Buy before you sell · Denver & Colorado
Buy your next home before you sell your current one.
Most move-up buyers in Denver have their down payment tied up in the house they live in. These are the ways to use that equity to buy first, so you can make a stronger offer and move once.
Your options
Five ways to buy before you sell
Which one fits depends on your equity, income and timeline. Each has tradeoffs we'll go through together.
| Option | How it works | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Qualify with both payments | Your income supports the new mortgage and your current one at the same time. | You have strong income and the down payment in savings. |
| Bridge loan | Short-term loan against your current home's equity covers the next down payment. Paid off when you sell. | Most of your down payment is equity in your current home. |
| Home equity line (HELOC) | Open a line on your current home before listing and draw on it for the down payment. | You plan ahead and open the line before your home goes on the market. |
| NAF Cash offer | Make a non-contingent cash offer, then convert to permanent financing. Transaction fee applies. | You're competing against other offers and need to stand out. |
| Home-sale contingency | Your purchase depends on your current home selling first. | The seller is flexible and the market is slow. |
The process
From first call to keys
Numbers call
We look at your equity, income and payment comfort zone in 30 minutes.
Pick the strategy
I lay out the options you qualify for, with real payments for each.
Get approved
Your approval letter reflects your buy-first plan, so your agent can write with confidence.
Buy, then sell
Close on the new home, move in, and list the old one on your own timeline.
Settle up
Sale proceeds pay off the bridge or pay down your new loan.
Questions
Buy before you sell FAQ
Can I buy a house before I sell mine in Denver?
Often, yes. It depends on whether you can qualify with both payments, how much equity you have in your current home, and which program fits. A short call is the fastest way to find out which options are open to you.
What is a bridge loan?
A bridge loan is short-term financing that lets you use equity in your current home toward the down payment on your next one. When your current home sells, the sale proceeds pay off the bridge loan.
Do I have to make two mortgage payments?
Sometimes, for a period of time. Some strategies are designed to reduce or avoid that overlap. We'll look at what your budget can carry and how long you'd want to carry it before you choose a plan.
What is NAF Cash?
NAF Cash lets qualified buyers make a non-contingent cash offer, then convert to permanent financing after closing. It's offered by NAF Cash, LLC, an affiliate of New American Funding, and includes a transaction fee and program terms we'll review together.
Can I lower my new payment after my old home sells?
Many buyers use their sale proceeds to pay down the new loan. Some loan types allow a recast, which lowers the monthly payment after a lump-sum payment. We'll check whether your loan allows it.