Relocating : Still trying to Sell your Old Home -Practical Steps to take.

Relocating for work is stressful enough when everything goes smoothly.

When you are still trying to sell your old home at the same time, the stress can double: two markets to watch, two timelines to juggle, and two sets of costs to manage.

For many relocating employees and families, the question becomes: how do we move forward in the new city while our old house still has a “For Sale” sign on the lawn?

Why This Situation Is So Common

Most people do not have the luxury of perfect timing between a job offer, the sale of their current home, and possession of a new home.

Markets move differently in each city, corporate start dates are fixed, and family needs (school terms, caregiving, partner’s job) add extra layers.

It is very common to accept a relocation, move to the new location, and still be managing showings, negotiations, or repairs on the property you left behind.

If you are in this situation, it does not mean you made the wrong decision. It means you need a clear strategy and the right support so your old home does not become a long‑term source of financial and emotional pressure.

Your Main Options When the Old Home Doesn't Sell.

Every family’s situation is different, but most strategies fall into a few patterns.

1. Sell before you move (when possible)

   • Works best when your relocation timeline is flexible and your current market is strong.

   • Simplifies your financing for the next home and avoids carrying two properties at the same time.

   • Often requires temporary housing or a short gap between sale and move‑in at destination.​

2. Move first, then sell remotely

   • Common when your start date is fixed and you need to be on site quickly.

   • You may use temporary housing in the new city while your existing home is staged and shown.

   • Requires strong coordination with your real estate team, and sometimes support from a relocation company to manage the sale on your behalf.

3. Use bridge financing or other short‑term solutions

   • In Canada, some lenders offer bridge financing to “bridge the gap” between buying at destination and selling your original home, using your equity as collateral.

   • Terms are usually short (often up to 90 days with some exceptions), and interest rates are higher than a regular mortgage, so this is a tool to use carefully.

   • Lenders typically require firm sale and purchase agreements, so this is not a solution for an open‑ended, unsold property.

4. Renting out your old home (short‑ or long‑term)

   • Can be an option if the market is slow and selling now would mean accepting a deep discount.

   • Provides income to offset mortgage and carrying costs, but introduces landlord responsibilities, tenant risk, and coordination from a distance.​

   • May or may not align with your long‑term financial and lifestyle goals; it should be a deliberate decision, not just a reaction to short‑term stress

The Hidden Costs of “Waiting It Out” Alone

Many families hope their home will sell quickly and simply “wait it out” while paying two sets of housing costs.

Yet overlapping mortgages, utilities, insurance, property tax, and maintenance can quickly add up and strain cash flow.

This can also affect your ability to qualify for a new mortgage or make you feel pressure to accept a low offer just to reduce the burden.

There is also the emotional load: answering agent calls from another time zone, worrying about vacant property risk, and trying to focus on a new role while negotiations continue in the background.

Without a structured plan, this can impact both performance at work and family well‑being.

How a Relocation Partner Can Help

This is where structured relocation support makes a real difference.

• Coordinated home‑sale strategy

• A relocation partner can help you think through the sequence (sell first, buy first, or move first), connect you with real estate professionals who understand corporate moves, and align your sale plan with your start date and family needs.

• Guidance on temporary housing and cash‑flow planning

• Short‑term housing, school catchment planning, and budgeting for overlapping costs should all be part of one integrated relocation plan, not separate decisions. Understanding options like bridge financing, corporate allowances, and tax implications can prevent surprises.

• Reducing the time and energy you spend on logistics

• When a relocation team and experienced real estate partners coordinate showings, appraisals, and repairs, you are freed to focus on your new role and family transition. This is especially valuable when you have already moved and cannot easily travel back to manage the sale in person.

AHOM‑RMC: Helping You Move Forward, Even If Your Old Home Hasn’t

At AHOM‑RMC, we understand that a successful relocation is not just about getting you to a new city; it is about helping you move forward with confidence even when your old home is still on the market. Our role is to help you and your employer see the full picture — timelines, housing options, cash‑flow realities, and family needs — and design a plan that reduces risk and stress at both ends.

If you are relocating and still trying to sell your old home, or if you are an HR or mobility leader designing policies for transferring employees, we can work with you to build a relocation roadmap that respects budgets while protecting people.