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Complete Guide Updated January 2026

How to Buy Before Selling Your Home in Los Angeles - From a Certified HomeLight Partner Agent

Yes, you can buy a new home before selling your current one in Los Angeles. HomeLight Buy Before You Sell unlocks up to 70% of your equity within 24 hours, letting you make non-contingent offers that actually win in competitive markets. The program costs 2.4% of your sale price with no interest charges, and includes a Guaranteed Backup Offer if your home doesn't sell within 120 days.

In This Guide

• The Timing Problem Every LA Homeowner Faces
• Your Buy-Before-Sell Options
• How HomeLight Buy Before You Sell Works
• What It Actually Costs
• The Step-by-Step Process
• Who This Is (and Isn't) Right For
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Timing Problem Every LA Homeowner Faces

You found your dream home in South Pasadena. It's priced right, the school district is perfect, and there are already three other offers on the table. The seller wants a decision by tomorrow.

But your money is locked in your current home. You can't access it until you sell. And making an offer contingent on selling your house? In this market, that's almost certain to lose to a non-contingent buyer.

This timing problem keeps thousands of LA homeowners stuck in homes that no longer fit their needs-waiting for the "right time" that never comes.

There are solutions. Here's how they actually work.

Your Buy-Before-Sell Options

You have seven main approaches to buying before selling. Each has tradeoffs:

Option	Cost (on $1.2M home)	Key Tradeoff
HomeLight BBYS	$28,800 (2.4%)	Requires partner agent
Knock Bridge Loan	~$28,850	Longer timeline (180 days)
Bridge Loan	$45,000-55,000	High interest, no backup offer
HELOC	$25,000-30,000	Takes weeks to set up
Contingent Offer	$0	Rarely wins in LA

For most Los Angeles homeowners with significant equity, HomeLight Buy Before You Sell offers the best combination of cost, speed, and certainty. Here's why.

How HomeLight Buy Before You Sell Actually Works

The core concept: HomeLight advances you up to 70% of your home's equity before you sell, based on their evaluation of your property. They also provide a Guaranteed Backup Offer-a price they'll pay for your home if it doesn't sell on the open market within 120 days.

What You Get:

• Equity Unlock: Up to 70% of your available equity, within 24 hours of approval
• Guaranteed Backup Offer: A floor price for your home (typically below market value)
• 120-Day Runway: Time to sell your home on the open market at full price
• Non-Contingent Offer Ability: Make competitive offers without home sale contingencies

How It's Different From a Bridge Loan:

• No interest charges: BBYS is a flat 2.4% fee, not a loan with 10%+ interest
• Guaranteed exit: HomeLight buys your home if it doesn't sell; bridge loans leave you stuck
• Faster approval: 24 hours vs. 2-4 weeks for traditional bridge financing
• No dual mortgage qualification: You don't need to qualify carrying both mortgages

The Partner Agent Requirement

You can't access Buy Before You Sell directly-you need a certified HomeLight partner agent. HomeLight is selective about partnerships, evaluating agents on transaction volume, sale-to-list ratio, and client ratings. This isn't a limitation; it's quality control that protects you.

What It Actually Costs

BBYS Cost on $1.2M Pasadena Home

Program Fee (2.4%) $28,800

Interest Charges $0

Origination Fees $0

Total BBYS-Specific Cost $28,800

Compare that to a traditional bridge loan at 10% APR: on a $500,000 loan for 6 months, you'd pay approximately $25,600 in interest alone-plus $10,000+ in origination fees. Total: $40,000+.

But the cost comparison isn't complete without the savings BBYS often generates:

• Non-contingent offer advantage: Save 1-3% on purchase price ($10,000-$30,000 on a $1M purchase)
• Vacant staging premium: Homes sell for up to 10% more when staged vacant
• Avoided temporary housing: $9,000-18,000 in rental costs
• Avoided double-move: $6,000-10,000 in moving costs

In many scenarios, the program pays for itself-and then some.

Let's Run Your Numbers

I'll show you exactly what BBYS would cost and what you could potentially save-no obligation.

