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Buy or Sell First? Insights for Homeowners Around Lake Keowee

Lissa Lipsey
Oct 21 1 minutes read

Stepping into the real estate market in Upstate South Carolina, especially around the luxurious Lake Keowee, presents a unique set of considerations for homeowners. The dilemma of whether to purchase a new property or sell your existing one first is a common predicament. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and peculiar challenges tailored to our local luxury market. Let's dissect these factors to help guide your decision in harmony with your situation.

Buying First: Taking the Leap

The allure of securing your dream home on the shores of Lake Keowee before selling your current residence is understandable. The serene views and exclusive amenities are hard to pass up. Yet, moving forward with a purchase first requires careful thought.

Pros:

  • ImmediateTransition: By purchasing first, you eliminate the stress of finding an interim place to live. You can transition straight into your new Lake Keowee home, sidestepping temporary housing solutions altogether.
  • Leisurely Move: Owning your new house allows you to move on your own timeline, reducing stress and offering more time to enjoy the moving process. This is especially beneficial in our luxury market where homes are as much about lifestyle as they are about living spaces.

Cons:

  • Financial Considerations: Holding onto two properties means double the mortgages, unless you're buying in cash. The costs can add up, potentially requiring a bridging loan or dipping into savings.
  • Pressure to Sell: With financial commitments to two homes, there’s an underlying push to sell your current home swiftly, possibly compromising on your expected sale price.

Selling First: A Strategic Move

Choosing to sell your Lake Keowee home before buying another offers a clear financial pathway but isn't without its hurdles.

Pros:

  • Financial Freedom: Selling first frees you from the worry of dual mortgages and provides a clear budget for your next purchase, simplifying your decision in our affluent market.
  • Enhanced Buying Power: With cash in hand from your sale, you’re positioned to put forward stronger offers, a valuable asset in competitive luxury markets.

Cons:

  • Interim Housing: Finding where to live in the gap between selling and buying can introduce complications, ranging from short-term rentals to storage for your belongings.
  • Pressured Purchase: Once your house sells, the urgency to find a new Lake Keowee home might lead you to settle on a property that doesn’t quite meet all of your desires, simply to avoid being without a home.

Making Your Choice

There's no universal solution, but several factors can point you in the right direction:

  • Market Dynamics: Upstate South Carolina’s luxury market around Lake Keowee is unique. Understanding whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market can influence your decision significantly. Luxury properties often move at a different pace compared to the general market.
  • Financial Readiness: Evaluate whether you have the means to handle two properties simultaneously or if the more cautious route of selling first better suits your financial landscape.
  • Risk Appetite: Assess how much uncertainty you’re willing to tolerate. If the thought of juggling two mortgages or making a hasty purchase decision keeps you up at night, selling first may align better with your comfort level.

Exploring Alternatives: Bridging the Gap

If you're finding it hard to lean fully toward buying first or selling first, there are alternatives:

  • Bridge Loans: These can provide the financial cushion needed to buy your next Lake Keowee home before selling, minimizing the rush to sell under pressure.
  • Contingency Offers: Making your purchase contingent on selling your current home can be a safety net, though it's worth noting that such offers are less attractive in competitive markets.

In the end, whether you decide to buy or sell your Lake Keowee property first hinges on a thorough evaluation of your personal circumstances against the backdrop of our unique local market. Weighing the pros and cons, considering your financial standing, and measuring your tolerance for risk will set you on a path to making an informed decision, easing the transition to your next luxury home.

Thinking about selling your home?

Get in touch. We'll guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth transaction that meets your goals.

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