Zillow Advice: Home Buying - We want to put house for sale in April, when is a good time to start looking for a new one?

My strong advice. You can ...

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:42:00 GMT

My strong advice. You can "look" whenever you want. Just be sure you do NOT sign any purchase contracts until you have a "FIRM" contract on your existing home. Unless, of course, you can qualify for and afford two house payments for an indefinite period of time. If you buy a home with a contingency to sell your home, you will pay too much. You have no bargaining power with this contingency. Take it to the bank!!

One step at the time, don't ...

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:26:00 GMT

One step at the time, don't need to rush at uncertainly market

Start looking now. If your ...

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:16:00 GMT

Start looking now. If your area is like most around the country you will probably have plenty of homes to select from at great prices. I do not know how excited a home seller would be taking your offer with a contingency sale clause. You will be in a much better positon to negotiate a better price when you have a Buyer for your home. Be sure that your Buyer has been Pre qualified or even better Pre-approved before you sign that contract. Also be sure that the Buyer has a substantial deposit. 5% deposit would be a start. If they are putting 20% down that should not be a problem if they are serious about your home.The when you find that home have the offer contingent upon the closing of the sale of your property. This is much stronger when you already have a buyer. Be sure you Buyer will have finacing approved at least 10 days prior to the closing if possible. This makes life a lot easier for you. You could also show the Seller that you have a strong Buyer for you home. Make sure your home looks great and looks like the best buy in your area in order for your give youself a good chance of selling. An experienced Realtor can help you with that.

Hi,You can start looking ...

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:04:00 GMT

Hi,

You can start looking at houses now! If you find a house that you like you can submit an offer with the contingency that you sell your current home. It's a buyer's market right now so sellers are much more willing to accept a contract with a home to sell contingency. This actually happens quite frequently. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions on this.