This is a frequently asked question. Obviously most people would prefer to buy and know where they are moving before selling their existing home. Unfortunately in most cases the answer is NO - it is not a good strategy. Here is why:

If you have the money or can borrow it, you can buy before you sell. However, most people are not in this position.

FIRST: You can make an offer subject to the saw of your home, but if yo do this there will be a "bump" clause in your contract saying that if the Seller receives another acceptable offer, the Seller can cancel your agreement in 24-78 hours of such notice. This happens quite often as the Seller and his Agent will often use your offer to attract another Buyer. You now have to start all over and the same thing could easily happen again.

SECOND: With a 'subject to sale' offer you have no bargaining power. The Seller has little or no incentive to accept a lower offer when it is 'subject to sale'. Typically, you will pay 1-3% more to get your offer accepted. In addition there is now added pressure on you to sell your home, since you want to avoid being bumped. Therefore it is likely that you will sell for a lower price. I have seen it costing the buyers $10,000 more by doing it that way.

THIRD: You might have seen some Real Estate Agents advertising to buy your home in 90 days or so if it doesn't sell. I consider this a gimmick, and a conflict of interest, and is only designed to rope you into an agreement with them. Ask your self, is this agent working for your best interest or his/her best interest? I will be happy to discuss this further with you.

In summary, this is my recommendation:

Unless you can afford it, always sell before you buy. I will show you exactly how this can be one and how it will work out perfectly well with little or no stress or pressure.