Buying And Selling At Once In Loveland

Buying and selling at the same time can feel like juggling knives. You want to unlock your equity, land the right next home, and avoid risky overlap or a rushed move. With a plan tailored to Loveland and Colorado contracts, you can control the timing, protect your budget, and keep stress low. This guide walks you through local market context, the tools that make back-to-back moves possible, and clear timelines that actually work. Let’s dive in.

Local market snapshot

As of May 2025, Larimer County’s 2025 reappraisal lists Loveland’s median home value near $497,000, a helpful benchmark as you plan list price and move-up options. You can view the county’s update in the reappraisal overview from Larimer County’s Assessor office. Larimer County’s 2025 reappraisal

Recent months show longer days on market than the 2021–2022 peak, often ranging from the mid-40s to 80–90 days depending on price tier and property type. That shift adds negotiation room but also means you should plan for a multi-week sale. For temporary housing budgeting, Loveland’s median rents have hovered around $1,800 to $1,900 per month. Price tier and condition matter. Entry-price listings can still move faster, while upper-tier homes may require more time and careful positioning.

Why timing two transactions is hard

The average financed home purchase takes about 40 to 45 days from contract to closing. That timeline helps explain why “same-day” double closings are tough without special planning. Average closing window

A few variables can stretch your schedule:

• Appraisal and underwriting reviews
• Inspection repairs and re-negotiation
• Title work, entity documentation, or trust approvals
• Lender occupancy rules if you request a post-closing rent-back

The right strategy balances certainty, cost, and convenience for your specific price point and risk tolerance.

Your options at a glance

Home-sale contingency

What it is: You make an offer on your next home that is contingent on selling your current property. Many contingency windows run 30 to 60 days. Sellers often add a kick-out clause so they can keep marketing and require you to respond within 24 to 72 hours if a better offer appears.

Pros:

• Avoids carrying two mortgages
• Gives you time to sell well rather than take a low offer

Cons:

• Weaker in competitive segments
• Can require higher earnest money or tighter deadlines to win

How to strengthen it: Show your current home is listed, staged, and priced right, or already under contract. Shorten the contingency window, and offer clear proof of progress.

Sell first, then buy

What it is: You close your sale, move into temporary housing, then shop with cash in hand.

Pros:

• Maximum certainty on your net proceeds
• Stronger purchasing power without a home-sale contingency

Cons:

• One extra move and possible storage costs
• Temporary rent and taxes to factor in

Loveland’s city lodging tax is 3.0 percent, which applies to hotel stays. If you opt for extended-stay lodging instead of a lease, include this in your budget. Always confirm total taxes and fees when booking. Loveland lodging tax

Sell with a post-closing occupancy (rent-back)

What it is: You sell your home, then rent it back from the buyer for a short period under Colorado’s Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement (PCO). The Commission-approved form is very specific about terms, and it is designed for short stays.

Key PCO facts to know in Colorado:

• The post-closing occupancy term is for short-term residential use not to exceed 60 days.
• The security deposit may not exceed two monthly rent payments under the current form.
• Rent is typically prepaid at closing and the agreement allocates who handles maintenance, utilities, and insurance.
• Buyers intending to occupy as a primary residence must consult their lender. Many lenders will not allow a seller occupancy beyond that short window. You can review these details directly in the state’s standard PCO. Colorado PCO form

Why buyers accept it: It can make your offer cleaner by removing a home-sale contingency while giving you time to close on the next place. Why buyers resist it: They may need to move in quickly, or their lender’s occupancy rules may not allow extended seller stays.

Legislative note: A bill introduced for the 2026 session, SB26-054, would create an exception to the usual two-month deposit cap for PCOs. This was pending as of February 2026. Check status before negotiating. SB26-054 bill text

Buy first with a bridge loan or HELOC

What it is: You use your current home’s equity to purchase before you sell, often with a short-term bridge loan or a home equity line of credit.

Pros:

• You can write a non-contingent offer and choose your next home with less time pressure
• One move, if you time your sale well

Cons:

• Higher financing costs and carrying two loans until your sale closes
• Requires strong credit and solid equity

Learn the mechanics and risks before you commit. Bridge loan overview

Trade-in style programs

What it is: Companies that help you buy before you sell or provide cash-like offers in exchange for fees. Availability and pricing vary by market. Obtain local quotes, compare total costs to a bridge loan, and review fine print with your agent and lender.

Timelines that work

Below are three practical timelines with example dates to help you visualize next steps. Your final plan should match your lender’s milestones and the exact contract dates.

Best case: single move, low friction

• May 6: List your Loveland home. A buyer with cash or flexible financing writes a clean offer.
• May 15: You go under contract on your sale and, the same week, place a non-contingent offer on your next home.
• June 25 to July 1: Both closings occur, coordinated around the typical 40 to 45 day purchase window. You move once into the new home. Average closing window

Why it works: Strong liquidity on your buy side and clear communication on dates.

Typical: coordinated, a little risky

• May 6: List and quickly accept a solid offer on your current home.
• May 12: Make a contingent offer on your next home with a 30 to 45 day window. The seller adds a 48-hour kick-out clause.
• May 20 to June 15: Inspections and appraisal on both deals. You negotiate a PCO rent-back of up to 30 days to give buffer, noting the Colorado form caps occupancy at 60 days.
• Late June: Your sale closes. Rent-back begins. Your purchase closes within the PCO window. You move once and turn over keys on time. Colorado PCO form

Watch-outs: Appraisal or financing delays can compress your PCO window. Keep contingency and possession deadlines tight and documented.

