How to Buy a Home Without Selling Your Home in Waunakee

In a competitive market like Waunakee, timing can make all the difference when buying a new home. One common question we hear is: “Can I buy a new home without selling mine first?” The answer is yes—but you’ll need the right strategy and support to make it happen smoothly.

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just ready for a change, here are the most common (and successful) ways to buy a home without selling your current one in Waunakee.

1. Use a Bridge Loan or Explore the Fairway Trade-In Program

A bridge loan is a short-term financing tool that allows you to tap into the equity of your current home to use as a down payment on your next home. Once your current home sells, you pay back the loan.

However, there’s another option designed specifically to simplify this process for homeowners like you: the Fairway Trade-In Program.

💬 “With the Fairway Trade-In Program, you don’t have to carry two mortgages or worry about timing the sale perfectly. It gives you the freedom to buy your next home with confidence—knowing Fairway has your back.” — Tony Burns, Fairway Mortgage

This program gives buyers the flexibility of a cash offer on their new home while Fairway purchases your existing home upfront and helps you sell it afterward—often for top dollar.

2. Tap Into a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity you’ve built up in your current home—usually at a lower interest rate than a bridge loan. The key difference? You’ll need to secure this before your current home goes on the market.

Pro Tip: Lenders won’t offer a HELOC if your home is already listed for sale, so plan ahead!

3. Convert Your Current Home Into a Rental

If your home would rent easily in Waunakee’s hot rental market, you might consider turning it into an income property. This allows you to keep the home as an investment while using the rental income to offset your debt-to-income ratio when qualifying for your next mortgage.

Lenders will typically credit 75% of the anticipated rent toward your income—helpful when qualifying for your next home.

4. Use Savings or Gift Funds

If you’ve been disciplined about saving or have family support, you may be able to use liquid assets or a financial gift toward your next home’s down payment. In many cases, buyers use a combination of savings, a temporary HELOC, and a solid plan to sell their current home shortly after closing on the new one.

5. Negotiate a Rent-Back or Extended Closing

Another option is to buy first and then negotiate a longer closing period or a post-closing occupancy agreement (rent-back) when selling your current home. This gives you time to find and move into your new place without the pressure of same-day closings.

6. Work With a Real Estate Agent Who Knows the Local Market

Timing is everything. Working with a local Waunakee agent who understands both the buying and selling side of the equation can be your biggest advantage. Whether you’re eyeing a new home in a specific school district or need a strategy to win without a home sale contingency, I can help you get there.

💬 “I always tell my clients, you don’t need to rush into selling your current home if you have the right plan and lender. Let’s build a strategy that works for your timeline, not someone else’s.” — John Reuter, Integrity Homes

Final Thoughts

Buying before selling can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're leveraging equity, navigating creative financing, or converting your home to a rental, the path forward is possible with the right team behind you.

If you're thinking about making a move in or around Waunakee, let’s talk. I’ll help you find a solution that fits your lifestyle, your finances, and your future goals.

Ready to explore your options?

📞 Call or text me at 608.669.4226
📧 Email: john@integrityhomeswi.com
🌐 www.integrityhomeswi.com

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