The community wants a deposit before our house has even sold. How do people manage that?
This sequencing problem is so common that tools exist for it. Communities often need a deposit, or a full entrance fee, while your money is still in the house. People bridge the gap a few ways. A home equity line opened before the house lists — lenders want you still living there, so the order matters. A short-term bridge loan. Or family help, documented cleanly so it doesn't tangle anything later.
Ask the community directly, too. Many offer their own bridge programs or will coordinate move-in timing with your sale — they want the move to work as much as you do. The sequence that keeps stress lowest: line up the bridge first, then list, then we time the closing to the move-in date instead of racing it.
Start with what the house will actually bring. I'll run that number first — just call.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.