Should I Use the Same Realtor to Buy and Sell a House?

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.

Grant Park Investment Property

Recent transplants from Brooklyn, Sha and Matt are loving their new neighborhood of Grant Park. So much so that 6 months in they started looking for another property. With their eyes on several neighborhoods through out Portland, they landed on this solid Cape Cod just across from Grant High School. Conveniently in’t also a few blocks from their house.

With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and an unfinished basement, there is plenty of room here. The hardwood floors were recently finished, along with interior paint. It has bonus improvements like newer, fully owned solar panels on the roof of the garage, and seismic earthquakes straps. As an investment property, it is solid enough to be rented out as is right around $3,000/month, but also has room to make improvement over the years…cut to the kitchen and bath. 🙂  And at a pricepoint under $700k, there will be some upside if they make smart improvements over the years.

$690,000 4 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 2604 sqft
2404 NE 36TH AVE Portland, OR 97212
Grant Park

The Cutest Cape Cod

So cute they moved it! Purportedly moved to its current site in 1950, this circa 1930-40’s cape cod was previously in the path of the local Fred Meyer grocery and was obviously kept for its cuteness. This home just oozes period details — from the coved ceiling with picture rail, the ogee archway to the kitchen; the clapboard exterior siding with scalloped trim; to the speak-easy peephole in the decorative door. Gently updated with a few modern perks such as an open plan living room; modern plan kitchen; the master bedroom on main with en-suite bath and walk-in closet; a main level laundry area; and a second bedroom on the main floor. There’s a spacious upstairs area with a 13×19 bedroom and a 13×22 bonus room/office/den. The yard is fenced with an over-sized 1 car garage, RV pad, and a large rolling lawn – a clean slate for your landscaping dreams.
Conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, drive-in theater and really great take out! Nearby freeway and highway access – 217, I-5, and 99W, making travel a breeze.

See the Matterport Virtual Tour.

3 beds + bonus, 2 baths, 1890 sq ft.

Listed at: $465,000

7655 SW Spruce St.
Tigard OR
MLS# 20101894