Who's the Best Realtor to Sell and Buy a Bigger Home in Baton Rouge?
Outgrowing your home is a good problem to have. Maybe you need another bedroom, a home office, a bigger yard or a shorter commute. But moving up usually means doing two big things at once: selling your current home and buying the next one. The timing can feel stressful if you do not have a plan.
If you are looking for the best realtor to sell and buy a bigger home in Baton Rouge, you want a team that can manage both sides smoothly. We are Brian Mackey and Janelle Hernandez with Pivot Realty, and as a Baton Rouge Realtor team, we help homeowners move up every year.
Part of our guide to selling a home in Baton Rouge.
The Big Question: Sell First or Buy First?
There is no single right answer. It depends on your finances, the market and how much flexibility you have. Here are the most common approaches:
Sell first. You know exactly how much money you have for the next purchase, and you avoid carrying two mortgages. The tradeoff is that you may need a short-term rental or a rent-back period.
Buy first. You can move once and take your time. This may require enough income to qualify for both payments, savings for the down payment, or a bridge loan or home equity option. Your lender can explain what is available to you.
Buy with a sale contingency. Your offer depends on selling your current home. This can work, but some sellers prefer offers without contingencies.
Coordinate both closings. With careful planning, it is often possible to close on your sale and purchase close together.
We help you weigh these options with your lender so you choose the one that fits your situation.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
We start by estimating what your current home could sell for and preparing a seller net sheet with your estimated proceeds after payoff and costs. Then you can talk with your lender about your buying budget. You can request a free video review of your current home on our seller page.
Step 2: Prepare Your Current Home
A well-prepared home tends to sell faster and with fewer surprises. We help you focus on the repairs and updates that matter, and we market your home with professional photos, video, social media and listing exposure through Zillow Showcase and our Homes.com partnership.
Step 3: Shop for Your Next Home with a Clear Plan
Once you know your budget and timeline, we start touring homes that fit. If you cannot make a showing, we offer free live video tours. If new construction interests you, we can help you compare builder timelines with your sale.
Step 4: Line Up the Timeline
We coordinate dates with both closings, your lender and the title company. Options like a short rent-back after your sale can give you a little extra time to move.
Why Move-Up Buyers Choose Brian Mackey Realtor and Janelle
Two agents for the price of one. With two transactions going at once, having both of us on your team makes a real difference.
One team, both sides. We manage your sale and your purchase together so nothing falls through the cracks.
Investor perspective. We own rental property locally. If keeping your current home as a rental makes sense, we can help you think through that option too.
Local market updates. Our weekday news videos and The Red Stick Report newsletter keep you current on Baton Rouge Real Estate.
Ready to Talk?
If you are ready to move up, Brian Mackey and Janelle can help you plan both sides of your move. The easiest next step is to reach out to The Method Group by text at 225-337-6363. Tell us a little about your plans and we will take it from there, with no pressure and no obligation.
Talk soon,
Brian Mackey and Janelle Hernandez
The Method Group · Pivot Realty
