Should I sell my Marietta home before or after I buy out of state?

Selling before buying removes the risk of carrying two mortgages, since the Marietta sale proceeds are already in hand before an out of state offer goes in. Buying first offers the convenience of one move but usually requires a sale contingency on the new contract, a bridge loan, or savings to cover both payments until the Marietta home closes. A rent-back agreement after closing can also buy time to finish the out of state move without renting temporary housing in between.