How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in Manhattan, Kansas

Upgrading your home is one of the biggest transitions you can make in life. Whether your family is growing, you’ve outgrown your space, or you simply want something new, buying and selling a home at the same time can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategy, the process can be seamless—and even exciting.

As a real estate agent in Manhattan, KS, I’ve helped hundreds of families successfully sell their current homes while moving into their dream homes right here in the Flint Hills. Let’s break down the key steps so you know exactly how to make this transition without unnecessary stress.

Step 1: Assess Your Finances

The very first step in upgrading your home is taking an honest look at your financial situation.

• Set your budget – Decide whether you want to look at it from a total purchase price or your target monthly payment.

• Factor in additional costs – Closing costs, inspections, moving expenses, and repairs should all be part of your plan.

• Get pre-approved – A pre-approval letter from a local lender in Manhattan not only strengthens your offer but also helps you understand exactly what you can afford.

This step is all about clarity. You’ll avoid surprises later by knowing where you stand today.

Step 2: Decide on Your Overlap Plan

When you own your current home (let’s call it House A) but want to buy your next home (House B), you need to figure out how the timing will work. Here are a few common scenarios:

• Buy before you sell – If your finances allow, this is the least stressful option, but it means carrying two mortgages temporarily.

• Use a bridge loan – This lets you buy your next home while only paying interest until your current home sells.

• Sell and buy simultaneously – The most common scenario in Manhattan, KS. This usually means making your new purchase contingent on selling your current home.

Each option has pros and cons. What matters is choosing the one that fits your financial comfort zone.

Step 3: Plan Your Timing Carefully

Timing is everything. In many cases, families will close on the sale of their first home and the purchase of their new home on the very same day. It sounds intense—and it is—but it’s also completely doable with the right preparation.

Sometimes this means a storage unit or even a short stay at a hotel or Airbnb between closings. The important part is having a backup plan and knowing your timeline.

Step 4: Prepare Your Current Home for Sale

Before we start house hunting, I always recommend having your current home “market-ready.” That way, when you find the right property, you can list quickly. Preparation includes:

• Decluttering and staging

• Handling small repairs and updates

• Improving curb appeal

Homes in Manhattan, KS that are well-prepared often sell faster and for higher prices, which makes your transition smoother.

Step 5: Understand Contingencies and Kick-Out Clauses

If you’re buying your next home contingent on selling your current one, you need to understand kick-out rights. This means if another buyer makes an offer, you may have only 48 hours to decide whether to move forward without the contingency.

It’s stressful—but manageable if your current home is ready to sell. Once your first home is under contract, that risk goes away, which is why preparation is so critical.

Step 6: Coordinate Closings Like Dominoes

Selling and buying at the same time is like lining up dominoes. One move affects the next. That’s where having an experienced local agent makes all the difference.

I’ve coordinated multiple transactions where three or four homes all had to close in the same sequence. With communication and planning, it works—but it requires precision.

Step 7: Have a Backup Plan

Even the best-laid plans can run into hiccups. Maybe a buyer’s financing falls through or a closing date shifts. That’s why it’s smart to prepare for “what if” scenarios:

• A short-term rental or storage solution

• Flexibility with moving arrangements

• Open communication with your agent

Final Thoughts: Upgrading Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Buying and selling a home simultaneously in Manhattan, Kansas is absolutely possible with the right plan. Whether you use a bridge loan, buy non-contingent, or close both homes on the same day, there’s a strategy that can work for you.

The key is preparation, honesty about your finances, and working with an agent who knows the Manhattan market inside and out.

If you’re ready to start planning your move, I’d love to help. I’ve guided more than 550 families through this exact process right here in Riley County and the surrounding areas. Let’s make your transition smooth and stress-free.

📞 Call or text me directly at (785) 477-5485
📧 Email: kyle@homesforsalemhk.com