Treat people as though they were what they ought to be and you help them become whatthey are capable of being.
-Goethe

This Issue's Question

Q. I am planning to relocate to a smaller home. Should I put my present homeon the market first or buy my next home and then list my current dwelling?

A. The process of relocation is always a challenge. Deciding whether to buyor sell first depends on what type of market you are in. In a seller's market (where there are morepeople looking for homes than there is supply to satisfy them) it is better to find your next homebefore you list your present one. The opposite is true in a buyer's market (more homes available thanbuyers to buy them). Lenders are very aware of the market dynamics and can usually offer you some sortof financing that will give you the necessary time to sell your old home in a seller's market. Don'texpect the seller to be thrilled with an offer that involves a contingency to sell your home as acondition to purchasing their home. Better offers are plentiful in a seller's market.