaction. Showing desperation to sell or being too eager to accept an offer can weaken your stance. Staying calm shows the other party that you’re composed and in control, which is an advantage in any negotiation.

3. Counter with confidence. When you receive a lowball offer, it’s important to respond with a fair counteroffer that reflects your expectations. You need to remain firm but reasonable.

Communicate the true value of your property by highlighting key features like location, recent improvements, or market demand. Supporting your counteroffer with facts, such as recent comparable sales in the area, will strengthen your position.

For example, if a buyer offers $20,000 less than your asking price, don’t simply dismiss it. A more effective response would be: “I appreciate your offer, but based on recent sales in the area and the condition of the home, I believe the list price accurately reflects the true value of the property.” This shows that you’re open to negotiation but also clear on the value of your property.

4. Know when to walk away. If the offer is too far below your bottom line, it may not be worth your time to continue negotiations. Walking away isn’t a sign of failure: it’s a demonstration of your confidence in your price. If you stand firm, the buyer may return with a better offer. If they don’t, it might just be a sign that the deal isn’t right for you.

Knowing your limits is key in these situations. If the offer doesn’t align with your goals, it’s okay to decline and move on. Holding out for the right offer is perfectly fine.

Handling lowball offers comes down to understanding the offer, staying calm, responding with confidence, and knowing when to walk away. The important thing to remember is that negotiations are a natural part of the real estate process, and you don’t have to accept the first offer you receive.

If you have any questions or need help with your real estate plans, I’d be happy to help. Contact me today to discuss your specific situation and get tailored advice for your home sale or purchase. You can call or text 916-693-3369 or email nicole@davidson.realestate to book a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Welcome to Our Blog!

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

By Nicole Davidson

Your Timeline is My Timeline. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book a Call

Hello and welcome to our video blog! We are thrilled to have you here as part of our growing community of homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate enthusiasts. As dedicated real estate agents, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and updates to help you navigate the ever-changing real estate market with confidence and ease.

In this video blog, you can expect to find a variety of content designed to support you at every stage of your real estate journey. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:

Home Selling Tips

Thinking about selling your home? We got you covered. Learn the best practices for preparing your home for sale, pricing it right, and attracting potential buyers. Our goal is to ensure that you get the best possible return on your investment with minimal stress.

“Being well-informed is key to making strategic moves in real estate.”

Home Buying Tips

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, We will share practical advice to help you find the perfect home. From understanding mortgage options to negotiating the best deals, these posts will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Market Updates

Stay informed with the latest trends and developments in the real estate market. We will provide regular updates on market conditions, interest rates, and other factors that can influence your buying or selling decisions. Being well-informed is key to making strategic moves in real estate.

These videos will cover everything from navigating a home sale to expert interviews, giving you a front-row seat to the latest in real estate.

We are committed to making this blog a valuable resource for you, whether you’re actively buying or selling, or simply interested in learning more about the market. If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the content to better serve your needs.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!

Your Timeline is My Timeline. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book a Call
Free Home Valuation. Don’t trust a Zestimate. Get a personalized home valuation directly from Nicole. Get Estimate
Free Newsletter. Get our latest Q&A, insights, and market updates to make smarter decisions. Subscribe Now