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Momentum is quietly returning to the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are beginning to think seriously about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to purchase a home within the next 12 months. This year, that figure increased to 17%.
A 2% rise may seem modest, but after several years of cooling buyer demand, it signals a meaningful shift. More people are feeling ready — or at least closer to ready — to make a move and buy a home in 2026.
And if buying a home is on your goals list this year, consider this your nudge to connect with a local agent and a trusted lender so you can start putting the pieces in place now.
Planning To Move in Early 2026? Start with These 4 Steps
If you’re motivated to get started, here are the first things to focus on:
Get pre-approved.
A pre-approval helps you understand what you can realistically afford and what your monthly payment may look like at today’s rates. Just keep in mind, according to Experian, most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days, so this step is best taken once you’re ready to move forward.
Run the numbers.
Take a close look at your finances to establish a comfortable budget. Factor in your current expenses along with a potential mortgage payment so you’re prepared and not stretching yourself too thin.
Define your non-negotiables.
Once you’re confident the numbers work, identify your must-haves. Think location, commute, layout, school district, lifestyle needs, and anything else that truly matters to you. Clarity now makes decisions easier later.
Choose your agent early.
Read reviews, ask questions, and speak with multiple agents until you find someone you trust and connect with. A great agent does more than show homes — they guide you on pricing, competition, timing, and strategy well before you write an offer.
Thinking about Buying Later in the Year? This Is Still Your Window To Prepare
Even if your timeline points to late 2026, this is still a valuable time to prepare. Buyers who feel the most confident later are often the ones who started quietly preparing earlier.
That doesn’t mean making major financial moves right away. It simply means setting yourself up for success. Here are a few low-pressure ways to do that:
Work on your credit.
You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score can influence your loan terms and interest rate. Paying down debt and staying current on payments can make a noticeable difference.
Automate your savings.
Automatic transfers to your home-buying fund help build consistency and remove the temptation to spend that money elsewhere.
Lean into side hustles.
If you have a part-time gig, freelance work, or a side hustle you can pick back up, that extra income can give your savings a boost.
Put unexpected cash to good use.
Tax refunds, bonuses, inheritances, or cash gifts can be powerful tools when added to your house fund — your future self will thank you.
The common thread? Preparation matters.
Bottom Line
If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, now is the time to start the conversation — not to rush, but to gain clarity and confidence.
Every move is smoother when it begins with a plan. And if you’d like help creating one that fits your goals, connecting with a trusted agent and lender is a great first step.
Referrence: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/01/01/more-buyers-are-planning-to-move-in-2026-heres-how-to-get-ready/
