What you need to know: Buying before selling your current home is possible, and often more affordable than people expect. Our EasyPath program costs $2,500 flat with 0% interest. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.
Getting Started
1. Can I buy a house before I sell my current one?
Yes. Several programs help homeowners buy before selling. The main options are: guaranteed purchase programs like EasyPath ($2,500 flat fee), traditional bridge loans (10%+ interest), and HELOCs (8-10% interest). The right choice depends on your equity level, whether you need cash from that equity, and how quickly you need to move.
2. How much does it cost to buy before selling?
Costs range from $2,500 to $60,000+ depending on which path you take. EasyPath costs $2,500 flat with 0% interest. Traditional bridge loans typically cost $20,000-$60,000 for a 6-month holding period on a typical home. Percentage-based programs like Homeward charge 2.5-3.5% of your home’s value.
3. What credit score do I need to buy before selling?
Requirements vary by program. EasyPath focuses primarily on equity position (25% minimum) rather than strict credit score cutoffs. Traditional bridge loans typically require 700+ credit scores. Your credit score will still matter for the mortgage on your new home.
4. How much equity do I need?
For EasyPath, you need at least 25% equity in your current home. Some traditional bridge lenders work with lower equity but charge significantly higher rates. If you have less than 25% equity, we can discuss alternative solutions.
5. How long does the process take?
We can typically provide pre-qualification within days of application. The full process from application to closing can happen in as few as 14 days, depending on how quickly you find your new home and complete standard mortgage steps.
How Programs Work
6. What is EasyPath and how does it work?
EasyPath uses an investor-backed guaranteed purchase contract. An investor commits to buying your current home within 180 days for a flat $2,500 fee. This contract lets lenders exclude your current mortgage payment from debt-to-income calculations, making it easier to qualify for your new purchase. You sell on the open market and keep 100% of proceeds.
7. What’s the difference between EasyPath and a bridge loan?
EasyPath charges $2,500 flat with 0% interest. Bridge loans charge 10%+ interest throughout the holding period. For a $300,000 bridge loan over 6 months, you’d pay roughly $15,000 in interest alone, plus origination fees. EasyPath costs 80-90% less than traditional bridge financing.
8. How is EasyPath different from Homeward or Knock?
The main difference is cost structure. Homeward charges 2.5-3.5% of your home’s value. For a $750,000 home, that’s $18,750-$26,250. EasyPath charges $2,500 regardless of home value (or $3,500 for homes over $1.3 million). The underlying structure (guaranteed purchase contracts) is similar.
9. Can I use a HELOC to buy before selling?
Yes, but with limitations. A HELOC gives you access to equity for a down payment, but it doesn’t help with qualification. Your existing mortgage plus the HELOC payment both count toward your debt-to-income ratio. If DTI is your problem, a HELOC alone won’t solve it.
10. Can I combine EasyPath with a HELOC?
Yes. This combination works well when you need both qualification help (EasyPath) and down payment access (HELOC). The HELOC covers cash needs while EasyPath removes your current mortgage from DTI calculations.
View mortgage rates for
February 15, 2026
Qualification Questions
11. Can I qualify for two mortgages at once?
Most buyers cannot qualify for two mortgages because their existing payment pushes their debt-to-income ratio too high. EasyPath solves this by letting lenders exclude your current mortgage from the calculation. With that payment removed, most buyers qualify comfortably.
12. What is DTI and why does it matter for buying before selling?
DTI (debt-to-income ratio) measures your monthly debts divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders cap this at 43-50%. When you carry your current mortgage AND a new mortgage, your DTI often exceeds these limits. EasyPath’s guaranteed purchase contract lets lenders exclude your current mortgage from this calculation.
13. Do I need to qualify for both mortgages with EasyPath?
No. The guaranteed purchase contract lets lenders exclude your current mortgage from qualification. You only need to qualify for the new mortgage based on your income and other debts (car payments, credit cards, student loans).
14. What if I’m self-employed?
Self-employed borrowers can use EasyPath. Income documentation follows standard self-employment guidelines (typically 2 years of tax returns). The main requirement is 25% equity in your current home plus the ability to qualify for your new mortgage once the current payment is excluded.
15. Can I use EasyPath with a VA loan?
Yes. EasyPath works with conventional, jumbo, and VA loans. VA-eligible borrowers can use their benefit on the new home purchase while benefiting from EasyPath’s DTI exclusion.
Timeline and Process
16. How long do I have to sell my current home?
With EasyPath, you have 180 days to sell your current home on the open market. This is significantly longer than most bridge loan timelines (typically 6-12 months with mounting interest costs) and gives you flexibility without pressure.
17. What happens if my house doesn’t sell in 180 days?
If your home doesn’t sell within 180 days, the investor purchases it at the guaranteed price (typically 75% of appraised market value). They then resell it, and you receive 90% of net profits from that sale. This provides certainty while still giving you most of the upside.
18. Can I choose any real estate agent to sell my home?
Yes. Unlike some programs that require you to use specific agents or pay referral fees, EasyPath lets you choose your own listing agent. Your agent relationship stays the same.
19. When do I pay the EasyPath fee?
The fee is paid when you enter contract on your new home purchase. No upfront costs during the application process.
20. Can I back out if I change my mind?
Yes, before final commitment. If you decide not to proceed before signing the investor contract, there’s no penalty. Once the contract is signed and you close on your new home, the agreement is binding.
Costs and Finances
21. Are there any hidden fees with EasyPath?
No. The fee is $2,500 flat ($3,500 for homes over $1.3 million). There are no interest charges, no monthly payments during the holding period, and no percentage-based fees.
22. How do I get my down payment if my equity is tied up?
If you have cash savings, you can use those directly. If you need equity from your current home for the down payment, combining EasyPath with a HELOC works well. The HELOC provides cash access while EasyPath handles the qualification problem.
23. Will I pay interest on two mortgages?
With EasyPath, no. You’re not taking on a second mortgage. The guaranteed purchase contract is not a loan. You close on your new home, and your old mortgage stays in place until you sell. You continue making your normal payment on the current home until it sells.
24. Is the $2,500 fee tax deductible?
Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. The fee may be deductible as a selling cost or may reduce your capital gains calculation. Tax treatment varies based on individual circumstances.
25. What if my home sells for more than expected?
You keep 100% of the proceeds if you sell within the 180-day window (minus normal selling costs like agent commissions and closing fees). The investor’s guaranteed purchase price is a floor, not a ceiling.
What to Do Next
If you have questions we didn’t answer here, or if you want to see whether buying before selling makes sense for your situation, we can run the numbers together.
We’ll look at your equity position, income, timeline, and goals, then outline your options so you can choose the structure that fits.
Call or text us at (855) 855-4491 to start a conversation.
At JVM Lending, we help buyers, homeowners, and investors make confident decisions in the evolving housing market. Whether you are purchasing, refinancing, or planning ahead, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
