How do you sell your home while buying new construction?
Start by asking the builder three questions: will they accept a home-sale contingency (and for how long), how firm is the completion date, and what happens to your deposit and upgrades if your home doesn’t sell. Then match your sale to the build stage. For a to-be-built home, list your current home as the build nears completion, usually 60 to 90 days out. For a spec or quick move-in home, you’ll need your current home ready to list right away. A rent-back or longer closing on your sale can absorb builder delays.
New construction is everywhere in Pierce County, from South Hill and Frederickson to Bonney Lake and Graham. For move-up families, a brand-new home is a big draw.
The challenge is timing. Builders set their own schedules and contracts, and completion dates can move. Your current home’s sale has to fit around that. Here’s how to coordinate both. For the full move-up picture, see our guide to selling and buying at the same time.
Know what you’re buying: three build stages
| Build stage | Typical timing | What it means for your sale |
|---|---|---|
| To-be-built | Several months or more | Plenty of time to prep, but completion dates can shift |
| Under construction | A few months | List as the home nears completion |
| Spec / quick move-in | Ready soon | Your home needs to be sale-ready now |
Builder contracts are different
Most builders use their own purchase agreements, not standard NWMLS forms. Read them carefully, ideally with your agent, and if needed an attorney. Ask:
- Do you accept a home-sale contingency? Some builders do, often with a short window or a requirement that your home already be listed or under contract.
- How firm is the completion date? What happens if it slips?
- How much is the deposit, and is it refundable? Upgrades and design selections may require extra non-refundable deposits.
- Can I extend my rate lock if completion is delayed, and at what cost?
Our guide to buying new construction in Pierce County covers inspections, upgrades, and incentives in more detail.
Three ways to line up the timing
Option 1: Contingent purchase
If the builder accepts it, your purchase depends on selling your home. It protects you, but builders may limit the time or ask you to be listed already. Here’s how contingent offers work in Washington.
Option 2: Sell with a rent-back or flexible closing
Sell your home when the build is close, then negotiate a rent-back or a longer closing so you can stay until the new home is ready. Here’s how rent-backs work.
Option 3: Buy first with financing help
If you can qualify for the new home without selling first, or you use bridge financing or a buy-before-you-sell program, you can close on the new home and then sell. This costs more but removes the timing squeeze.
When everything lines up, families can even close both on the same day. Here’s how back-to-back closings work.
A sample timeline for a to-be-built home
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Contract signed | Get pre-approved with your sale plan; review builder deadlines |
| Framing to drywall | Prep your current home: repairs, decluttering, photos plan |
| About 60–90 days before completion | List your current home; ask for a closing date with buffer |
| About 30 days before completion | Confirm completion date with the builder; schedule your inspection |
| Completion | Walkthrough and close; use a rent-back if your sale closes first |
Every builder and market is different. Treat these as planning ranges, not promises.
My advice for move-up families
- Build in buffer. Assume completion could move by a few weeks.
- Don’t list too early. A buyer may not want to wait months for you to move.
- Get your own inspection on the new home, even with a builder warranty.
- Keep your agent involved with the builder’s sales team from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a builder accept a home sale contingency?
Some do, but terms vary. Builders may limit the time, require your current home to be listed or under contract, or decline contingencies on quick move-in homes. Ask before you sign.
When should I list my house if I’m building a new home?
Many move-up buyers list when the new home is about 60 to 90 days from completion, then negotiate a closing date or rent-back that allows for builder delays.
What happens if my new construction home is delayed?
It depends on the builder’s contract. Delays can affect your rate lock, your current home’s closing, and moving plans. Ask about rate lock extensions and build buffer into your sale.
Can I use a rent-back when buying new construction?
Yes. A rent-back on your current home lets you stay after your sale closes until the new home is ready, which can bridge a short builder delay.
Do builders use NWMLS forms?
Many builders use their own purchase agreements rather than standard NWMLS forms. Review the contract carefully with your agent and an attorney if needed.
Get the timing right from the start
New construction and a move-up sale can work beautifully together when the plan accounts for builder schedules and gives you room for delays.
If you’re thinking about building or buying new and need to sell your current home, schedule a move-up strategy conversation with The Barnard Group. We’ll map the timeline and help you negotiate both sides.
About Josh Barnard Josh Barnard is the founder of The Barnard Group and has spent over 20 years helping families navigate some of life’s biggest moments through real estate. Known for his “Work Hard. Be Kind.” approach, Josh combines expert market knowledge, innovative marketing, and genuine care to help homeowners make confident decisions about their next chapter. Whether someone is buying their first home, moving up, downsizing, or relocating to Pierce County, his mission is simple: serve people well, create unforgettable experiences, and help families build a life they love.
Researched October 13, 2026. Builder contracts and timelines vary. Review contract terms with your agent, lender, and attorney.
