Want to Buy a Home This Year?

Start With These 8 Steps

So you’ve set a New Year’s resolution to buy a home this year—nice move! It’s a big goal, but totally doable with the right prep and mindset. Whether you’re tired of renting or ready to stop scrolling real estate listings and start booking showings, now’s the perfect time to lay the groundwork.

Here are 8 practical tips to help you stay on track and actually follow through on that resolution to buy a home in 2026.

1. Get Real About Your Budget

Before you even start looking at houses, take a hard look at your finances. How much are you spending monthly? What can you comfortably afford in a mortgage payment without stretching yourself too thin?

Start by estimating your potential monthly mortgage, including taxes and insurance. There are plenty of online calculators to get a ballpark figure. But don’t stop there—talk to an experienced lender who can walk you through what a realistic purchase price might look like for your situation.

2. Check Your Credit Early

Your credit score plays a big role in determining the kind of loan you qualify for—and what interest rate you’ll get. A higher score generally means a lower rate, which can save you thousands over the life of the loan.

Grab a copy of your credit report now (you can get one free from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com). Look for any errors or areas you can improve. If your score is lower than you’d like, now’s the time to pay down debt, set up automatic payments, and avoid opening new lines of credit.

3. Build or Boost Your Down Payment Fund

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need 20% down to buy a home. There are loan options with down payments as low as 3%, especially for first-time buyers. That said, the more you can put down, the better your position will be.

Start a separate savings account for your home fund and treat it like a monthly bill. Automating your savings—even if it’s a small amount—can help you make consistent progress without thinking about it.

4. Understand Hidden Costs

Your down payment isn’t the only expense. Be ready for:

  • Closing costs (usually 2-5% of the home price)

  • Home inspections and appraisals

  • Moving expenses

  • Property taxes and insurance

  • Ongoing maintenance and repairs

Having a cushion beyond your down payment is key. It gives you breathing room and makes the transition into homeownership way smoother.

5. Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

A pre-approval from a licensed mortgage loan originator is a powerful first step. It shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready, and it helps you shop within your true price range.

Pre-qualification is more of a quick estimate based on self-reported numbers, but pre-approval involves a more detailed review of your income, assets, and credit. Think of it as your green light to start house hunting with confidence.

6. Start Your Research Early

Even if you’re not ready to buy tomorrow, start browsing homes in your target area. Pay attention to:

  • Average home prices

  • How long homes stay on the market

  • Property taxes

  • Neighborhood amenities

Use this time to get familiar with what you can expect at different price points, and what features really matter to you (vs. what you think you need). It’ll make your actual search much more efficient later.

7. Build Your Team Ahead of Time

When the time comes to act, you’ll want a solid team in place:

  • A real estate agent who knows your market

  • A licensed mortgage loan originator you trust

  • Possibly a real estate attorney, depending on your state

Interview agents and lenders before you’re in a time crunch. Ask questions, get referrals, and make sure everyone you work with understands your goals.

8. Stay Flexible (and Patient)

The housing market can throw curveballs. Rates might fluctuate. Inventory could be low. Your offer might not be the one that gets accepted. That’s all normal.

 

The key is to stay focused on your long-term goal without getting discouraged by short-term bumps. Give yourself enough runway this year to find the right home—not just the first one that checks the boxes. 

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is a major milestone—and it’s one of the most common New Year’s resolutions for a reason. But like any big goal, it takes planning, discipline, and a little bit of hustle.

Start now. Talk to an experienced lender, set financial goals that make sense for your lifestyle, and give yourself time to get everything in order. Come spring or summer, you’ll be glad you started early.

And hey—crossing “Buy a home” off your resolution list this year? That’s going to feel really, really good.

Need help figuring out your first step? Talk to a licensed mortgage loan originator to get personalized advice based on your finances and goals. The sooner you start the conversation, the more prepared you’ll be when the right home comes along.

Ready to get started? Our team of Mortgage Experts can help! 

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