If you’re an Aurora homeowner trying to upgrade into a new construction home, you’re likely facing the same challenge most move-up buyers face:
“How do I buy my new home without selling my current one first?”
You’re not alone — and the good news is that you can buy before you sell if you use the right financing and timing strategy. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how Aurora move-up sellers are doing it successfully in 2025.
Why This Matters for Aurora Homeowners
Aurora builders — including M/I Homes, D.R. Horton, and others — are still offering attractive incentives such as:
- Lower-rate buydowns
- Closing-cost assistance
- Flexible completion timelines
But to take advantage of these deals, you need a plan that ensures you don’t end up carrying two mortgages or rushing into a low-value sale.
1. The Core Challenge: Your Equity Is Trapped in Your Current Home
Most Aurora homeowners rely on the equity in their existing home to fund their next purchase.
That creates a timing issue:
- Builders want non-contingent offers.
- Lenders often prefer your current home to be sold or under contract.
- You just want to avoid two moves and two payments.
The solution isn’t luck — it’s structure.
2. Three Smart Ways to Buy Before You Sell
A. Bridge Loan or HELOC
Tap your current home’s equity to fund your down payment for the new build, then pay off the loan once your home sells.
Best for:
- Sellers with solid credit
- Homes expected to sell quickly
- Anyone wanting maximum flexibility
This is the cleanest way to secure a new build before listing your current home.
B. Home Sale Contingency
Some Aurora builders still accept home-sale contingencies if your current property is priced correctly and already listed.
Best for:
- Sellers who want reduced risk
- Homes in high-demand Aurora neighborhoods
- Buyers who want more time before their listing goes live
When structured well, a contingency protects you from moving twice or carrying two mortgages.
C. Rent-Back Agreements
Also called post-possession agreements, this allows you to:
- Sell your home
- Close
- Rent it back for 30–60 days
- Move into your new build when it’s ready
Best for:
- Highly competitive Aurora price points ($350K–$550K)
- Sellers needing flexibility
- Minimizing storage and temporary housing costs
This is the most stress-free option for many families.
3. Oswego & Aurora Builders Offering Flexibility Right Now
Many move-up buyers look at new construction in nearby areas like Oswego due to:
- Lower taxes
- Flexible floor plans
- Inventory of quick-move-in homes
Builders such as M/I Homes and D.R. Horton are still offering rate buydowns in the 4’s and 5’s and closing-cost credits — incentives that won’t last forever.
Pro tip:
If you want to compare Aurora vs. Oswego new-build options, watch my Oswego video in your YouTube playlist titled “Oswego New Construction: How to Buy Before You Sell.”
4. The Ideal Timeline for a Smooth Move-Up
Here’s the process successful Aurora move-up buyers use:
Step 1: Evaluate your home’s value and timeline
You need to know:
- Expected sale price
- Days on market
- Equity available
Step 2: Meet with a lender for move-up financing
Options include:
- Traditional pre-approval
- HELOC
- Bridge loan
Step 3: Secure new-build terms
Negotiate:
- Completion timeline
- Incentives
- Flexibility on closing
Step 4: List your home at the right time
Typically:
- 30–60 days before new-build completion
- Or right after locking in builder terms
With this sequence, you avoid gaps, duplicate payments, and rushed decisions.
5. Should You Move Up or Remodel?
Some Aurora homeowners consider remodeling instead of moving.
A few questions help clarify your path:
- Will updates increase value enough to justify the cost?
- Will renovations fix the functional issues — or just the cosmetic?
- How does your home compare to the new construction you want?
If you are debating updating vs. moving, check out my related video:
“Remodel or Just Sell? Oswego Home Upgrade vs. Selling Strategy.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to sell before buying a new build?
No. You can use a bridge loan, HELOC, or rent-back agreement to buy first.
2. Will builders in Aurora accept a home-sale contingency?
Many will — especially if your current home is listed and priced competitively.
3. Is now a good time to move up into a new build?
Yes. Builder incentives are still strong, but they’re decreasing as demand rises heading into spring.
4. What price range moves fastest in Aurora?
Move-in-ready homes between $350,000–$550,000 typically attract strong buyer activity.
5. What’s the first step if I’m unsure which strategy fits me?
Get a personalized home valuation and move-up plan based on your local neighborhood.
Your Next Step: Get Your Free Personal Valuation + Move-Up Plan
Before you make any decisions, get a clear picture of:
- Your home’s current value
- Expected days on market
- Your move-up financing options
- The right timing for your new build
Click below to get your Free Personal Valuation + Strategy Call:
👉 https://gimpertrealty.com/go/move-up-new-construction/
I’ll walk you through the exact strategy to upgrade without carrying two mortgages — and without the stress.
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Request Your Free Home Valuation
START HERE: Find out what your home is really worth in today’s market. Whether you’re thinking about selling now or just curious, we’ll show you your property’s true market value — and your best options to sell for top dollar or cash.


