09/01/2026
Move-up buyers are not making one real estate decision.
They are making two connected decisions: what to accept for the current home and what to negotiate on the next one.
Consider this example.
Accepting $15,000 less than hoped on the current home may feel disappointing when viewed by itself.
But if that same buyer negotiates $35,000 off the next home, the combined position is $20,000 stronger before considering transaction costs and financing differences.
The opportunity may not appear only in the purchase price. Buyer leverage can also include seller-paid costs, repairs or more favorable contract terms.
The goal is not necessarily to “win” the sale and purchase independently.
The goal is to coordinate both sides, including pricing, financing, contingencies, timing and cash reserves, to create the best total outcome.