2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Big Year for Buyers — Here’s How to Get Ready

Momentum is slowly picking up in the housing market. According to new NerdWallet data, more Americans are beginning to consider homeownership again. Last year, 15% of people surveyed said they planned to buy within the next year. This year, that figure increased to 17%.

While a 2% rise may seem small, in a market where buyer interest has been subdued for several years, it signals a meaningful change. More people are starting to feel ready — or at least closer to ready — to purchase a home in 2026.

If that sounds like you and homeownership is one of your goals, now is a good time to reach out to a local real estate agent and a reliable lender to begin preparing.

Planning to Move in Early 2026? Start With These 4 Steps

If you want to get an early start, here are the key things to focus on first:

Get pre-approved.
Pre-approval helps you understand how much you can afford and what your monthly payments might look like at today’s rates. Just note that most pre-approvals are valid for only 30 to 90 days, according to Experian, so it’s best to do this when you’re closer to actively shopping.

Review your budget.
Take a close look at your monthly expenses and estimate what your mortgage payment would be. This helps ensure you’re comfortable with the numbers and not overextending yourself.

Clarify your must-haves.
Once your budget makes sense, decide what features are non-negotiable — such as location, commute time, layout, school zones, and lifestyle needs. Having this clear early will make house hunting easier.

Select your agent early.
Check online reviews and speak with a few agents before choosing one you trust and feel comfortable with. A great agent does more than schedule showings — they guide you on pricing, competition, timing, and overall strategy before you submit any offers.

Buying Later in 2026? You Can Still Start Preparing Now

Even if your plan is to buy toward the end of 2026, what you do now still matters. Buyers who feel the most confident later are usually the ones who started preparing well in advance.

You don’t need to make huge financial changes right away. Small, steady steps can make a big difference:

Improve your credit.
You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score can affect your loan options and interest rate. Paying down balances and making on-time payments can help strengthen your score.

Set up automatic savings.
Automating transfers into your home fund helps you save consistently without having to think about it — and reduces the temptation to spend that money elsewhere.

Boost your income when possible.
If you have access to part-time work, freelance jobs, or a side hustle, extra income can give your savings a helpful lift.

Use unexpected money wisely.
Tax refunds, bonuses, gifts, or other windfalls can make a meaningful dent in your home savings when you put them toward your future purchase.

The bottom line? Preparation truly pays off.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is part of your plan, start the conversation now — not to rush into anything, but to give yourself clarity and confidence.

Whether your move happens early next year or later on, the process is always smoother when it begins with a solid plan. And the best way to build that plan is by connecting with a trusted local agent and lender who can guide you along the way.