Selling and Buying at the Same Time in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills looking to move, you're likely facing the classic real estate dilemma: Should you sell your current home before buying your next one — or vice versa?

The answer depends on several factors, including current market conditions, your financial situation, and timing needs — and that’s where working with an experienced top agent in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles makes all the difference.

As a trusted local expert with decades of experience in the Beverly Hills luxury real estate market, I’ve helped many clients successfully navigate this balancing act. Let’s walk through your options, and why, in today’s LA market, selling first often puts you in a stronger position.

The Advantages of Selling First

1. You’ll Unlock Your Home Equity

In high-value markets like Beverly Hills, many homeowners are sitting on substantial equity thanks to years of appreciation. According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), the average U.S. homeowner holds about $302,000 in equity — but in areas like the Westside of Los Angeles, it’s often significantly more.

Selling first gives you access to that equity, which can be used toward your next down payment, closing costs, or even allow for an all-cash purchase. That financial flexibility can be a game changer, especially in competitive neighborhoods like Brentwood, Holmby Hills, or the Sunset Strip.

2. You Avoid the Stress of Two Mortgages

Owning two homes, even briefly, can put a serious dent in your cash flow — especially with LA’s premium real estate prices. By selling first, you avoid juggling two mortgages, property taxes, and maintenance costs, offering peace of mind during your transition.

As Ramsey Solutions puts it:

“It’s best to sell your old home before buying a new one to avoid unnecessary risks and possible headaches.”

3. You’ll Be a More Attractive Buyer

In fast-moving neighborhoods like Beverly Grove or West Hollywood, sellers are often evaluating multiple offers. If your current home is already sold, your offer will appear cleaner and more compelling — without a sale contingency.

This gives your agent (that’s me!) the opportunity to craft an irresistible offer that helps you stand out in a bidding war — especially important in high-demand areas like Beverly Hills Flats or Bel Air.

⚠️ But Here’s One Thing To Consider…

Temporary Housing May Be Needed

If you sell first, you might need interim housing while searching for your next home. This could mean a short-term rental, staying with family, or negotiating a post-closing occupancy agreement (also known as a leaseback), where you remain in your sold home for a set period.

In many LA neighborhoods, especially in luxury real estate markets, this is a common and often negotiated solution to ease the transition.

A Quick Visual Breakdown

Use this visual to help weigh your options — whether you're concerned about temporary housing or want to make the strongest purchase offer possible:

(Source: Redfin)

Los Angeles Market-Specific Insights

• Beverly Hills & Bel Air: Luxury homes are often on the market longer, making it advantageous to list early and sell first.

• Westside LA: Inventory is tighter and buyer competition is strong — timing your sale right could help you buy with greater leverage.

• Hollywood Hills & Brentwood: Homes priced appropriately still sell quickly, making a seamless buy-sell transition possible with the right guidance.

✅ Bottom Line

In many cases, especially in Los Angeles’ high-stakes luxury real estate market, selling first gives you the financial clarity and buying power to move forward with confidence.

Thinking about selling and buying at the same time?
Let’s talk strategy. I’ll help you calculate your equity, analyze market timing, and design a personalized plan tailored for success — whether you're moving across town or upsizing to your dream home in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, or Pacific Palisades.

DM me today or visit my website to schedule your confidential consultation.