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By Amanda Oldfield

Should I Sell My Interlakes Home Before Buying Another One Locally?

April 24, 20263 min read

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.


The Two Main Options

When you’re moving locally, you usually have two paths:

1. Sell first, then buy

2. Buy first, then sell

Both can work.

The right choice depends on your situation, not just the market.


Why Many Local Sellers Choose to Sell First

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 Trade-Off With Selling First

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.


When Buying First Might Make Sense

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.


Where People Get Into Trouble

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.


A Local Example

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.


How I Help Clients Decide

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.


So… Should You Sell Before You Buy?

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.


Next Step

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.


📍 CONTACT

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

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