Stupid question about buying / selling - novice

[noarguments]

House on market a few weeks, five viewings so far, no offers as yet. Have begun to view a few houses to move to, have found one we really like.
Do we need to get an offer on ours before we can put an offer on the one we want?
Such a basic question its too embarassing to ask EA or in fact anyone in RL!! If I'm confuddled at this stage, I dread to think how we will get on with all the negotiations and financial wranglings. May be joining house buyers support thread soon!
Thanks.

you can certainly offer, but they may not take theirs off the market because you are not yet in a position to buy.

give it a go - business transaction, no-one will be upset!

There are pros and cons to both ways.

If you out in an offer for a house you like before accepting an offer on your current house, your 'new' house could get sold to somebody else because they accept an offer before you. If you don't find a new property fast enough you may lose your buyer.

If you wait until you have accepted an offer on your house any offers you make you will need to ask the vendor(seller) to remove their property from the market so they show any anybody else round. If you want to put in a low offer it is more likely to be accepted if you already have a buyer because you are reach to go.

It's a tricky situation! I don't think there is a right answer & the earlier posters have all made good points.

Depends on what the situation is with the house you've seen - are there any other offers on it/ other people interested?

I would have an honest conversation with the vendors EA & explain that you like the house but have not sold you own etc - they should be able to advise what is best - that's what they are being paid for after all - to negotiate the best sale for their client.

Thanks, not much interest as far as I know (which makes me wonder why!) - we were first viewers, and they had been on market for several months.

Thank you for comments - as I thought, pros and cons.