Sell first or buy first

Most Triangle move-up buyers face the same catch-22: you need the equity from your current home to buy the next one, but you don’t want to be without a place to live while you wait. In the 2026 Triangle market, with inventory up significantly and homes taking 38 to 46 days to sell on average, selling first gives most move-up buyers the financial clarity and negotiating power they need. For those who can’t or won’t wait, bridge loans and well-structured contingent offers are viable alternatives, but they come with real costs worth understanding before you commit.