If you’re stuck wondering how to move if your house hasn’t sold yet, you’re not alone. Many Chicago 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 allows you to borrow against the equity in your current home to buy your next one. In Chicago, many local lenders offer these short-term loans, usually lasting 6 to 12 months. They can be a great solution if you have strong credit and at least 20% equity in your current home. Keep in mind that interest rates may be slightly higher, and you’ll want to be confident your current home will sell soon after.
2. Consider a Home Sale Contingency
Another option is including a home sale contingency in your offer for the new house. This means your purchase depends on the successful sale of your existing property. While it can make your offer less attractive in a competitive market, some sellers—especially in calmer neighborhoods or during slower months—may be willing to accept the terms.
3. Explore a Rent-Back Agreement
A rent-back agreement allows the sellers of the home you’re buying to rent it from you for a short period after closing. Or, if you’ve sold your home but haven’t moved yet, you may be able to rent it from the new owners. This kind of temporary arrangement can help you bridge the timing gap without having to move twice.
4. Tap Into a HELOC or Home Equity Loan
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan lets you borrow from your current home’s value to fund your next purchase. This is especially useful if your home hasn’t sold yet, but you need access to cash for a down payment. These options can carry lower interest rates than bridge loans but still come with risk, especially if your current home takes longer than expected to sell.
5. Lower the Price or Improve Market Appeal
Sometimes, a faster sale is the best solution. If your home has been sitting on the market too long, consider reducing the price or making small updates to improve its appeal. Fresh paint, professional staging, and updated listing photos can make a big difference in attracting buyers in Chicago’s competitive neighborhoods.
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 Chicago, 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 isn’t easy, but it’s manageable with the right plan. Whether you go with a bridge loan, include a contingency, or work with a cash home buyer like Heartland Funding Inc., some solutions fit your timeline and financial goals. Don’t let your current house hold you back from your next chapter.