If you’re stuck wondering how to move if your house hasn’t sold yet, you’re not alone. Many Illinois homeowners face this same challenge when they’re ready to move into a new home but haven’t yet sold their current one. Whether it’s a job transfer, downsizing, or buying your dream home, knowing how to move if your house hasn’t sold yet can help you take the next step without unnecessary delays or financial stress.
Helpful Strategies on How to Move in 2025
1. Use a Bridge Loan to Fund the Gap
A bridge loan lets you tap into the equity of your current home so you can purchase your next property without waiting for your existing house to sell. In Illinois, many banks and local lenders offer these short-term loans, which typically last from 6 to 12 months. They can be especially helpful if you find a home you love but haven’t closed on your current one yet. To qualify, you generally need strong credit, steady income, and at least 20 percent equity in your home. The interest rates are usually a bit higher than a traditional mortgage, since the loan is temporary, and you’ll want to be confident your current home will sell within the loan period. For many homeowners, a bridge loan provides the breathing room they need to move forward without feeling rushed or pressured.
2. Consider a Home Sale Contingency
Another option is to include a home sale contingency in your offer when buying your next house. This contingency protects you by making the purchase dependent on selling your current property first. It gives you more breathing room and reduces the risk of owning two homes at once. However, it can make your offer less appealing in a competitive market, since sellers often prefer buyers who can move forward without conditions. Still, many sellers in quieter neighborhoods or during slower seasons are open to accepting a contingent offer, especially if your home is priced well and likely to sell quickly. This approach can be a practical solution when you want to move forward but still need time to finalize your sale.
3. Explore a Rent-Back Agreement
A rent-back agreement gives everyone a little breathing room during the transition. It allows the sellers of the home you’re buying to stay in the house and rent it from you for a short period after closing. The same idea can work in reverse, too. If you’ve already sold your home but still need a bit more time before moving out, you may be able to rent it back from the new owners. These temporary arrangements are common and can be a lifesaver when timing doesn’t line up perfectly. Instead of scrambling to find short-term housing or moving twice, a rent-back lets you stay in place while you finish packing, finalize your relocation plans, or wait for your next home to be ready. It’s a practical, low-stress way to manage the timing gap.
4. Tap Into a HELOC or Home Equity Loan
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan lets you borrow against the value of your current home to help fund your next purchase. This can be a smart move if your house hasn’t sold yet, but you need cash for a down payment or closing costs. Many homeowners prefer these options because the interest rates are often lower than those of bridge loans,s and the repayment terms can be more flexible. However, there is still some risk involved. If your current home takes longer than expected to sell, you’ll be carrying extra debt for a longer period, which can strain your budget. Used carefully, a HELOC or home equity loan can give you the financial boost you need to move forward without feeling stuck or rushed.
5. Lower the Price or Improve Market Appeal
Sometimes, the fastest way to move forward is to adjust your approach. If your home has been sitting on the market longer than expected, it may be worth lowering the price or making a few simple updates to boost its appeal. Small changes like fresh paint, better lighting, or a quick cleanup of the yard can immediately make your home look more inviting. Professional staging and updated listing photos can also help your property stand out, especially in competitive Illinois markets where buyers scroll through dozens of listings each day. Even minor improvements can create a stronger first impression and help your home attract serious buyers much more quickly.
6. Work With a Cash Home Buyer / Real Estate Investor
If you’re looking for speed, flexibility, and less hassle, working with a trusted cash home buyer or real estate investor like Heartland Funding Inc. can be a game-changer. Instead of juggling financing, contingencies, and delays, we can make you a fair, no-obligation cash offer and close on your timeline—even if your house needs repairs or has been sitting on the market. We buy houses in any condition throughout Illinois, helping homeowners move forward quickly without the stress of traditional listings or back-and-forth negotiations. If you’re ready and wondering how to move even if your house hasn’t sold yet, call us at (800) 255-8250 and see how simple the process can be.
Final Thoughts
Juggling a move and a home sale at the same time can feel overwhelming, but it becomes much more manageable once you choose the right strategy. Whether you use a bridge loan, add a home sale contingency, or work with a cash home buyer like Heartland Funding Inc., some options can match your timeline and financial goals. The key is picking the path that keeps your move moving forward without unnecessary stress. With the right approach, your current house won’t hold you back from stepping confidently into your next chapter.