Should I buy or sell first in Ontario?

It depends on your risk tolerance and the market. Selling first removes the carrying-cost risk but may leave you needing temporary housing. Buying first gives you choice but can mean two mortgages for a while.

Can I make an offer conditional on selling my house?

Yes, but sellers often see it as a weaker offer, especially when there are multiple bids. Your agent can tell you how common it is in your target area.

Do I need a lawyer for both transactions?

Yes. Each closing needs a real estate lawyer, and many people use the same one so the two closings are coordinated.

Agent to sell your home and buy the next one at the same time

Selling one home and buying another means two deals that have to line up. In Ontario that usually comes down to closing dates, and whether you make your purchase offer conditional on the sale of your current home.

Timing: an agent should plan for a gap or an overlap between possession dates, and tell you which risk fits your situation.
Conditional offers: a sale-conditional offer is weaker in a competitive market, so ask how the agent has handled this in your area.
Bridge financing: ask your lender early, and ask the agent how they coordinate with your mortgage broker and real estate lawyer.
One agent or two: using the same agent for both sides saves coordination, but check that they know both neighbourhoods.

Look for agents with recent sales and purchases in both your selling and buying areas, and ask for an example of a tight back-to-back closing.

What it costs

Commission is negotiated with each brokerage and is normally paid on the sale side. Extra costs depend on the plan you choose: bridge financing interest, short-term storage or rent if closings do not align, and double moving costs. Legal fees apply to both transactions.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for residential home sales.

1. Imran Khan - Broker of Record RE/MAX Downtown Condos Team
4.9★ · 134 reviews

92
2. Steve Jelenic - Residential Real Estate, Reimagined
5.0★ · 167 reviews

94
3. Alex Zhvanetskiy Toronto Realtor Condominium Specialist
5.0★ · 145 reviews

94

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FAQ

Should I buy or sell first in Ontario?: It depends on your risk tolerance and the market. Selling first removes the carrying-cost risk but may leave you needing temporary housing. Buying first gives you choice but can mean two mortgages for a while.
Can I make an offer conditional on selling my house?: Yes, but sellers often see it as a weaker offer, especially when there are multiple bids. Your agent can tell you how common it is in your target area.
Do I need a lawyer for both transactions?: Yes. Each closing needs a real estate lawyer, and many people use the same one so the two closings are coordinated.

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