November 2, 2026

How to Buy Before You Sell Your Home in Raleigh: Martin Mortgage Group's Approach

Five kids under six, two cats, a dog, and a home they never thought they could buy. Discover how Martin Mortgage Group helps Raleigh families move forward with confidence.

You found the house. The right one, in the right neighborhood, with the right yard. But then comes the familiar question: Can we buy a new home before selling our current one?

For many homeowners in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area, the assumption that they must sell before buying keeps them from pursuing their next home.

But what if there were another way?

Martin Mortgage Group, a Raleigh-based mortgage team operating under Fairway Independent Mortgage, helps homeowners explore creative financing solutions, including bridge loans and Buy Before You Sell strategies, that may allow them to purchase their next home before selling their current property.

For one Raleigh family with five children under six, two cats, and a dog, that strategy made all the difference.

Meet Martin Mortgage Group: A Local Raleigh Mortgage Team

Led by Michael Martin, Martin Mortgage Group combines the lending resources of Fairway Independent Mortgage with the personalized service of a local Raleigh mortgage team.

With more than two decades of mortgage industry experience, Michael has built his business around helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions.

The team consists of five professionals who prioritize communication, responsiveness, and personalized guidance throughout the mortgage process.

Rather than leaving clients wondering what happens next, Martin Mortgage Group focuses on providing proactive updates and helping borrowers understand their financing options.

The team's client reviews consistently highlight communication, responsiveness, and a mortgage process that felt easier than expected.

How Michael Martin Got Started in the Mortgage Industry

Michael began his mortgage career in January 2002. Nearly 25 years later, his favorite part of the business remains helping clients solve unique financial challenges.

"I enjoy figuring out the financial puzzle and helping people accomplish something they may not have thought was possible."

Over time, Michael realized that successfully closing a loan was only one part of creating a positive mortgage experience.

Buying a home can involve uncertainty, tight deadlines, and complicated financial decisions. His goal became helping clients anticipate potential challenges before they become problems.

Almost nine years ago, Martin Mortgage Group joined Fairway Independent Mortgage, gaining access to national lending resources while maintaining its local, relationship-driven approach.

What Mortgage Services Does Martin Mortgage Group Offer?

Martin Mortgage Group provides mortgage financing solutions for homebuyers, current homeowners, and real estate investors throughout Raleigh and the Triangle.

Their loan offerings include:

  • Conventional Loans: Traditional mortgage financing for eligible buyers purchasing primary residences, second homes, or investment properties.
  • FHA Loans: Government-insured mortgage options that may benefit first-time homebuyers and borrowers seeking flexible qualification requirements.
  • VA Loans: Mortgage financing for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying borrowers.
  • USDA Loans: Financing opportunities for eligible buyers and properties in qualifying rural and suburban areas.
  • Jumbo Loans: Mortgage options for higher-priced homes that exceed conforming loan limits.
  • Investment Property and Second Home Loans: Financing solutions for rental properties, vacation homes, and second residences.
  • Bridge Loans and Buy Before You Sell Programs: Financing strategies that may help homeowners purchase a new property before selling their existing home.
  • Specialty Mortgage Programs: Additional financing options for borrowers with unique financial circumstances.

For more information about available mortgage products, visit Martin Mortgage Group's official website.

The team also serves eligible borrowers in South Carolina and Virginia, allowing established clients to continue working with Martin Mortgage Group when purchasing properties outside North Carolina.

How Quickly Can Martin Mortgage Group Close a Loan?

Depending on the transaction and borrower qualifications, Martin Mortgage Group reports that some loans can close in as little as two weeks.

However, approximately 30 days is a more common timeline for many clients.

Throughout the process, communication remains a priority.

"Great communication isn't just giving updates. It's reducing uncertainty."

Can You Buy a House Before Selling Your Current Home in Raleigh?

Yes, some Raleigh homeowners can purchase a new home before selling their current property by using bridge financing or other Buy Before You Sell strategies. Eligibility depends on factors such as home equity, income, credit, available cash, existing debt, and lender requirements.

