How Much Equity Do You Need to Move Up in Puyallup?

You’re ready to bigger and better. You’ve outgrown your current home in the Puyallup, Washington area and you’re excited about stepping into a larger space—maybe one with a room for the kids, a yard for holidays, or that dream workshop. The question you’re asking is: How much equity do I need to buy a larger home in Puyallup?

I’m Josh Barnard, founder of The Barnard Group at Real Broker, and helping you navigate this move means everything to me. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Tacoma, buy a home in Puyallup, or buy a home in Orting, I want you to feel excited, confident, and supported.

1. What “equity” really means for you

When you sell your current home—maybe you’re going to sell your home in Puyallup or sell your home in Tacoma—your equity is what you own outright after subtracting any mortgage balance. For instance, if your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $300,000, you have $200,000 in equity. 

Understanding that number is critical before you talk about the next home.

2. How much equity should you aim for when moving up?

There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but there are key guidelines. Many homeowners aim to have at least 20 % equity in the home they’re selling—that helps you avoid extra mortgage insurance and gives you more flexibility. 

If you’re selling your home in Orting or Puyallup and buying a larger home, you’ll want to factor:

• Proceeds from the sale: After your mortgage and closing costs, how much will you walk away with?

• Down payment/upgrade cost: Larger homes in Puyallup or Tacoma may cost more up front and monthly.

• Costs of moving: Selling and buying both carry costs—closing costs, moving, potential renovations.

3. A sample scenario in Puyallup real estate

Let’s say you bought your current home for $450,000 and today it’s worth $650,000 (thanks to strong Puyallup real estate market momentum). You owe $300,000. Your potential equity is $650,000 − $300,000 = $350,000.

If you sell and after fees you net maybe ~$330,000, that gives you strong buying power. If the home you want costs $800,000 in Pierce County homes for sale, you might use part of that $330k as down payment/fund upgrades, which lowers your loan amount and gives you better loan terms. With a trusted real estate agent near you—someone who knows how to sell your home in Puyallup and help you buy in Puyallup—you’re positioned for strength.

4. Why our strategy goes deeper than numbers

At The Barnard Group, we don’t just crunch numbers—we plan with you. Because you’re not just buying a house. You’re buying your future home in Tacoma, Puyallup or Orting—somewhere you’ll build memories, raise kids, create community.

Here’s what we help you do:

• Understand your equity: We’ll estimate your home’s value (Puyallup real estate market knowledge) and subtract what you owe to get a realistic number.

• Explore upgrade cost: We look at what you’re buying—size, amenities, neighborhood. What does “larger home” mean in Orting or Tacoma?

• Plan your sale: We’ll map out how to sell your home in Orting or sell your home in Tacoma with intention—so you maximize equity and minimize stress.

• Match you with the right new home: We’ll tailor your search so you buy a home in Puyallup that fits your life stage—you’re already successful, raising a family, investing in real estate in Washington and beyond.

• Prevent surprises: Equity alone isn’t enough if debt‐to‐income or loan‐to‐value ratios don’t line up. We keep you in a safe, smart position.

5. Quick questions to ask right now

• What’s my current home worth in the Puyallup real estate market today?

• How much do I owe on the loan and any second liens?

• After closing costs and paying off the mortgage, how much equity will I have in my pocket?

• What size monthly payment is comfortable for me on a larger home—considering taxes, insurance, possible HOA?

• How will this move support my long-term vision (invest in real estate in Washington, bigger family space, etc.)?

6. Your trusted guide in the area

You want the best realtor in Puyallup or the best realtor in Tacoma—or even the best realtor in Orting who understands that you’re not just buying property, you’re building legacy. That’s who I am. At The Barnard Group, our core values: People, Technology, Systems, Love, Give. I’m not here to push you to the next deal—I’m here to help you win your next chapter.

If you’re thinking “It’s time to move up,” I’d love to walk with you. Let’s evaluate your equity, plan your sale, find your dream in Tacoma, Puyallup or Orting. When you feel excited and confident—not stressed and unsure—that’s when we’ve done right by you.

Ready to make your move? Call or text Josh Barnard at 253-677-5765 or visit https://www.barnardgroupre.com to get started.

© The Barnard Group at Real Broker
Originally published on BarnardGroupRE.com