Thinking About Upsizing? Don’t Make These 6 Common Mistakes
Summer is a popular time for homeowners to make a move—especially when upsizing into a larger, more spacious home. But the transition isn’t always smooth. At The Almaro Team, we’ve seen too many families run into the same avoidable pitfalls when moving up.
In this special Summer Edition of InHouse, I’m sharing the six most common mistakes homeowners make when upsizing—and how you can avoid them. Knowing what to expect and how to plan ahead can make all the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.
If you currently own a home and are considering moving up, you already know the stakes are higher. Timing, financing, and logistics all come into play. One wrong move could leave you stuck with two mortgages—or none at all. But with the right guidance and strategy, you can make the leap confidently and smoothly.
👉 Feel free to share these tips with friends, neighbors, or family members who are also considering a move this summer!
1. Wearing Rose-Colored Glasses
We all want the perfect dream home—but sometimes our expectations exceed our budget. It’s easy to fall in love with a listing only to find out it’s already sold or out of reach. Most buyers find themselves stuck in a frustrating, hit-or-miss search.
That’s where The Almaro Team’s personalized home-hunting service comes in. We match your must-haves with every available home on the market and send you real-time updates. No more chasing listings—just focused, strategic searching that brings your dream home into view.
2. Skipping Pre-Sale Fixes
If you want top dollar for your current home, it needs to stand out. Fortunately, you don’t need a full renovation. Small updates—like fresh paint, lighting, or minor repairs—can drastically improve buyer perception and boost your final sale price.
Even modest investments can return tenfold at closing. And if budget is tight, consider using a short-term equity loan to cover improvements—then repay it once your home sells.
3. Buying Before Selling
It’s tempting to secure your next home before listing your current one. But this move often backfires. You may feel pressured to accept a lowball offer just to keep your timeline on track.
Selling first gives you more leverage. You can negotiate freely, without strings attached. Still worried about timing? Use a buyer contingency clause, or consider short-term rental options. Better yet, skip the stress completely—our Guaranteed Sale Program ensures you’re never stuck between homes (see #5).
4. Skipping Mortgage Preapproval
A mortgage preapproval is one of the simplest yet most overlooked tools for homebuyers. It costs nothing, requires minimal effort, and gives you powerful negotiating leverage.
With preapproval, sellers take your offer seriously—sometimes even over higher offers that are still contingent on financing. Don’t underestimate the power of this one step!
5. Falling Into the Real Estate Catch-22
Sell first or buy first? It’s the classic dilemma. And while selling first is often safer, it’s not always the most convenient.
That’s why we created The Almaro Team’s Guaranteed Sale “Trade-Up” Program. We guarantee the sale of your current home before you take possession of your next one. And if it doesn’t sell in time? We’ll buy it ourselves. No stress, no delays—just the freedom to move forward on your terms.
6. Poor Coordination of Closings
Buying and selling simultaneously involves a lot of moving parts—lenders, appraisers, escrow officers, inspectors, and more. Without expert guidance, it’s easy for wires to get crossed, leading to costly delays.
That’s why our clients trust The Almaro Team’s experienced agents and dedicated support staff to keep everything on track. We manage every detail, coordinate all timelines, and ensure both transactions close smoothly and efficiently.
Let’s Make Your Move a Confident One
Upsizing your home should be exciting—not overwhelming. With the right strategies (and the right team), you can enjoy the journey and avoid the most common setbacks.
📞 Call me today at 925-216-7720 to learn more about how we can help you move up with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Until next time—Go Serve Big!
Leticia Almaro Nicolini
The Almaro Team
