09/05/2026
If your lease ends next spring, the renewal notice can become the deadline that makes the decision for you.
Before you tour anything, open your lease and write down:
1️⃣ The exact lease end date.
2️⃣ The date your non renewal notice is due and how it must be delivered.
3️⃣ The cost and rules for going month to month or ending the lease early.
4️⃣ Your target closing window.
5️⃣ Your backup plan if closing moves.
Then choose your overlap plan:
OPTION A: A short overlap may mean paying rent and a mortgage around the same time, but it gives you breathing room to move and absorb a delayed closing.
OPTION B: Little or no overlap reduces duplicate housing expense, but it requires a backup place to stay and a moving plan that does not depend on a perfect closing date.
OPTION C: A month to month bridge can create flexibility when the lease allows it. Confirm the new rent, notice requirement, and minimum stay first.
Now make the decision with four numbers:
• Your maximum full monthly housing payment.
• Your lender’s estimated cash to close.
• The cash needed outside closing for inspections, moving, utility setup, and any planned overlap.
• The minimum savings you refuse to spend.
Ask your MLO to price the home using the full monthly payment, including principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance when applicable, and HOA dues.
If one of those four numbers is missing, the plan is not ready yet.
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