Something subtle yet important is happening in the housing market. After several years of cooled demand, higher mortgage rates, and affordability challenges, more Americans are beginning to picture themselves as homeowners again. Recent data from NerdWallet shows that the share of people who say they plan to buy a home in the next twelve months has increased from fifteen percent to seventeen percent.

On paper, a two-point increase may look small. In a market that has been defined by hesitation and uncertainty, even a modest rise in buyer intent signals a meaningful shift in mindset. It suggests that more people are feeling financially stable, more optimistic about the future, or simply more prepared to take the next step toward homeownership.

If you are one of the people who has written buy a home somewhere on your 2026 goals list, this growing momentum is a reminder that preparation matters. Starting early can make your path smoother, clearer, and far less stressful.

Whether you are hoping to move in the first half of 2026 or you are thinking about buying later in the year, the steps you take now can set you up for success when the right home appears.

If You Want To Move in Early 2026, Here Is Where To Begin

For buyers who want to move quickly, the first few months of preparation are crucial. Early planning gives you a competitive edge, helps you avoid surprises, and ensures that you are making decisions based on real numbers rather than guesswork.

Below are the four foundational steps to take if you are aiming for an early year move.

1. Get Pre-Approved So You Know Your True Buying Power

A pre-approval is more than a letter. It is a roadmap. It tells you how much you can borrow, what your monthly payment might look like, and how lenders view your financial picture. It also gives you a major advantage once you start shopping. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously because it shows you are qualified and ready to move forward.

One important detail is that Experian notes most pre approvals are valid for only thirty to ninety days. You do not need to rush into this step months in advance, but you should be ready to get pre-approved once you are close to actively searching. Think of it as the green light that signals you are officially ready to enter the market.

2. Take a Deep Dive Into Your Budget

Before you fall in love with a home, you need a clear understanding of what you can comfortably afford. That means looking beyond the mortgage payment and considering your full financial picture.

Here is what to review

• Your current monthly expenses
• Any upcoming financial commitments
• How your lifestyle might change once you own a home
• What you want your monthly payment to be, rather than simply what you can qualify for

This step is about clarity and confidence. When you know your numbers, you avoid stretching too far, and you make decisions that support your long term stability.

3. Identify Your Must-Haves and Deal Breakers

Once you understand your budget, the next step is figuring out what matters most to you in a home. This is where you define your non-negotiables. These are the features, locations, and lifestyle factors that truly matter.

Consider things like

• Preferred neighborhoods
• Commute time
• School district needs
• Home layout and size
• Outdoor space
• Proximity to family, work, or community activities

Getting clear on these priorities now helps you stay focused once you start touring homes. It also helps your agent zero in on the right properties faster.

4. Choose Your Real Estate Agent Early

A great agent does far more than unlock doors. They help you understand pricing trends, competition levels, timing strategies, and what to expect in your local market.

Start by reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and interviewing a few agents to find someone who feels like the right fit. You want someone who communicates well, understands your goals, and has a strong track record in your area.

Choosing your agent early means you will have expert guidance long before you write your first offer. That guidance can make all the difference.

If You Are Planning To Buy Later in 2026, This Is Still the Perfect Time To Prepare

Not everyone is ready to jump into the market right away. If your timeline is more flexible or you are aiming for a late 2026 purchase, you still have a valuable window to prepare.

In fact, the buyers who feel the most confident later are usually the ones who quietly laid the groundwork months in advance.

Here are a few low-pressure ways to set yourself up for success without making major financial commitments right now.

1. Strengthen Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a major role in your loan options and mortgage rate. You do not need perfect credit to buy a home, but improving your score can save you money over the life of your loan.

A few simple habits can make a big difference

• Pay bills on time
• Reduce credit card balances
• Avoid opening new lines of credit unless necessary

Even small improvements can help you qualify for better terms.

2. Automate Your Savings To Build Momentum

Saving for a down payment can feel overwhelming. Automation makes it easier. When you set up automatic transfers into a dedicated home fund, you remove the temptation to skip a month or spend the money elsewhere.

Consistency is more important than the amount. Even small, steady contributions add up over time.

3. Use Side Income To Boost Your Home Fund

If you have a side hustle, freelance gig, or part-time job, consider directing some or all of that income toward your savings. This is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your progress without disrupting your regular budget.

Whether it is seasonal work, creative projects, consulting, or gig-based income, every extra dollar moves you closer to your goal.

4. Put Unexpected Money Toward Your Future Home

Tax refunds, bonuses, gifts, or other windfalls can make a meaningful impact when you are saving for a home. Instead of letting that money disappear into everyday spending, consider directing it toward your down payment or closing costs.

Your future self will be grateful you did.

Why Early Preparation Matters More Than Ever

The common thread in all of these steps, whether you are buying early or later in the year, is preparation. The housing market is always evolving, and the buyers who feel the most confident are the ones who took time to understand their finances, clarify their goals, and build a strong foundation.

Starting early does not mean rushing. It means giving yourself the gift of time, space, and clarity.

It means

• You understand your budget
• You know what you want
• You have a plan
• You are ready to act when the right home appears

And perhaps most importantly, it means you are not scrambling when the moment arrives.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. Not to pressure yourself into a quick decision, but to give yourself the advantage of preparation.

A trusted real estate agent and lender can help you map out a plan that fits your timeline, your finances, and your goals. Whether your move is six months away or twelve, the steps you take today will make the process smoother, more predictable, and far more empowering.