Selling to Buy in Maine: How to Move Up Without the Stress

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I sell my home and buy a new one at the same time?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common real estate scenarios in Maine right now. Many families and individuals are ready for their next chapter, but that next chapter depends on unlocking the value in their current home.

Whether you’re upsizing for a growing family, relocating to a new town, or right-sizing for the future, this guide will walk you through how to strategically and confidently sell your home and buy your next in Southern Maine.

🎯 Start With Strategy: Clarify Your Why and When

The most successful move-up buyers in Maine start with a crystal-clear vision of their goals.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to move? (More space, better layout, lifestyle change?)

• What would make this move a win?

• Do I need proceeds from my current home to afford the next?

Knowing your motivation helps you navigate tough decisions later. For example, if timing is more important than price—or vice versa—you’ll need to adjust your game plan accordingly.

In towns like Brunswick, Freeport, and Yarmouth, the market moves fast, but the right strategy can keep you in control.

💰 Step One: Know What You Can Sell For—and What You Can Buy

Understanding your financial picture is the foundation of this whole process.

You’ll need:

• A professional valuation of your current home

• A mortgage payoff estimate

• Projected net proceeds (after seller costs)

• A clear idea of what you can afford next

That’s where I come in. I provide a custom market analysis based on local data, not just online estimates. I’ll show you what similar homes are selling for in your neighborhood and what buyers are willing to pay right now.

In Southern Maine, we’re still seeing strong sale prices—especially for well-prepared, well-marketed homes.

🧾 Get Pre-Approved, Even If You’re Selling First

Yes, even if you plan to sell first, you need to know what you’re approved to buy.

Talk with a Maine-based lender (I can recommend a few) about:

• Contingent pre-approval: Buy contingent on selling your current home

• Bridge loan or HELOC: Tap into your equity before your home sells

• Buy-down incentives: Some sellers offer interest rate assistance

• Rent-back options: Stay in your home after closing for a smoother move

Having your financing lined up makes you more competitive when the right property hits the market—and it keeps your move on schedule.

🛠️ Get Your Current Home Market-Ready

This is the fun part—and the strategic part. Preparing your current home doesn’t mean overhauling it. It means making smart, simple upgrades that help it shine.

What we focus on:

• Decluttering and depersonalizing

• Minor repairs (touch-up paint, hardware swaps, deep cleaning)

• Light staging (using what you have or bringing in a few key pieces)

• Highlighting Maine-specific lifestyle features (mudrooms, wood stoves, outdoor space, etc.)

📸 Then we use pro-level visuals—photos, drone, and walk-through video—to make your listing stand out online and in person.

🧩 Should You Sell First or Buy First?

Let’s talk options. Each has its pros and cons, and your situation will help determine the best path.

Option A: Sell First, Then Buy

✅ Safer financially

✅ Know your exact buying budget

❌ Might require temporary housing

This is common in high-demand areas like Freeport or Yarmouth where homes sell quickly.

Option B: Buy First, Then Sell

✅ No gap between homes

✅ More control over your next move

❌ Higher financial risk unless you qualify for special financing

This might work better if your current home has equity and you’ve found the perfect next place.

Pro tip: We can often time things so your sale closes right before your purchase—and in many cases, we negotiate a rent-back so you don’t have to move twice.

🧠 Coordinate the Closings (This is Where I Come In)

You’re not alone in this.

As your REALTOR, I:

• Help you align the sale and purchase timelines

• Keep lenders, title companies, and agents on the same page

• Navigate contingencies, inspection timelines, and repair requests

• Negotiate terms that give you breathing room between transactions

Whether you’re buying in Yarmouth or selling in Brunswick, my job is to take control of the entire process so nothing falls through the cracks.

🏡 Why Now Is Still a Good Time to Move Up in Maine

Let’s address the elephant in the room: interest rates.

Yes, they’re higher than a couple years ago—but that doesn’t mean buying is off the table. In fact, this market favors prepared, serious buyers like you.

Here’s why:

• Less competition means more negotiation power

• Home prices in Maine remain strong but not overheated

• Sellers are more flexible with repairs, concessions, and timelines

• Inventory is improving, giving you more choices than before

Plus, when you buy your next home now, you lock in today’s price. You can always refinance later—but you can’t go back and buy that dream kitchen with a home office when it’s already off the market.

🤝 Ready to Make Your Move?

You don’t have to wait until your home is “perfect” or the market is “ideal.” You just need to be ready—and I’ll help you get there.

With a process that’s strategic, responsive, and grounded in what actually works, I help you sell with confidence and buy with clarity.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I’m here to help! Let’s make your goals a reality. Contact me today at 207.387.5416 or craig@craigpriestlyrealestate.com to get started!