Selling One Home to Buy Another: A Point Loma Success Story

My clients had always loved this particular part of Point Loma, but they weren't sure they'd ever be able to buy a home there.

When we first walked through 1050 Concord Street, we ended up staying for nearly two hours. The sun was setting, there was a beautiful breeze, and neighbors kept stopping by to say hello. By the time we left, my clients knew this was where they wanted to live.

There was just one complication. They needed to sell their townhome at 3144 Lighthouse Ridge Lane before they could purchase Concord.

That meant finding a buyer for their existing home, negotiating a purchase contingent on that sale, and making sure the two transactions could close within days of each other.

On October 23, 2026, they closed on their townhome. Four days later, they closed on Concord Street for $1,860,000.

Here's how it came together.

First, We Needed to Sell Their Townhome

My clients owned a three-bedroom townhome in At The Bay, a gated community in Point Loma. We listed the property at $825,000 and received multiple offers.

Having more than one interested buyer gave us options, but we weren't necessarily looking for the highest offer. Since my clients' next purchase depended on this sale, we needed a buyer with strong financing, reasonable terms, and a closing timeline we could rely on.

We reviewed the offers carefully, looking at the financing, contingencies, and each buyer's ability to close. The goal was to put the townhome into escrow with a buyer who could follow through, while giving my clients the best possible terms.

Meanwhile, We Found the House on Concord Street

Concord was a little different from the typical Point Loma home.

The bedrooms were on the smaller side, and the permitted ADU had an unusual layout, including a kitchenette in the middle of what could otherwise make a wonderful primary suite. It wasn't a traditional floor plan, and I think that worked in our favor.

The property had a lot going for it, but its layout wasn't going to appeal to every buyer. In a more competitive market, we might not have had the same opportunity to negotiate.

We reached an agreement at $1,860,000, with the purchase contingent on selling Lighthouse Ridge.

That contingency was important. My clients needed the proceeds from their townhome sale to complete the purchase, so we negotiated terms that accounted for the relationship between the two transactions.

Then Came the Tricky Part: Two Escrows

Once both properties were under contract, we had two sets of deadlines to manage.

The Lighthouse sale needed to close first, but we also had inspections, disclosures, loan requirements, and repair negotiations happening on Concord.

The inspections at Concord identified several issues that needed to be addressed. We negotiated repairs and continued working through the outstanding items while keeping both closing dates in mind.

There were plenty of moving pieces, and not everything happened exactly as planned. That's fairly normal in real estate. The important part was staying ahead of deadlines, communicating with everyone involved, and addressing issues before they threatened either closing.

Because I represented my clients on both transactions, I was able to keep track of the full picture rather than treating the sale and purchase as separate deals.

Two Homes, Two Closings, Four Days Apart

3144 Lighthouse Ridge Lane, Point Loma

• Three-bedroom townhome in the gated At The Bay community
• Listed for $825,000
• Received multiple offers
• Closed October 23, 2026

1050 Concord Street, Point Loma

• Single-family home with a permitted ADU
• Purchased for $1,860,000
• Negotiated with a home sale contingency
• Closed October 27, 2026

My clients sold their townhome on a Friday and purchased their new home the following Tuesday.

And the house they once weren't sure they could buy? It's now theirs.

Can You Buy a Home Before Selling Your Current One?

This is a question I hear often, especially from homeowners who have built up equity but need to use that equity toward their next purchase.

The answer is yes, although how you approach it depends on your finances, the current market, and the home you're hoping to buy.

There are several ways to structure the move:

• A home sale contingency: You make an offer on your next home that depends on selling your current property.
• Selling first with a rent-back: You close on your existing home but negotiate additional time to remain there while you complete your purchase.
• Bridge financing: Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to access equity in your existing home to purchase before selling.
• Buying before selling: If you qualify to carry both properties, you may be able to purchase your next home without making the offer contingent on a sale.

There are advantages and drawbacks to each approach, and not every seller will accept a contingent offer.

In my clients' situation, the contingency worked because we had a plan for selling their townhome and negotiated a purchase timeline that accommodated both transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a seller accept an offer contingent on selling my home?

Some sellers will, particularly if your existing home is already listed or under contract. It depends on the seller's circumstances, the competition for the property, and how confident they feel about your ability to close. A well-priced home with a realistic sale timeline can make a contingent offer more attractive.

Do I need to sell my home before making an offer on another one?

Not necessarily. You may be able to make a contingent offer or qualify for financing that allows you to purchase before selling. I recommend speaking with your lender early so you understand your options before finding a home you want to buy.

What happens if my current home doesn't sell in time?

That depends on the terms of your purchase agreement. A home sale contingency may allow you to cancel under certain conditions, but the deadlines and protections vary. Some agreements also allow the seller to continue marketing the property. It's important to understand exactly what your contract requires before making an offer.

Is it better to sell first or buy first in San Diego?

There isn't one approach that works for everyone. Selling first can give you more certainty about your budget and proceeds, while buying first may give you more flexibility in finding the right property. Your financing, the market, and your comfort with carrying two properties will help determine the best approach.

Planning to Sell and Buy in San Diego?

If you're thinking about selling your current home but aren't sure how to coordinate your next purchase, it's worth having that conversation before you start looking.

I've worked in San Diego real estate since 2008, helping buyers and sellers through different markets and all kinds of transactions. Sometimes the right approach is to sell first. Other times, a contingent purchase or alternative financing makes more sense. The important thing is understanding your options and having a plan before you're under contract.

Whether you're in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, or another San Diego neighborhood, I'm happy to help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.

You can start by exploring your home's estimated value or browsing homes for sale in Point Loma.

If you'd rather talk through your options, you can reach me at Shirin@TheSDHome.com or call or text 858-750-5753.

Shirin Kheshti

Broker Associate | MRP | DRE 01848250
Coldwell Banker West
(858) 750-5753
www.TheSanDiegoHome.com