Bay Area mortgage guidance

Buy a Bay Area Home Before Selling Your Current Home

Explore financing that may help Bay Area homeowners buy their next home before selling their current property.

Buy Before You Sell mortgage program flyer

Program overview

What this financing option is designed to do

Timing a sale and purchase together can be difficult, especially in competitive San Jose and Santa Clara County markets. A buy-before-you-sell program may let an eligible homeowner qualify for the next purchase without counting the departing-home payment in the usual way, provided the current home is listed or there is a documented intent to sell.

Who may want to explore it

Homeowners moving to a larger or smaller property
Buyers who want time to prepare and market their current home
Borrowers comparing permanent financing with a short-term bridge loan
Clients who may need standard-documentation or alternative-documentation options

How qualification generally works

The lender reviews the new purchase, current-home equity, intended sale plan, income, assets, credit, and reserves.
A listing agreement or letter of intent to sell may be required before the departing-home payment can receive special treatment.
The new loan is permanent financing; the current home can be sold after the move, subject to program requirements.

San Jose & Santa Clara perspective

What to consider in a high-cost Bay Area market

Plan for overlap costs such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, staging, and repairs on two homes.

Review the likely sale range conservatively rather than relying only on an optimistic list price.

Coordinate financing, offer contingencies, and the listing timeline before making an offer on the next home.

Questions to ask before applying

How much equity must remain in my current home?
When must my current home be listed or sold?
How are reserves and both properties' carrying costs evaluated?
Would this program or a bridge loan better fit my timeline?

Program availability, rates, terms, loan limits, and eligibility requirements are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit, income or asset, and property approval as applicable. This information is educational and is not a commitment to lend. Consult appropriate tax, legal, or financial professionals for advice specific to your situation.