Dear Monica: We need to move but don’t know if it’s best to sell first and then buy, or the reverse.  Advice? James D.

Dear James: This is a common question for many buyers.  If you sell first you will likely have to move to a rental until your property sells, but then you will know exactly how much money you have to buy your next home.  This scenario has less financial risk.

If you buy first, you will have to either use savings or obtain a bridge loan.  You will own two properties for some length of time and the costs that go with this.  However it allows you to move once instead of twice and while the risks are greater, they may be acceptable.  Consult your financial advisor on whether this makes sense for you.