Should I sell my house before I buy the smaller one?

Selling first avoids carrying two mortgages at once and gives a clear number to work with when making an offer on the smaller home, though it can mean a temporary housing gap if the next purchase takes longer than planned. Buying first avoids that gap but requires either enough cash or financing that doesn't depend on the current home's sale proceeds. A contingent offer or a bridge arrangement through a lender can sometimes connect the two, and a local agent can lay out which approach fits your specific timeline and finances.