Should you find a buyer first or find a home first .... Which is best?
The worry that you will ‘sell’ your home and then not be able to find what you are looking for is a real fear for many … so what should you do? Do you start marketing first to find a buyer and then search for your next home or search first and then market your property to sell?
🏡 Should You Market Your Home First or Find First?
One of the biggest worries sellers face is: “What if I sell my home and can’t find the right one to buy?” It’s a real fear, and we’re asked this question all the time.
Some homeowners believe their property will be easy to sell and prefer to search first, especially if they’re looking for something “unique.” But here’s the truth: every home is unique to every buyer. If everyone waited to find before selling, no homes would ever come to market.
It’s also worth remembering that:
- An experienced agent will manage buyer expectations around your position.
- If you don’t find a home, you simply don’t move — no one is going to push you out.
- Why We Recommend Marketing First
While advice can vary depending on individual circumstances, in our experience, marketing your property and finding a buyer first is usually the best move. Here’s why:
✅ Stronger Position as a Buyer
Once you have a buyer, your position changes significantly. Sellers are far more likely to accept your offer if you’re “proceedable” — even if another buyer comes in slightly higher but isn’t ready.
💔 Avoid Heartbreak
Falling in love with a property only to lose it to a proceedable buyer can be devastating. Most sellers will keep their home on the market until they have a buyer locked in — meaning your dream home could slip away while you’re still trying to sell.
💷 Financial Benefits
If you find before selling, the pressure to move quickly can push you into:
- Offering more than you planned through fear of missing out
- Accepting a lower offer on your own home to speed things up
- By agreeing a sale first, you’ll know exactly what you can afford and avoid overpaying.
The Bottom Line
Marketing your home early means:
You can find the right buyer at the best price
You’ll be in a strong position to secure your next home
You can move forward without the stress of being rushed
We are here and ready to help in any way we can. 🧑💼
☎️ Call: 01474 321957
📧 Email: richard@mandmprop.co.uk