Landing a new job is an exciting step forward. Whether it’s a better salary, a new career path, or simply a change of scenery, relocating for work often comes with new opportunities. But if you’re a homeowner, that excitement can quickly turn into stress. What do you do with your house? Can you sell it quickly enough to avoid juggling two mortgages?

Most people can’t afford to move while leaving a mortgage behind. Not only is it costly, but if you need to purchase another home, your existing mortgage will likely affect your credit and debt-to-income ratio. This can limit your ability to qualify for a new loan.

So what are your options? Let’s break down three common ways to sell your home and see what makes the most sense when time is limited.

Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Working with a licensed real estate agent is the most traditional approach. A good agent will handle listing photos, showings, negotiations, and paperwork. They can walk you through the process and help you get your home sold on the open market.

However, convenience comes at a cost. Most agents charge a commission of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price. According to Forbes, this could mean losing tens of thousands of dollars from your final payout. Agents may also recommend repairs or cosmetic upgrades to make your home more competitive, which adds more time and expense.

Beyond cost, the timeline may not fit your schedule. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average home sits on the market for 50 days, and closing takes another 30 to 45 days. If your new job starts in a few weeks, this route may not work.

Selling the Home Yourself (FSBO)

For sale by owner, or FSBO, is another way to avoid paying commission fees. If you know the market well and have time to manage everything yourself, this might seem appealing.

But selling without an agent has its own challenges. Without access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), it’s difficult to get your home in front of serious buyers. You may end up relying on free websites or local listings, which limits exposure.

You'll also be responsible for staging, scheduling showings, screening buyers, and handling all legal documents. If buyers request repairs or back out of the deal due to financing issues, your move could be delayed. For homeowners on a deadline, FSBO can be risky and time-consuming.

Selling to a Cash Buyer

If your priority is speed, flexibility, and simplicity, selling to a cash buyer is often the best choice. Cash buyers like Enlight Homebuyers purchase properties directly, without lenders or long approval processes.

This means no inspections, no contingencies, and no waiting for a buyer’s mortgage to come through. A cash buyer will purchase your home in its current condition. That means no repairs, no cleaning, and no staging. According to Bankrate, this option is ideal when you need to sell quickly and without hassle.

You also avoid agent commissions and closing costs. The process is simple. Request a cash offer, review the terms, and choose a closing date that works for you. Many sellers complete the sale in as little as seven days.

Let Enlight Homebuyers Help You Move Forward

At Enlight Homebuyers, we understand the stress of relocating while trying to sell your home. Whether you’re moving across the state or out of the country, we offer a fast, fair solution that fits your timeline.

We buy houses in any condition. There are no repairs required and no service fees. Just a straightforward offer and a closing schedule that works for your move.

Call us at 801-939-0123 or visit EnlightHomebuyers.com to get your free, no-obligation cash offer today. We are happy to answer any questions and help you take the next step with confidence.

FAQ: Selling Your Home Before Relocating

Can I sell my home before relocating to a new city?
Yes. Selling to a cash buyer is one of the fastest ways to sell your home before a move. You can often close in a week without needing to make any repairs.

How do cash buyers make offers?
Cash offers are based on your home’s condition, local market value, and comparable sales. Enlight Homebuyers provides clear and fair offers with no pressure to accept.

Do I have to pay real estate commissions?
No. When you sell to Enlight Homebuyers, there are no realtor commissions or hidden fees.

What if I already moved out of the house?
That’s not a problem. We can still buy your house even if it’s vacant. We can coordinate everything remotely if needed.

How soon can I close the sale?
Many homeowners close within 7 to 14 days. We work on your timeline to make the process as smooth as possible.