The answer depends on three things: how much equity you have, how fast homes are selling in your area, and how much risk you can handle. There is no single right order, but there is usually a right order for your situation.
Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy
This is the lowest risk path. You know exactly how much cash you have before you make an offer, and you never carry two mortgages. The tradeoff is timing. You may need a place to land between closings, which can mean a short term rental or asking for extra time to move out after closing.
Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell
This gives you the most comfortable move, since you can shop without a deadline and move at your own pace. It only works if you can qualify for the new loan and carry both homes for a while. Some buyers use a home equity line on their current home to cover the down payment.
Option 3: Make Them Happen Together
Many Utah sellers ask for a short rent back, which means staying in the home for a few days or weeks after closing. You can also write your offer so it depends on your home selling. In a competitive market, a seller may not accept that kind of offer, so it helps to know how your local market is moving before you choose this route.
How to Decide
Ask yourself two questions. Could I afford both payments for two or three months if I had to? And how quickly are homes like mine going under contract right now? If the answer to the first is no, selling first is usually the safer plan. If homes in your area sell fast and you can carry both, buying first becomes more realistic.
What This Means for You
The best plan is one you map out before you list, not after. I can walk you through your numbers, estimate what your home would net, and build a timeline that fits your move. I work with sellers and buyers across Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch, and Summit Counties, so I can help with both sides of the move.