Buying and Selling at the Same Time in Denver
Updated 2026-11-07
How do I buy and sell a home at the same time in Denver?
You are matching two closings, and there are three main ways to do it: sell first and negotiate a rent-back, buy first using a bridge loan, HELOC or cash reserves, or make your purchase contingent on your sale. The right plan depends on your equity, what your lender approves, and how much risk you want around moving twice.
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Option 1: sell first
Sell, then buy with your proceeds in hand. You can negotiate a post-closing occupancy (rent-back) so you stay in the home for a set time after closing. Lower financial risk; the tradeoff is a tighter search window or a temporary move.
Option 2: buy first
Use a bridge loan, a HELOC, or cash reserves to buy before you sell. Your offer can look stronger to sellers, but you may carry two payments for a while. Ask your lender what you qualify for. The CFPB explains loan options and home equity lines of credit. [1]
Option 3: a home sale contingency
Make your purchase depend on selling your current home. It protects you, but sellers may see it as weaker. It works best when your home is already under contract.
How the Colorado contract handles it
Colorado uses contract forms approved by the Real Estate Commission, with deadlines for inspection, appraisal, loan and title, and options for a sale contingency and a post-closing occupancy agreement. Lewi lines up both contracts' dates so they work together. [2]
Decision worksheet
- How much equity do I have? (Ask Lewi for a net sheet.)
- What does my lender approve with and without my current home sold?
- Can I carry two payments? For how long?
- Am I willing to move twice?
- How flexible is my move date?
Sample timeline (example only)
- Week 1: net sheet, lender call, choose the option.
- Weeks 2 to 3: prep and list; start touring.
- Under contract on the sale: write the purchase offer with dates that line up.
- Closing day plan: sale closes first, purchase closes the same or next day, or a rent-back covers the gap.
In a client's words
"Sold our home found us our other home all within 15 days truly amazing top notch and I would recommend him to anyone." (Frank Anello, Google review, Jun 8, 2021)
Next step
Ask Lewi for a two-move plan with real numbers for your home and your next one.
Common questions
Should I sell first or buy first in Denver?
Selling first lowers financial risk and can use a rent-back to bridge the gap. Buying first can make your offer stronger but may mean two payments for a while. Your equity and lender approval usually decide it.
What is a rent-back?
A post-closing occupancy agreement that lets the seller stay in the home for a set time after closing, on terms agreed in the contract.
Will a home sale contingency weaken my offer?
Sellers may see it as weaker. It tends to work best when your current home is already under contract.
Sources
- CFPB, Owning a Home (as of Nov 6, 2026)
- Colorado Division of Real Estate (as of Nov 6, 2026)
Related: Buy and sell at the same time · All guides · Central Park, Denver, CO: Selling Central Park
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