Independent neighborhood guide, not affiliated with any homeowners association, property manager, city or official board.
Updated October 23, 2026
Every week, I hear from people who’ve found homes online and want to see them right away. They haven’t talked to a lender yet, and they need to sell their current home first, which isn’t listed.
I understand the worry: “What if we sell and can’t find anything?” But touring first often ends the same way. They find the perfect house, make an offer contingent on selling, list their home, and wait. Then another buyer takes the house.
Here’s the order that works better.
Step 1: Explore areas
Drive the neighborhoods you like. Look at upkeep, location and resale factors, like busy roads or nearby commercial property. Check your commute at the times you’d actually drive it.
Step 2: Do your homework
Look at prices in your target areas so you know what to expect.
Step 3: Talk to a lender
Learn what you qualify for before you fall in love with something out of reach, or discover you qualify for more than you thought. Read Mortgage Pre-approval.
Step 4: Get your home on the market
If you need to sell to buy, list first. Interview agents, get a market analysis, prepare the house and price it to draw buyers. Pricing at market value usually beats overpricing and sitting. Keep it show-ready every day. See my home staging guide.
Step 5: Shop with strength
Once your home is listed, or better yet under contract, you can make offers sellers take seriously. A buyer who’s ready to go has more bargaining power than one who still has to sell.
Done in the right order, both moves come together more smoothly. Start with a home value estimate, the seller questionnaire and the buyer questionnaire.
A simple plan for your selling and buying in the right order move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. For the local picture, read my Chaska homes guide or browse neighborhoods in Chanhassen and Victoria.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step in selling and buying in the right order
Every move is different. When you’re ready to talk about yours, I’m a call or text away.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in selling and buying in the right order.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Twin Cities homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
Thank you! You’re on the list.
I’m glad you’re here. A quick confirmation is on its way to your inbox. Whenever you want to talk about your own home or a move, I’m a call or text away.
