For Newlyweds & Growing Families
Getting Married and Both Own a Home? Sell One, Sell Both or Keep One as a Rental
Two homes, one future. Here's a simple look at your options, including how to sell and buy at the same time without paying for two places for long.
Serving Fort Walton BeachShow all cities I serve
- Niceville
- Crestview
- Navarre
- Shalimar
- Mary Esther
- Destin
- DeFuniak Springs
We're getting married and both own a home. What should we do?
Most couples choose one of three paths: sell one and move into the other, sell both and buy a home together, or keep one as a rental.
The right choice usually comes down to which home fits your life now, how much equity each home has, and whether renting one out makes sense. A side-by-side look at both homes makes the decision a lot easier.
Your Options
Two Homes, Three Paths
Tap a card to see when each option tends to work best.
Before You Decide
Things to Talk About First
Florida homestead exemption
A married couple generally gets one homestead exemption between them. If you keep both homes, plan for higher property taxes on the one you don't live in. Selling and buying another Florida home? Homestead portability can carry your tax savings along.
Military couples
Getting married can change your housing allowance (BAH) to the with-dependents rate, which may change what you're comfortable buying. If either of you has a VA loan, we'll look at how it fits your plan.
Equity in each home
What each home would sell for, minus what's owed, shapes your options. I'll give you an estimated net for both.
Space, pets & the yard
Two households means more stuff, and sometimes more dogs. A fenced yard or an extra bedroom can decide which home stays.
Commute & schools
Which home works for both jobs? Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar are 5 to 20 minutes to Hurlburt Field or Eglin AFB.
Taxes on the sale
Home-sale tax rules depend on how long you've owned and lived in each home. A quick talk with your CPA is worth it before you list.
Selling & Buying at the Same Time
Timing Two Moves Without the Stress
If you're selling and buying, the goal is to avoid paying for two places for long, or moving twice. There are three common ways to line it up:
Sell first
You know exactly what you have to spend, and you shop with confidence. You may need a short rental, or ask the buyer for a little extra time to move.
Buy first
You move once, on your schedule. This works when you can qualify for the new home before your current one sells.
Offer depends on your sale
Your offer is contingent on selling your home. It's common and can work well, especially when your home is already listed or under contract. On my 805 Overbrook sale, both closings happened the same day.
Helpful tools: lining up both closings on the same day or a few days apart, and asking your lender about bridge loans or a home equity line. Because I represent both buyers and sellers, I can coordinate both sides of your move.
Thinking About Renting One Out?
Keep One as a Rental
A home with a low interest rate can be worth keeping. Rent in our area is often steady thanks to the bases.
If you decide to sell it later with a tenant in place, here's how selling a rental with tenants works.
Questions to Ask First
- Would the rent cover the payment, insurance and repairs?
- Do you want to manage it, or hire a property manager?
- How does your loan treat a home you no longer live in?
- How would keeping it affect your taxes?
I'll compare selling versus renting each home with real numbers, so you can decide with confidence.
Good Questions
Getting Married & Two Homes: FAQ
We're getting married and both own homes. Which one should we sell?
Usually the one that fits your life less. Compare size, yard, commute, condition and equity side by side. Sometimes the answer is to sell both and buy a home that fits you both.
Can a married couple have two homestead exemptions in Florida?
Generally no. A married couple usually gets one homestead exemption between them, so the second home is taxed without it. Check with the Okaloosa or Santa Rosa County property appraiser for your situation.
Should we sell one house or keep it as a rental?
Keeping it can make sense if the rent covers your costs and you're comfortable being a landlord. Selling may be better if you want the equity for your next home. I can run the numbers both ways.
How do you sell a house and buy another at the same time?
You can sell first, buy first or make your offer contingent on selling your home. Many people line up both closings on the same day or a few days apart, so they only move once.
Does getting married change my BAH?
Yes, once your marriage is reported, your Basic Allowance for Housing is typically paid at the with-dependents rate. Check with your finance office for your exact amount.
I'm a REALTOR®, not an attorney, tax advisor or lender. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with your CPA, lender and county property appraiser about your situation. Sources: The Florida Bar Journal, homestead and family units, Defense Travel Management Office, BAH.
Congratulations, by the Way
Let's Compare Both Homes Side by Side
A quick, no-pressure call. I'll show you what each home could sell for, what you'd net and what renting one out might look like.
Keep Reading
Real Estate Insights From the Journal
View All Articles →
Hi, I'mBentley! 🐾
Let's Talk
Thinking About Buying in Fort Walton Beach?
If you're beginning the search for a home in Fort Walton Beach or the surrounding areas, having a knowledgeable local guide can make the process much easier to navigate.
If you'd like help exploring available homes, scheduling showings, or simply discussing what you're hoping to find, feel free to reach out anytime. I'm always happy to help you take the next step when the timing is right.
Fort Walton Beach · Shalimar · Niceville · Navarre · Crestview
© CENTURY 21 2025 - 2026. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, C21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Franchisee Legal Entity Name (not the dba) fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Century 21 Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
