Blog
If you already live in the Interlakes and you’re thinking about making a move, this question comes up fast:
“Do I sell first… or try to buy first?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But there is a smarter way to look at it.
When you’re moving locally, you usually have two paths:
Both can work.
The right choice depends on your situation, not just the market.
Selling first is the safer, more predictable option.
It gives you:
A clear sale price
Certainty about your finances
Less pressure when you go to buy
You’re not guessing what your home will sell for.
You already know.
For a lot of people, that peace of mind matters.
The downside?
You may need a plan for where you’ll go in between.
That could mean:
Renting short-term
Staying with family
Negotiating longer possession dates
It adds a step.
But it also removes a lot of financial risk.
Buying first can work if:
You find a property that’s a perfect fit
You’re financially able to carry both properties temporarily
You’re comfortable taking on a bit more risk
This can be the right move in a tight market…
But you need a plan in place.
This is the part that causes stress.
Trying to do both at the same time—without a strategy.
That usually leads to:
Rushed decisions
Pressure during negotiations
Settling for a property that isn’t quite right
Or accepting an offer you’re not fully comfortable with.
I worked with a seller in the Interlakes who originally wanted to buy first.
They were worried they wouldn’t find the right next property.
After walking through their numbers and options, we decided to sell first.
Once their home sold, everything changed.
They:
Knew exactly what they could spend
Felt more confident making offers
Took their time choosing the right property
And ended up in a much better situation than if they had rushed it.
I’m Amanda Oldfield, a Realtor with eXp Realty based in 100 Mile House, and I help Interlakes homeowners make moves like this without the chaos.
When we look at this decision, we go through:
Your financial comfort level
Your timeline
How flexible you can be
What’s available in the market right now
Because the goal isn’t just to “move.”
It’s to move in a way that actually works for you.
For many local homeowners, selling first makes things simpler.
But not always.
The right answer depends on:
Your situation
Your risk tolerance
Your goals
When you look at those clearly, the decision becomes a lot easier.
If you’re thinking about making a move in the Interlakes, even if it’s just early planning, this is a great time to talk it through.
You can:
Ask about your home’s value
Walk through different scenarios
Get a clear plan before you make a move
No pressure.
Just a better understanding of your options.
Amanda Oldfield Realtor - eXp Realty
96 Hwy 97, 100 Mile House, BC
250-318-5202
Helping buyers and sellers in the Interlakes make smart real estate decisions without the guesswork