New Year Goals

Nobody asked…but here’s my advice if you want to buy a home in 2026.

Know your why:
Before you start seriously scrolling Zillow (because let’s be honest, I know you’ve been casually scrolling for years…don’t we all??), get clear on exactly why you want to move. This helps you figure out why type of home we’re looking for and in what area. Things to think about:
- more space?
- different school district?
- closer to work or family?
Knowing your “why” makes every decision easier later.
Figure out your timeline:
Do you want to move ASAP or do you just want to be in a new home this time next year? Do you need to make some moves (ex sell your current home, save for a down payment…) before you can even begin to look at houses?

If you want very specific features like acreage, a certain layout or floor plan, etc. keep in mind that it could take longer to find your ideal home!
Decide your budget:
A local lender can look at your income, credit score, and other factors to help you decide which price range you should focus on. A pre-approval is a must in this housing market, so start working with a lender sooner than later. If you need local recs, let me know! I’m happy to give you my favorite lenders to work with.

Next, a good idea is to open a “house fund” now for moving costs, inspections, and those surprise expenses that always pop up.
Contact me!
Let’s work together on your next move so you can start off on the right foot. We can sit down over a cup of coffee and go through a mini-buyer strategy to get in you in your new home. Visit my contact me page here or you can even start with a local area search here. Can’t wait to help you on this new adventure!