Buyer Activity Is Building for 2026, Here’s What to Do Now

Momentum is slowly returning to the housing market. New NerdWallet data shows more Americans are beginning to consider buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy within the next 12 months. This year, that figure increased to 17%.

That 2% increase may seem modest, but in a market where buyer demand has been cooling for several years, it signals a meaningful shift. More people are starting to feel ready—or at least closer to ready—to make a home purchase in 2026.

If buying is on your goals list this year, consider this your nudge to connect with a local agent and a trusted lender and begin laying the groundwork now.

Planning an Early 2026 Move? Start With These 4 Steps

If you’re ready to get started, here’s what to focus on first:

1. Get pre-approved. A pre-approval helps you understand your true buying power and what your payment could look like at today’s rates. Just keep in mind that most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days, according to Experian, so this step is best done when you’re ready to get serious.
2. Run the numbers. Take a close look at your full financial picture to set a realistic budget. Factor in current bills alongside an estimated monthly mortgage payment so you go in clear-eyed and avoid stretching yourself too thin.
3. Define your non-negotiables. Once the numbers make sense, get clear on your must-haves—location, commute, layout, school district, lifestyle needs, and more. Having this nailed down early makes decision-making much easier once you start touring homes.
4. Choose your agent early. Read reviews, interview a few agents, and find someone you trust and connect with. The right agent does far more than open doors—they help you understand pricing, competition, timing, and strategy well before you submit an offer.

Planning to Buy Later in the Year? Now Is Still the Time to Prepare

Even if your purchase is a late-2026 goal, what you do now matters. Buyers who feel the most confident later are usually the ones who prepared early.

That doesn’t require major financial moves or big lifestyle changes. It’s simply about putting yourself in position so you’re ready when the timing is right. Here are a few low-stress ways to get started:

1. Strengthen your credit. You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score does affect your loan options and potentially your mortgage rate. Paying down balances and staying consistent with on-time payments can help improve your score over time.
2. Automate your savings. Relying on manual transfers makes it easy to skip a month. Setting up automatic deposits into your home-buying fund builds consistency and removes the temptation to spend that money elsewhere.
3. Lean into side income. If you have a side gig—or have had one before—this is a good time to revisit it. Freelance work, part-time income, or short-term projects can meaningfully boost your savings.
4. Put unexpected cash to work. Windfalls like tax refunds, bonuses, inheritances, or family gifts can make a big difference when directed straight into your house fund. Your future self will appreciate it.

The takeaway? Smart preparation makes all the difference.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, it’s worth starting the conversation now. Not to rush into a decision, but to give yourself time, perspective, and clarity as you think through your options. The buyers who feel most confident later are usually the ones who gave themselves room to plan ahead.

Every move—whether it happens next year or further down the road—tends to be smoother when it begins with a thoughtful plan. And if you’d like help putting one together that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort level, connecting with a trusted local agent and lender can make all the difference.

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