Worst case: double move exposure

• May 6: You list but the home takes longer to sell. Your contingent purchase falls through when the contingency window expires.
• June: You opt to reduce price to attract a buyer and line up short-term housing. Storage units in Loveland often price in the low-to-mid tens to low-hundreds per month, and a 2 to 3 bedroom local move is commonly quoted in the low-to-mid thousands based on scope. Review a practical moving cost guide and gather three binding quotes. Moving cost guide

Outcome: You incur temporary housing, storage, and re-listing time, but you protect yourself from overpaying or taking on two loans long term.

How to negotiate the details

Use Colorado’s Commission-approved forms and write in exact dates and dollar amounts. Your agent will structure these to fit your situation.

If you request a rent-back (PCO)

Include the following in writing:

• Possession start and end dates, with move-out time
• Rent amount, payment timing at closing, and a clear proration or refund method if you leave early
• Security deposit amount and treatment (the current form caps it at two months’ rent)
• Insurance responsibilities: seller carries a renters policy; buyer holds owner or landlord coverage
• Utilities responsibility during occupancy
• Access rules and notice for the buyer
• Per-day holdover penalty and remedies if you do not vacate on time Use the state PCO as your blueprint. Colorado PCO form

Lender check: If your buyer is getting a primary residence loan, ask their lender to confirm the allowed rent-back length in writing before you sign. The Commission form warns buyers that post-closing occupancy is short term and may impact loan underwriting.

If you offer a home-sale contingency

Clarify these points:

• Contingency window length, often 30 to 60 days
• Proof that your current home is actively marketed or under contract
• Whether the seller may continue to market and accept backup offers
• Kick-out response time if the seller calls your contingency, often 24 to 72 hours

Appraisal and financing protections

Colorado’s standard forms include an Appraised Value Objection process and other deadlines. Decide early whether to keep or modify appraisal and financing contingencies. Some buyers offer appraisal gap coverage or waive protections, which increases risk. Discuss the tradeoffs with your agent and lender using the Commission-approved contracts as your guide. Colorado real estate forms

Money and logistics

Here is a quick budgeting snapshot to estimate carrying and transition costs. Always confirm quotes and tax rates before booking or signing.

Pro tip: Collect three binding moving estimates, ask about extra charges for stairs, tight access, or heavy items, and hold a clear move-out window with your buyer to avoid holdover penalties under a PCO.

Legal and tax checklist

Use this list to stay proactive and avoid surprises.

• Seller disclosures: Provide the Colorado Seller’s Property Disclosure on time and disclose known adverse material facts. Review the Commission-approved forms. Colorado real estate forms
• Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement: Know the 60-day maximum, two-month deposit cap, prepaid rent, and insurance responsibilities. Colorado PCO form
• Lender occupancy: If a buyer is getting a primary residence loan, confirm in writing that the rent-back is allowed for your requested length.
• Capital gains: Many sellers can exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 if married filing jointly, when they meet the IRS ownership and use tests. Confirm your situation with a tax pro. IRS Publication 523
• FinCEN beneficial owner rule: If an entity or trust is involved, new federal reporting rules can require additional information and slow closings. Coordinate early with your title company. State notice on rule
• Pending legislation: SB26-054 would create a special security deposit rule for PCOs if enacted. Verify status before finalizing terms. SB26-054 bill text
• City regulations: Short-term rental and sales tax policies can change. Confirm with the City of Loveland before you book or host temporary housing. City of Loveland

Local resources

• Colorado Division of Real Estate contracts and forms. Forms library
• Colorado Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement. PCO form
• Larimer County reappraisal and market context. County snapshot
• Average close timeline for financed purchases. Closing window
• Loveland lodging tax reference. City business FAQ
• Bridge loan basics. Overview
• IRS home sale guide. Publication 523
• FinCEN reporting rule notice. DORA bulletin
• Moving cost planning. Guide

Ready to explore the path that fits your timing and budget? Let’s map your sale, financing, and purchase timeline so you can move once and land the right next home. Connect with Venna Hillman to get a tailored plan and your instant home valuation.

FAQs

What is a Colorado post-closing occupancy agreement?

• It is a short-term rent-back the seller signs after closing, using the state’s standard PCO form that caps occupancy at 60 days and limits the security deposit to two months’ rent.

How long can I stay after selling my Loveland home?

• Under the Commission-approved PCO, up to 60 days, with rent typically prepaid at closing and clear terms for insurance, utilities, and holdover penalties.

How do home-sale contingencies usually work in offers?

• You request 30 to 60 days to sell your current home; sellers often add a kick-out clause that gives you 24 to 72 hours to remove the contingency if a stronger offer appears.

Can I close both homes on the same day?

• It is possible but risky; financed purchases take about 40 to 45 days on average, so most sellers use a rent-back or temporary housing buffer to manage timing.

What should I budget if I need a double move?

• Plan for storage in the low-to-mid tens to low-hundreds per month and a local 2 to 3 bedroom move often priced in the low-to-mid thousands, plus short-term lodging taxes if you use a hotel.