Buyer Interest Is Picking Up — Here’s Why Planning Ahead Matters

Momentum is slowly but steadily returning to the housing market. According to new data from NerdWallet, 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 number climbed to 17%.

While a 2% increase may seem small, in a market that’s seen buyer demand cool over the past few years, it’s a meaningful signal. It shows more people are regaining confidence and starting to prepare for a move — especially those eyeing a purchase in 2026.

If buying a home is on your radar, now is the time to start laying the groundwork. Connecting early with a local real estate agent and a trusted lender can make the process far smoother when the timing is right.

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

If you’re ready to be proactive, these are the most important steps to tackle first:

Get pre-approved.
A pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your buying power and what your monthly payment could look like at today’s interest rates. Just keep in mind that most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days, so this step is best done when you’re getting serious.

Run the numbers.
Take a close look at your current expenses and map out a comfortable monthly budget. Understanding how a future mortgage fits alongside your other financial obligations helps ensure you buy confidently — without stretching too thin.

Define your non-negotiables.
Once the numbers make sense, identify what matters most in your next home. Think location, commute, layout, school district, lifestyle needs, and long-term plans. Clarity now leads to quicker, easier decisions later.

Choose your agent early.
Interview agents, read reviews, and find someone you trust. A great agent does more than open doors — they help you understand pricing trends, competition, timing, and strategy well before you write an offer.

Buying Later in 2026? This Is Still Your Time to Prepare

Even if your purchase feels farther out, this is still a valuable season to prepare. Buyers who feel the most confident when the time comes are usually the ones who started quietly planning months in advance.

That doesn’t mean making big financial moves right away. Small, intentional steps can go a long way:

• Strengthen your credit. Improving your credit score can positively impact your loan options and interest rate. Paying down debt and making on-time payments now can make a difference later.

• Automate your savings. Setting up automatic transfers to your home-buying fund creates consistency and removes the temptation to spend that money elsewhere.

• Lean into side income. Freelance work, part-time jobs, or side hustles can give your savings a helpful boost.

• Put windfalls to work. Tax refunds, bonuses, or monetary gifts can accelerate your progress when added directly to your home fund.

The common theme? Preparation pays off.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is on your horizon, start the conversation now. Not to rush the process — but to gain clarity, confidence, and a solid plan.

Every successful move begins with preparation. And when you’re ready, partnering with your local Rucker & Associates Team agent and lender can help you take the next step with confidence.