How to sell your house in one state and buy in another
Moving to a new state is a big adventure—but selling your current home and buying another across state lines? That’s where things can get complicated.
At Rockwell Residential, this is one of our specialties.
I’ve personally been through this process myself, and I’ve helped dozens of clients sell their Texas homes and relocate to new states all over the country. Whether you're moving for a new job, to be closer to family, or simply chasing a better lifestyle, here’s what you need to know to make your move smooth.
Two Main Approaches: Which One Fits You Best?
When you’re trying to both sell and buy in different states, you generally have two options:
1. Move First, Then Sell
This approach works well if:
You’ve already started a new job out of state
You can afford to carry two homes for a short time
You want to settle in and buy quickly in your new city
You need to tackle major home improvement projects
With this option, you move into temporary housing or buy right away in your new location, then turn your attention to selling your Texas home after you’ve relocated. It gives you the benefit of showing a clean, empty house and the flexibility to make needed improvements without living in a construction zone.
Best for: People relocating on a firm timeline or with financial flexibility.
2. Sell First, Then Move
This is often the more practical option for most clients—especially if:
You need the equity from your Texas home to fund your next purchase
You’re not sure where you want to land yet
You’re willing to rent temporarily after your home sells
In this case, we focus on prepping your home for a successful sale, helping you time it right to avoid long gaps in housing. Many of our clients opt for a short-term lease or corporate housing in their new city while they shop for their next home.
Best for: Anyone who needs to unlock their equity first or wants to buy with more financial certainty.
What Factors Should Guide Your Choice?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some of the biggest considerations include:
Job start date – Is your new role already underway or still a few months out?
School calendar – Do you need to move by the start of the school year?
Seasonal real estate patterns - When is the best time to sell in your market? For many markets it’s spring and fall.
Financial timeline – Do you need proceeds from your sale to buy?
Risk tolerance – Are you comfortable carrying two homes temporarily?
I walk my clients through each of these variables to help them choose the right approach. I also work closely with their out-of-state agents (or help them find a great one!) to coordinate timing and avoid unnecessary stress.
How We Help
Here at Rockwell Residential, we specialize in cross-state moves. Here’s what that looks like:
Strategic listing plan to get your Texas home sold quickly and for top dollar
Access to Compass Concierge to make smart improvements that boost your return
Nationwide agent connections so you have trusted help on both ends
Hands-on guidance through the logistics of packing, timing, and financing
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We know how to make it work—because we’ve done it ourselves, and we’ve helped our clients do it again and again.