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The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Connect with a HomeLight Partner Agent
Find an agent with direct program access. Ask: "Are you a certified HomeLight partner agent?" If they hedge, they're not.

Step 2: Property Evaluation (24 hours)
Your agent submits your property details. HomeLight's algorithm evaluates your home's value, market conditions, and risk profile to determine your Equity Unlock Amount and Guaranteed Backup Offer price.

Step 3: House Hunt with Confidence
With your exact equity unlock known, you search for your new home without guessing what you can afford.

Step 4: Make a Non-Contingent Offer
When you find the right home, you make an offer without a home sale contingency. In competitive LA markets, this is often the difference between winning and losing.

Step 5: Close on Your New Home and Move Once
You purchase your new home, funded by the equity unlock, and move directly into it. No temporary housing. No double-moves.

Step 6: List and Sell Your Old Home (Within 21 Days)
Your partner agent lists your previous home-now vacant and professionally staged. Homes presented this way often sell for more.

Step 7: Sell Within 120 Days
You have 120 days to sell on the open market. If it doesn't sell, HomeLight purchases it at the Guaranteed Backup Offer price.

Who This Is Right For

BBYS works well for:

• Homeowners with significant equity (the program unlocks up to 70%)
• Buyers competing in hot markets where contingent offers don't win
• People who want to move once, not twice
• Anyone who values certainty (the backup offer eliminates "what if" risk)

BBYS may not be right for:

• Low equity situations (the 2.4% fee takes a bigger bite)
• Homes requiring significant repairs before listing
• Unrealistic price expectations that don't match market data
• Situations where you're not ready to list within 21 days of closing on new home

LA-Specific Considerations

Prop 19 for Seniors: California homeowners 55+ can transfer their property tax basis to a new home-and BBYS works seamlessly with this benefit. You buy your replacement home, transfer your basis within the 2-year Prop 19 window, and move once. Read the full Prop 19 + BBYS guide →

Fire-Affected Homeowners: If you've experienced partial fire damage but your home remains saleable, BBYS may be an option for relocating. If your home was destroyed, you'll need alternative strategies. Read guidance for fire-affected homeowners →

ULA Mansion Tax: For homes selling above $5 million, LA's Measure ULA adds a 4% transfer tax. This affects your net proceeds and Equity Unlock calculation-factor it into your planning.

Ready to See If BBYS Fits Your Situation?

A 15-minute conversation can tell you your Equity Unlock Amount, whether you qualify, and if this is the right approach for your move.

Call or Text (213) 444-2225

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HomeLight Buy Before You Sell?

A program that unlocks up to 70% of your home equity before you sell, allowing you to make non-contingent offers on a new home. HomeLight provides a Guaranteed Backup Offer and gives you 120 days to sell your old home on the open market.

How much does Buy Before You Sell cost?

2.4% of your departing home's sale price. On a $1.2 million LA home, that's $28,800. There are no interest charges-unlike bridge loans which charge 9-11% interest.

Can I use my own agent?

Yes, if your agent is a certified HomeLight partner. If not, you'll need to work with a partner agent who has direct program access.

What happens if my home doesn't sell in 120 days?

HomeLight purchases your home at the Guaranteed Backup Offer price-typically below market value, but providing certainty. Most homes sell on the open market well before the deadline.

How is this different from a bridge loan?

Bridge loans charge 9-11% interest plus origination fees; BBYS charges a flat 2.4% with no interest. Bridge loans have no backup offer if your home doesn't sell; BBYS guarantees HomeLight will buy it.

Deep Dive Guides

→ Why You Need a Partner Agent (And How They're Selected) → Who Qualifies for Buy Before You Sell? → The Real Costs of Buy Before You Sell → HomeLight vs. Bridge Loans: Full Comparison → Prop 19 + Buy Before You Sell for California Seniors → HomeLight Equity Boost Explained

JB

Justin Borges

HomeLight Partner Agent | DRE# 01940318

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about HomeLight Buy Before You Sell. Program terms, fees, and availability are subject to change. Consult with a qualified HomeLight partner agent, lender, and financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation. The Borges Real Estate Team is a HomeLight partner and not a lender.