Buy Now, Sell Later: How Columbus Homeowners Can Move Without the Chaos

In 2021–2023, selling a home in Columbus felt like getting launched out of a cannon — list on Friday, 15 showings by Saturday, and a bidding war by Monday morning. It was chaotic, stressful, and honestly? A lot of families got forced into moves that didn’t fit their timing.

Fast-forward to today, and things look very different in Central Ohio.

Homes are still selling — and selling strong — but they’re taking longer to sell, and buyers finally have breathing room again. That shift has opened the door for a strategy we haven’t been able to use in years:

Buy Now, Sell Later.

For move-up buyers across Columbus, Powell, Dublin, and New Albany, this is the moment. You can secure your next home first, move once, and then sell your current home without panic-packing or Airbnb-hopping with your kids and dogs like you’re filming a travel vlog nobody asked for.

Let’s break down the data and why this works right now.

The Market Shift: Days on Market Are Up

Here’s how long homes are sitting compared to last year:

Inventory has been rising across Central Ohio, and listings aren't evaporating in 48 hours anymore. In plain English:

Buyers have options. Sellers have patience.

That changes the negotiation table — and creates an opportunity for homeowners who want to move without being rushed.

What “Buy Now, Sell Later” Actually Means

This isn’t a gimmick.

It’s a funding and planning strategy that lets you secure your next home without having to sell your current one first. That means:

✅ Make offers confidently on your next home
✅ Move one time — not two
✅ Prep and list your current home correctly
✅ Avoid the “drive around all weekend with pets and children” showings marathon

In a competitive market, this strategy wasn’t realistic — sellers wanted clean, instantaneous offers. Today, flexibility is back on the table.

Why This Works Better Right Now

1. Homes Aren’t Selling Overnight

When a listing sits ~30–60 days, sellers relax their stance on terms — including timelines.

2. You Avoid Panic-Listing Your Home

No more:

• Rushed photos
• “Good enough” repairs
• Leaving equity on the table because you needed speed over strategy

You get to sell right — not fast.

3. You Don’t Need to Move Twice

Temporary rentals? Storage units? Your in-laws’ guest room?

Hard pass.
Buy Now, Sell Later lets you skip the chaos and move directly into the new home.

Is There a Risk of Having Two Homes Temporarily?

Technically yes — but part of my role is building a financing plan that avoids surprises.

We:

• Run full qualification
• Stress-test your numbers
• Time your sale correctly
• Explore bridge options, HELOC support, and cash-flow buffers

And since the Columbus market is still strong, homes are selling — just not at light-speed.

Median sale prices are still climbing, and sellers are still getting near asking price. You aren’t listing into a weak market — you’re just able to breathe again.

Who Should Consider Buy Now, Sell Later?

✅ Families needing more space (Powell, Dublin, New Albany — I see you)
✅ Homeowners who refuse to panic-list
✅ People who value convenience and control
✅ Anyone who wants to time the market smartly

If you’ve been waiting for the market to cool off enough to not get steamrolled — this is that moment.

Why It Matters in Central Ohio

Growth here isn’t slowing — Intel, economic expansion, migration from high-cost states, and strong job growth are still fueling demand. Long-term? Columbus looks incredibly strong.

Short-term? We’re in the window where:

• Prices are steady
• Inventory is building
• Days on market are longer
• Rates are stabilizing
• Buyers can negotiate again

Opportunity loves moments like this.

The Bottom Line

For three years, buying your next home before selling the current one felt impossible.

Today?

You have leverage again — and a clear runway to move without the stress and chaos.

If you’re even thinking about upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or getting into your next phase of life sooner rather than later…

This is your shot.

And it may not last long once the spring market picks up.

Ready to make a move without the madness?

Let’s build your plan:

👉 PreapprovalWithTom.com

Or just text me and say “Buy first option?” — I’ll send the details.

Columbus — this is your moment to move smart, not stressed.