What's best for your situation?

When deciding on your ideal timeline and whether to buy a new home before selling your current home or vice versa, there are several factors we need to take into consideration:

Financial Situation: If you can afford it, buying before selling can be less stressful. You won't have to rush into buying a new home or potentially end up in temporary housing. However, this requires having enough savings or credit to manage two mortgages simultaneously, which might not be feasible for everyone.

• Pros: No pressure to find a new home quickly, you can take your time to find the perfect place.
• Cons: Double mortgage payments, risk of not selling your current home quickly enough, which could strain finances.

Market Conditions: If the housing market is hot and homes are selling quickly, selling first might be safer. You'll have the cash from the sale to purchase your next home, reducing financial risk. Also, if the market is hot, you are more likely to run into more competition on your dream house, including multiple offer situations.

• Pro: You know exactly how much you have to spend on your new home, less financial risk.
• Con: You might need to find temporary housing if you sell quickly and haven't found a new home yet.

Overall Comfort: Some people prefer the security of having a new home lined up before selling. This can reduce stress but might mean you're less flexible in negotiations when considering offers on your current home.

• Pro: Peace of mind knowing where you're moving to beforehand.
• Con: Might limit your ability to wait for the best offer on your current home.

Contingency Offers: In some cases, and depending on the market, you can make an offer contingent on selling your current home. This can be a middle ground but might not be attractive to sellers in a seller's market.

• Pro: You secure a new home while still selling your old one.
• Con: Sellers might not accept contingent offers, especially in competitive markets.

Bridge Loans: Bridge loans or home sale contingencies are not uncommon, making buying before selling a possibility depending on the circumstance. 

Given these considerations, if you have the financial stability to manage two mortgages or secure a bridge loan, buying before selling might be preferable for comfort and less rush. However, if finances are tighter or the market is very competitive, selling first could be the safer option. 

Take time to consider what the best option is for your needs and be sure to consult with a lender to learn about the potential costs and timeframe associated with various bridge loan or buy before you sell programs.