For homeowners who have built significant equity in their current property, this can create opportunities they may not have realized were available.

Instead of coordinating the sale of one home and the purchase of another on the same day, qualified borrowers may be able to buy their next home, move into it, and then sell their previous residence.

Martin Mortgage Group, a Best of Raleigh Partner, helps clients evaluate whether this approach makes financial sense for their situation.

What Is a Bridge Loan, and How Does It Work?

A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution designed to help eligible homeowners access funds while transitioning from one property to another.

For homeowners planning to buy before they sell, bridge financing may provide access to equity in their current home before that property is sold.

Martin Mortgage Group offers access to the Fairway Bridge Loan program, which may allow qualified borrowers to access financing based on up to 85% of their current home's total value, subject to program requirements.

That does not mean every homeowner can borrow 85% of their home's value. Available financing depends on the program's calculations, existing mortgage balances, borrower qualifications, and other requirements.

How Does the Buy Before You Sell Process Work?

Although every transaction is different, the process generally involves five steps:

  1. Review your current financial position. Martin Mortgage Group evaluates your existing mortgage, estimated home value, equity, cash reserves, and future homebuying goals.
  2. Explore financing options. The team determines whether bridge financing or another mortgage strategy may be appropriate.
  3. Understand your purchasing power. Before making an offer, borrowers review potential financing amounts, costs, and qualification requirements.
  4. Purchase and move into your next home. If approved and the transaction proceeds successfully, homeowners may be able to move before selling their existing property.
  5. Sell the previous home. Proceeds from the sale can then be used to address the bridge financing according to the loan terms.

The goal is to help homeowners understand their options before making a major financial commitment.

If you're considering purchasing a new home in Raleigh, connect with Martin Mortgage Group to discuss your financing options before beginning your search.

Who Might Benefit From a Bridge Loan?

Bridge loans may be worth exploring for several types of Raleigh homeowners.

Move-up buyers: Growing families who need more bedrooms, outdoor space, or a different layout but have significant equity tied up in their current home.

Downsizers: Homeowners who want to transition into a smaller property without coordinating two moves at once.

Equity-rich homeowners: Individuals who have built substantial home equity but do not have enough readily available cash for their next purchase.

Second-home buyers: Qualified borrowers considering a second residence who need to evaluate how existing property equity fits into their financing strategy.

Bridge loans are not appropriate for everyone. Borrowers should consider financing costs, repayment requirements, potential overlapping mortgage payments, and the possibility that their existing home may take longer than expected to sell.

As Michael explains:

"Our job isn't to convince someone to get a Bridge Loan. Our job is to show them what's possible and help them make an educated decision."

A Raleigh Family's Story: Five Kids, Two Cats, a Dog, and a New Home

For one family working with Martin Mortgage Group, buying a new home seemed nearly impossible.

They had five children under the age of six, two cats, and a dog.

Preparing their existing home for sale, keeping it ready for showings, and managing daily life with seven family members and three pets would have been an enormous challenge.

Then they found the house they wanted.

The problem wasn't finding the right home. It was figuring out how to make the move work.

Through the Fairway Bridge Loan program, the family was able to purchase their new home before selling their existing property.

They moved their children and pets into the new house, settled in, and then sold their previous home.

Afterward, the husband told Michael that without the financing strategy, they never would have been able to buy that house.

"For that family, the Bridge Loan didn't just make the financing easier. It made the move possible."

Their experience illustrates why exploring financing options early can be so valuable for homeowners considering their next move.

When Should Raleigh Homeowners Talk to a Mortgage Lender?

The best time to discuss Buy Before You Sell financing is before you find your next home.

Meeting with a mortgage professional early allows you to evaluate your current equity, understand potential borrowing costs, and determine which financing strategies may be available.

This preparation can help buyers make more informed decisions when the right property becomes available.

Michael encourages homeowners not to assume that selling first is their only option.

