If You’re Definitely Buying a Home in 2026, Read This First
If you’ve already decided that 2026 is your year to buy, congratulations — you’re a decision maker. (You’d be shocked how making a decision can bring clarity — putting you ahead of most people.)
My number-one goal is to prepare you well. When that time comes, I want you to feel steady, informed and confident. We are making fully-informed decisions here!
Why Preparing Early for Buying in DFW Matters:
Preparing early gives you room to breathe and not feel so rushed. It also helps you make sure your preparing correctly and on the right track rather than running into last-minute hiccups.
In a market like ours in the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex, early preparation helps you:
Understand what actually fits in your budget
What your budget even is
Explore neighborhoods that could be a good fit
Time to notice what does not work in your current home and what may be deal breakers.
Avoid the worry of getting preapproved and what that might look like
Get Clear on Why You’re Buying Before Choosing a Home
Before you think about price points, neighborhoods, or timelines, start here:
What isn’t working in your current home?
What feels inconvenient?
What creates friction?
What are you constantly working around?
Your next home should solve/support patterns, not just preferences.
Pay Attention to How You Actually Live This Year
Now is the time to start noticing:
Where you spend most of your time at home
Which layouts feel supportive when you visit other spaces
What you keep wishing your home had
Keep a casual notes list in your phone.
How to Financially Prepare for Buying a Home in 2026 (Without Obsessing)
It is never, ever too early to talk to a Mortgage Lender. It does not lock you into anything and you don’t have to do a full credit pull until your ready.
Talking to a lender before your ready provides the clarity to look at real numbers, and start strategizing what needs to happen to ensure we stick to your financial goals.
It’s very common for buyers to start in one place, fall in love with a home that is at the top of their budget, and potentially buy more house than they really need. We do not want you to be house poor!
If you’re looking for a recommendation, I have incredible partners [Link freebie/lead magnet or instagram profile] I can connect you to. Not all realtors are created equal — and not all lenders are either.
flow in your email system to capture lead information.
You can start focusing on:
Understanding what monthly payment feels comfortable (not just what you qualify for)
Cleaning up expenses that don’t add value
Creating flexibility so future decisions don’t feel tight
Create a Yes / No / Maybe List for Your 2026 Home Search
Some of these will change as you start looking at homes in person. This list will save you from decision fatigue later — especially when emotions are high.
Yes: non-negotiables
No: deal-breakers you won’t repeat
Maybe: things you’re open to if everything else fits
When to Talk to a Realtor About Buying in 2026
Just like you can’t talk to a Lender too early, you definitely can’t talk to a realtor too early. Lots of my buyers start reaching out 1-2 years out!
But don’t worry — you aren’t behind if you’re a bit closer to buying.
Speaking with a realtor will help you:
Decide if new construction or existing homes are a better fit
Where the best deals are happening
Gives the opportunity for off-market deals that make come across them that could be a great fit
I Have Resources Just For You
Buying in 2026? I put together a buyer guide that walks through the gives the big picture breakdown of the entire process without overwhelming the heck out of you.
Still narrowing down where you want to live? My neighborhood guide breaks down different areas by lifestyle. (And my favorite recs!)
One of the easiest ways to get started: Click here to fill out my buyer questionnaire.