Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again: last year 15% of respondents said they planned to buy in the next 12 months, and this year that number rose to 17%. That 2% jump may seem small, but in a market where buyer demand has cooled in recent years, it’s a sign things are starting to shift. More people are feeling ready — or at least closer to ready — to take the leap in 2026.

If buying is on a homeowner’s goals for 2026, now is the moment to connect with a local agent and a trusted lender and begin laying the groundwork.

If someone wants to get the ball rolling right away, here are the first actions to tackle:

1. Get pre-approved. A pre-approval gives a realistic view of buying power and what a monthly payment might look like at today’s rates. Keep in mind, Experian notes most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days, so this step is most useful when a buyer is getting serious.

2. Run the numbers. Carefully review all expenses to build a workable budget. Factor in current bills, projected mortgage payments, closing costs and other ongoing homeownership expenses so the buyer knows what to expect and doesn’t overextend.

3. Define non-negotiables. Once the finances are clear, decide the true must-haves: preferred location, acceptable commute, floorplan, school district and lifestyle needs. Being specific now makes decision-making faster and less stressful when touring homes.

4. Choose an agent early. Interview multiple local agents and pick one who inspires trust and works with the buyer’s style. A good agent does much more than show homes: they provide pricing perspective, competitive intel, timing and strategy before an offer is ever written.

Even if buying is a late-2026 goal, this moment still matters — the buyers who feel most confident later are often the ones who prepared quietly now. Preparation doesn’t require big commitments; it’s mostly low-stress steps that pay off later:

1. Work on credit. A better credit score can improve loan terms and mortgage rates. Paying down debt and staying current on payments can raise a score over time.

2. Automate savings. Set up automatic transfers to a home savings account so progress is consistent and less likely to be diverted.

3. Lean into side income. Extra earnings from part-time work, freelancing or gig work can accelerate savings for a down payment.

4. Put windfalls to work. Tax refunds, bonuses or gifts can be added directly to the house fund to boost buying power.

The common thread: small, steady steps ahead of time make a big difference when the right opportunity appears.

---

Bottom line

If buying a home in 2026 is on the radar, start the conversation now — not to rush a decision, but to make sure a buyer is prepared when the moment arrives. A clear plan and the right local team make every move smoother.

🔎 If someone needs help creating a personalized plan, let’s connect and map out the next steps.