Quick answer
Many central Ohio homeowners who move up or downsize have to sell and buy at once. There are two basic paths: buy first (using savings, a HELOC or a bridge loan) or sell first (using a rent-back or short-term rental). With 2.6 months of inventory and homes selling in a median 33 days in September 2026, Columbus buyers have more room to ask for a home-sale contingency than a year ago.
Selling one home and buying another at the same time is one of the most stressful moves in real estate. The good news: there are only a few ways to do it, and the right one depends on your equity, your budget and the market you’re buying in. Here’s how each option works in Columbus right now.
What is the Columbus market like for move-up buyers right now?
In September 2026, central Ohio had 6,530 homes for sale, up 12.3% from a year earlier, and 2.6 months of supply, according to Columbus REALTORS. The median sales price was $334,250, up 2.8%, and the median home took 33 days to sell, compared with 30 a year ago.
Sellers received 96.3% of their original list price on average. In plain terms: you’ll likely have a bit more time to sell, and a bit more negotiating room when you buy. Mortgage rates matter too. Freddie Mac’s 30-year fixed average was 7.24% on Oct 29, 2026, down from the prior week but above last year’s 6.17%.
Should I buy first or sell first?
Sell first if you need the sale proceeds for your down payment or can’t carry two mortgage payments. You’ll know exactly what you have to spend, but you may need temporary housing.
Buy first if you have the savings or equity to cover a down payment and can afford two payments for a while. You avoid moving twice, but you carry the risk if your current home takes longer to sell.
What is a home-sale contingency?
A home-sale contingency makes your purchase depend on selling your current home. If your home doesn’t sell by the agreed date, you can back out. Sellers often see contingent offers as weaker, so they work best when inventory is up and sellers have fewer competing offers, like the market central Ohio has right now.
What are bridge loans and HELOCs?
A bridge loan is a short-term loan that covers your down payment until your current home sells. Not every lender offers them, and they can be hard to qualify for.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you borrow against the equity in your current home to fund the next purchase. Ask your lender about timing, since it’s generally easier to open one before your home is listed. Talk to a lender early about both.
What is a rent-back?
In a rent-back (or leaseback), you sell your home and then rent it from the buyer for a short, agreed period after closing. It gives you time to close on your next home without moving twice. You can also ask for an extended closing date to line up both sales.
How do I line up both closings?
- Get a home valuation and talk to a lender first. Know your equity and what you can borrow.
- Prepare your current home before you shop. Listing-ready homes sell faster.
- Pick your path: contingency, bridge loan/HELOC, or sell first with a rent-back.
- Negotiate dates on both contracts so the closings fall days, not weeks, apart.
- Use one team for both sides so one plan covers both timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house before selling mine in Columbus?
Yes, if you can cover the down payment and both payments for a while, often with savings, a HELOC or a bridge loan. Otherwise, a home-sale contingency or selling first is safer.
Will a seller accept a contingent offer?
Sometimes. Contingent offers are more likely to be accepted when inventory is up and homes sit longer. In September 2026 central Ohio had 2.6 months of supply, up from 2.3 a year earlier.
How long does it take to sell a home in Columbus?
The median home sold in 33 days in September 2026, according to Columbus REALTORS. Closing comes after that, once the buyer’s financing and inspections are done.
Planning a move up or a downsize?
Planning a move up or a downsize? The Shannon Group, Brokered by Fiv Realty helps homeowners sell and buy in the same move across Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Powell, Hilliard, New Albany and the rest of central Ohio. Start with a free home valuation or contact our team to map out both timelines.
Sources: Columbus REALTORS, Central Ohio Housing Reports, September 2026; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, Oct 29, 2026.
