What’s Riskier: Buying or Selling First in Today’s Market?

By Jen Dumitrescu | jend.ca  

This is one of the top questions I get asked—and the answer? Well, it’s not that simple. In today’s unpredictable Toronto market, the right move depends on your lifestyle, goals, and risk tolerance. Let’s break it down.

"Jen: Should we buy first or sell first?" The truth? It depends.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s happening in the market, the type of property you’re buying or selling (condo vs. detached), and even the neighbourhood you’re in can all affect the strategy.

Selling first often gives you more peace of mind. If you need the equity from your current place to buy your next one, this route lets you know exactly how much you have to work with. The downside? You may feel rushed to find something quickly—or end up needing temporary housing.

Buying first means locking in your next dream home when you find it. But you’ll need to be confident your current home will sell in a reasonable time frame. If it doesn’t, carrying both properties temporarily could create financial stress.

If you do need to carry 2 properties, there is help. It's called bridge financing. It’s short-term financing that covers the gap between when you take possession of your new home and when your old one closes. It's usually only available if your sale is firm, meaning the deal is legally binding. That said, many clients don’t need it at all—we often align both closings on the same day.

At the end of the day, your best move depends on your goals, timeline, finances, and comfort level with risk. A good real estate agent will help you weigh the pros and cons, create a solid game plan, and keep the process smooth from start to finish.

Looking to connect or have a question? 

jend.ca / jen@jend.ca / IG: jendumitrescu

TAGS: #Toronto Spring Real Estate 2025, #Micro-Market Trends, #Bridge Financing, #Bidding Wars Toronto 2025, #Listing Strategies for Sellers, #Buyers' Market Insights, #Jen Dumitrescu