According to a recent RE/MAX Canada survey, 16 per cent of Canadians said they want to enter the housing market, or sell in order to “move up.” The high cost of real estate has made entering the market a challenge for many first-time homebuyers, but thanks to well-timed purchases and considerable equity gains, move-up buyers are in a great position right now, making shopping for a “forever home” feel like less of a stretch.

When you bought your first place, chances are you were young, strapped for cash and prepared (or at the very least, warned) to make some concessions. “You can’t have it all,” they said. “So where will you take the hit – price, location, home style?” Move-up buyers, on the other hand, typically has some savings and equity to work with, making their next move less of a compromise and more a thoughtful selection.

But move-up buyers face their own set of challenges that call for a carefully considered strategy. Here are three options for the smart move-up buyer with a plan!