Whether first-time homebuyers or entering the marketplace as repeat buyers, the more you know about the real estate marketplace, the more likely you are to effectively define your goals.   First find out what you can afford and check out all your various options with the help of Real Estate Calculators.   Meet with experts (a lender, your tax advisor, etc.) helping you eliminate time spent looking at properties you can't afford. Then you can make a "clean" offer that sellers are more likely to respond favorably to.   It is advisable that you sell first, and then buy a property. First of all, the property you want will probably not take a contingency offer. Second, if you are emotionally attached to the real estate you want to buy you won't be as objective on selling your home. You may take less than it's worth so that you don't lose the other home. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you understand the financial implications.     Read other articles from ‘Buying Real Estate’ series   Choosing a real estate agent Financing your real estate purchase Buying real estate - Finding a home Buying real estate - Managing the offer Buying real estate - Getting insurance Buying real estate - Closing the deal Buying real estate - Settling in