A conversation about your financial situation may reveal possibilities worth considering, even if you're not ready to move immediately.

To learn more about Michael Martin and his approach to mortgage lending, explore his Best of Raleigh Partner Profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Before Selling in Raleigh

Can I buy another house before selling my current home?

Yes. Qualified homeowners may be able to purchase another property before selling their existing home through bridge financing or other mortgage strategies. Approval depends on their finances, home equity, and lender requirements.

How much equity do I need for a bridge loan?

Equity requirements vary by lender and loan program. Martin Mortgage Group offers access to the Fairway Bridge Loan, which may allow qualified borrowers to access financing based on up to 85% of their current home's total value, subject to program requirements. Existing mortgage debt and other factors affect the amount available.

Do I have to make two mortgage payments when buying before selling?

You may have overlapping housing payments while you own both properties. The exact payment obligations depend on the financing structure and loan terms. A mortgage professional can help explain these costs before you commit.

Are bridge loans available in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Yes. Martin Mortgage Group offers bridge loan financing options to eligible Raleigh and Triangle-area homeowners through Fairway Independent Mortgage.

Are bridge loans only for luxury homebuyers?

No. Bridge financing may benefit eligible move-up buyers, downsizers, and other homeowners who have built equity in their existing property. Qualification depends on the borrower's financial situation and the specific loan program.

How long does it take to close a mortgage with Martin Mortgage Group?

Martin Mortgage Group reports that some transactions can close in as little as two weeks, depending on the loan and circumstances. Many clients plan for a closing timeline of approximately 30 days.

What areas does Martin Mortgage Group serve?

Martin Mortgage Group serves homebuyers and homeowners throughout Raleigh and the greater Triangle area, including surrounding communities. The team also reports being licensed in South Carolina and Virginia.

More Than Mortgages: Supporting Raleigh Realtors and the Community

For Michael Martin, relationships are central to the business.

Martin Mortgage Group works regularly with approximately 80 Realtors throughout the Triangle and receives referrals from more than 100 real estate agents annually.
These partnerships are built around helping agents identify opportunities for their clients, especially homeowners who may believe moving is financially out of reach.

Michael often shares a message with local real estate professionals:

"Your next two closings may already be in your database."

A homeowner who assumes they cannot move may discover that the right financing strategy makes both selling their current home and purchasing their next one possible.

Giving Back to the Raleigh Community

Beyond mortgage lending, Martin Mortgage Group prioritizes community involvement.

The team participates in at least four volunteer days each year, supporting organizations such as:

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Local food banks
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • American Red Cross
  • American Warrior Initiative
  • Fairway Cares

Michael has also served on the board of The Joel Fund, a local nonprofit supporting veterans, for the past four years.

For Martin Mortgage Group, serving Raleigh means more than helping people purchase homes. It also means investing time and resources into the community they call home.

Why Martin Mortgage Group Calls Raleigh Home

"This is our home and our community."

After nearly 25 years in the mortgage industry, Michael has watched Raleigh and the Triangle grow and evolve.

But one thing has remained constant: the importance of relationships.

Clients return years later to purchase their next home. Families refer their friends. Realtors introduce new buyers. Former clients seek guidance when their children are ready to purchase their first properties.

For Michael, those lasting connections are what make the work meaningful.

Connect With Martin Mortgage Group in Raleigh

Whether you're purchasing your first home, exploring mortgage options, or wondering if you can buy before you sell, Martin Mortgage Group can help you understand your financing possibilities.

Martin Mortgage Group | Fairway Independent Mortgage

Your first conversation doesn't have to begin with a specific mortgage product. It can simply begin with your goals.

Wondering if you can buy your next Raleigh home before selling your current one? Contact Martin Mortgage Group to explore your options.

Martin Mortgage Group is a proud Best of Raleigh Partner. Discover more exceptional local businesses in the Best of Raleigh Partner Directory, and follow @thebestofraleigh for more stories highlighting the people, businesses, and community leaders shaping Raleigh.
 

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