TL;DR
- Yes, you can absolutely use the same real estate agent to help you sell your current home and buy your next one.
- This is not the same as dual agency (which only applies when one agent represents both sides of the same transaction).
- Using one Realtor streamlines communication, paperwork, and strategy across both sides of your move.
- It’s especially helpful when writing a contingent offer, but also beneficial even if your purchase is not dependent on your sale.
- Working with one agent keeps your timelines aligned, reduces duplicated effort, and creates a smoother overall experience.
When you’re getting ready to sell your home and thinking about what comes next, it’s common to wonder whether you should use two different agents—one to list, and another to help you buy. Maybe you’ve heard of “dual agency” and want to make sure you’re doing things ethically. Or maybe it just feels like the industry expects you to keep your selling and buying processes separate. Let’s clear that up.
There’s absolutely no issue with using one Realtor to help you sell and then buy. In fact, it’s one of the smartest ways to keep your move efficient and aligned. The ethical concerns around dual agency apply only when a single agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. That’s a separate issue and one we handle with care, disclosures, and client consent.
But when you use the same agent to list your current home and help you purchase your next one—two different transactions—that’s not dual agency. It’s just smart coordination.
A Better Way to Handle Contingencies
If you’re planning to buy a home contingent on the sale of your current one, that continuity becomes especially valuable. Contingent offers can be strong, but only if they’re well-communicated. When I’m your agent for both deals, I can keep listing agents updated in real-time on where your sale stands. That builds trust and makes your contingent offer more appealing.
But even if your buy and sell aren’t financially linked—say you’re staying with family in the meantime, or already have pre-approval lined up—there’s still value in consistency. I can help coordinate both timelines to make sure your move happens on a realistic, low-stress schedule. I’ll talk to your lender and escrow officer so you’re not relaying the same information twice. I’ll watch for overlaps and opportunities to simplify logistics.
Fewer Logins. Fewer Surprises. More Strategy.
When you use one agent, there’s one transaction portal, one timeline, one set of documents. You won’t be repeating yourself, forwarding emails between agents, or having to guess whether your purchase and sale contracts align. I’ve seen clients get caught in situations where the sale closed before the buy was ready—or vice versa—because the agents didn’t fully sync their approaches.
On top of that, if I’ve already worked with you to price and market your home, I understand your financial picture and your goals. That makes me more equipped to help you negotiate your next purchase. There’s no learning curve. We’re already working in rhythm.
When Two Agents Might Make Sense
There are exceptions. If you’re moving out of state or buying a very specialized property that requires deep niche knowledge, it may make sense to bring in another pro. In those cases, I’ll help connect you with someone I trust who can step in seamlessly.
But more often than not, your move doesn’t need to be split into two separate relationships. It’s one big transition, and one steady hand can make the entire journey more cohesive.
If you’re getting ready to sell, and your next home is also somewhere nearby, I’d be honored to help you through both stages. Let’s talk about how to make it all line up.
If you’re thinking about selling and also need to find your next place, let’s talk. I’d love to be your guide on both sides of the journey.
Jon Gould-Knight
Broker | OR & WA
He/Him
Hello! I’m a heart-centered real estate agent based in Vancouver, serving folks throughout the Portland Metro area. My goal is to help you find more than just a house—I want to help you find a home that truly feels like yours. I believe the home-buying journey should feel empowering, exciting, and tailored to your unique needs, and I’m here to make that happen. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced buyer/seller who has been burned by non-empathetic or pushy brokers, I’m committed to guiding you every step of the way with honesty, clear communication, and creative problem-solving.
I’ve wanted to work for Living Room Realty ever since I first dipped my toes into real estate nearly a decade ago. The branding & overall vibe have always aligned with my design passion. After a career detour into 3D design and animation pulled me out of the Portland Metro Area for the past 7 years, I’m back in real estate and getting the opportunity to join my first brokerage crush!
My clients have described me as patient, proactive, and thorough—always ready to answer questions, explain the unexpected, and go the extra mile (sometimes literally!).
I have a passion for craft food and drink as I roast my own coffee, eat the spiciest food I can get my hands on, and I even used to host a haunted beer tour through various breweries in downtown Portland. In my down time I love to hang out with my wife, Kit, and our pets Minerva the pug and Dumbledore the cat. I’m also a huge film, stand-up, and theater fan, with a background in both graphic design and theater arts. Fun fact: I’ve even been an extra on Grimm and Portlandia!
Let’s get together for a coffee or tea soon!
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