Should I sell my Portland home before buying a new one? 

Answer: It depends on your finances, timing, and comfort level. Selling first gives you cash and certainty, while buying first ensures housing stability. With YogaBug Real Estate, you’ll get a clear plan tailored to your situation in the Portland market. 

Why This Is a Common Question 

In a city like Portland, where homes often sell in under a month (average ~28 days, RMLS 2025), many homeowners wonder whether they should sell their current home before purchasing their next. The right answer depends on balancing financial security, timing, and lifestyle needs. 

Option 1: Sell Your Home First 

Pros: 

• Cash in hand: You’ll have your equity available for your down payment. 

• Less financial pressure: You avoid carrying two mortgages. 

• Stronger buying position: Offers are more attractive when you don’t have to sell a home simultaneously. 

Cons: 

• Temporary housing may be needed: You may need to rent or stay with family while searching for your new home. 

• Market timing risk: If inventory is low, finding your next home may take longer than expected. 

Option 2: Buy a New Home First 

Pros: 

• Smooth transition: You move directly from one home to the next. 

• No temporary housing: Kids, pets, and daily routines stay uninterrupted. 

• Time to prepare your home: You can list after moving out, which often makes showings easier and staging more effective. 

Cons: 

• Financial strain: You may carry two mortgages temporarily. 

• Conditional offers are weaker: If you need to sell your Portland home to qualify, some sellers may pass over your offer. 

• Market uncertainty: If your current home takes longer to sell, you could feel stretched. 

 Bridging the Gap: Creative Solutions 

If you’re unsure which option is right, there are ways to balance the two: 

• Rent-back agreement: After selling, you stay in your home for a short period while you secure your new one. 

• Bridge loan or HELOC: Access equity from your current home to help with the purchase of your next. 

• Contingent offers: Less common in Portland’s competitive market, but possible in certain situations. 

 Factors to Weigh in Portland 

1. Neighborhood demand: Homes in Alberta Arts or Sellwood-Moreland often sell quickly, giving you confidence to list first. 
2. Your financial comfort: If carrying two mortgages is stressful, selling first may be best. 
3. Your flexibility: Are you open to renting short-term or moving twice if needed? 
4. Market conditions: If rates drop or inventory shifts in 2026, waiting could change the equation. It is suspected that when rates change, buyers will step more aggressively into the market driving prices higher. 

 Pam’s Perspective 

I often remind Portland sellers: there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” It’s about aligning with your goals. Some of my clients sell first, pocket their equity, and feel relief. Others buy first to avoid disruption for their families. Both paths can work—with the right guidance. 

 Final Thoughts 

So, should you sell your Portland home before buying a new one? It depends on your equity, your stress tolerance, and your lifestyle priorities. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

At YogaBug Real Estate, we’ll review your financial picture, timing, and neighborhood market trends to design the strategy that works best for you. 

Call to Action 

Thinking about your next move in Portland? Contact Pam Blair and YogaBug Real Estate today. Whether you sell first or buy first, we’ll help you create a mindful, confident plan.