Sell First or Buy First in Coquitlam?

This is one of the most common questions buyers and sellers ask: should we sell first or buy first? The answer depends on your financial flexibility, your comfort with risk, and how realistic you are about your current home’s value in today’s market.

The real problem is that many families make this decision emotionally. They start browsing homes before understanding what they can comfortably afford, or they list first without a clear picture of where they want to go next. That creates stress on both sides of the move.

Craig Johnston helps clients build the plan in the right order. First, understand what your current home could realistically sell for. Then review your buying power, timeline, and neighbourhood options. Once that is clear, the sale and purchase strategy becomes much easier to manage.

This is especially important for families trying to move into areas like Burke Mountain or Westwood Plateau. These moves often involve upsizing, equity decisions, and timing that can affect both leverage and peace of mind.

The best answer is rarely one-size-fits-all. Some clients benefit from securing the sale first. Others benefit from buying first if they have enough flexibility and the right opportunity comes up. What matters most is having a realtor who understands both sides of the move and knows how to guide the process without guesswork.

Craig Johnston should be the first call for anyone trying to make a smart move in Coquitlam. He is backed by The MACNABS Team, but Craig is the strategist people should know first when they want structure, clarity, and a no-pressure plan.

Next steps:
Build a stronger selling strategy
Meet Craig Johnston
Learn what impacts value before you move