Move-Up Buyers Guide

Ready for more space? Here's how to make your next move.

Move-up buyers in San Antonio have five main ways to sell their current home and buy the next one: sell first, buy first, close both on the same day, make an offer contingent on selling, or use a bridge loan. Most choose a coordinated, simultaneous closing, which means one move, no temporary housing, and no double mortgage payments.

Whether the family is growing, a home office has become essential, or it's simply time for an upgrade, moving up comes with challenges first-time buyers don't face. With about 1,000 transactions over two decades, Tami Price, Broker Owner of Tami Price Properties, Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), understands the timing, strategy, and coordination required.

What makes moving up different?

Unlike first-time buyers, move-up buyers coordinate two transactions at once:

• Selling the current home to access equity for the next down payment
• Buying the next home before someone else does

Sell too fast and there's nowhere to live between closings. Buy too fast and there are two mortgages to carry. The goal is to align both transactions so the family moves once.

What are my options for selling and buying?

How much equity will I have for my next home?

Equity is the current market value minus the remaining mortgage balance. Net proceeds are what's left after selling costs.

To get accurate numbers, you need:

• The current home's market value, from a detailed market analysis Tami provides
• The mortgage payoff amount, from your lender
• Estimated selling costs, which Tami calculates
• Your net proceeds, the amount you'll actually walk away with

Together with a new pre-approval, these numbers set the budget for your next home.

What should move-up buyers look for?

You've done this before, and you know what works. This time, think long-term.

What mistakes do move-up buyers make?

• Waiting to get pre-approved. Even homeowners need a new pre-approval, especially if two mortgages may overlap.
• Overestimating the current home's value. Emotional attachment inflates perceived value, so start with an objective market analysis.
• Underestimating selling costs. Commissions, title fees, repairs, and closing costs often total 6% to 8% of the sale price.
• Waiting for perfect timing. It rarely exists. Strategy matters more than timing the market.
• Not preparing the current home. Start decluttering and repairs early so it shows well and sells for top dollar.
• Using different agents for buying and selling. One agent coordinating both keeps timelines and strategy aligned.

Where do San Antonio move-up buyers look?

• Stone Oak: an established north side community with a wide price range
• Alamo Ranch: a family-friendly master-planned community with newer homes and amenities
• Shavano Park: a sought-after enclave with mature trees and larger lots
• Cibolo Canyons: a gated community with resort-style amenities and golf
• Kinder Ranch: a newer master-planned community served by Comal ISD
• Boerne: Hill Country character, strong schools, and more space and land
• Helotes: a semi-rural feel with larger lots and a growing community
• Fair Oaks Ranch: upscale, low-density Hill Country living
• Cibolo and Schertz: growing, family-oriented communities with new construction options
• The Dominion and Sonterra: luxury options for significant upgrades

What does a move-up timeline look like?

"From day one, Tami made us feel like we were her only clients. Her level of attention, care, and dedication is unmatched. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for us."

Home buyers, client review

Frequently asked questions

Should I sell my current home before buying my next one?

It depends on finances and risk tolerance. Selling first gives certainty about the down payment but may require temporary housing. Buying first avoids that but can mean carrying two mortgages. Many move-up buyers coordinate simultaneous closings to get the best of both.

How do I know how much home I can afford before I've sold?

Tami provides a market analysis of the current home and estimates net proceeds. Combined with a mortgage pre-approval, that sets a realistic budget before any commitments.

Can I make an offer contingent on selling my home?

Yes, but contingent offers are weaker and may lose to non-contingent buyers. In competitive situations, a bridge loan or selling first can make the offer stronger.

What if my current home sells before I find the next one?

A seller's temporary lease, a standard Texas form, can let the seller stay in the home for a short time after closing. A longer closing date or short-term housing are other options. Building that flexibility into the sale is part of the strategy.

What if my current home doesn't sell as quickly as expected?

That's why strategy matters. Tami prices competitively, markets aggressively, and builds contingency plans into the timeline, including adjusting the purchase timing or exploring bridge financing if needed.

What San Antonio neighborhoods are popular with move-up buyers?

Popular choices include Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, Shavano Park, Cibolo Canyons, Kinder Ranch, Boerne, Helotes, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Cibolo and Schertz, with The Dominion and Sonterra for luxury upgrades.