More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready.

Momentum is quietly returning to the housing market — and it’s happening sooner than many people realize.

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 buy within the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%.

At first glance, a 2% increase may not sound dramatic. But after several years of slowed buyer activity, even a modest uptick is meaningful. It signals renewed confidence, growing readiness, and a shift in mindset — especially among buyers targeting 2026 as their move year.

If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, now is not about rushing. It’s about preparing wisely so you can move with confidence when the time is right.

Planning To Move in Early 2026? Start With These 4 Smart Steps

If you’re hoping to buy sooner rather than later in 2026, laying the groundwork now can give you a major advantage.

1. Get Pre-Approved (When the Timing Is Right)

A mortgage pre-approval helps you understand what you can realistically afford and what your monthly payment might look like at today’s rates. Just keep in mind that Experian notes most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days. This step makes the most sense once you’re getting serious about shopping.

2. Run the Numbers Honestly

Take a close look at your full financial picture. Factor in existing bills, lifestyle expenses, and how a mortgage payment would fit into your monthly budget. Clear numbers now help prevent stress and over-stretching later.

3. Define Your Non-Negotiables

Knowing what you must have makes decision-making easier once you start touring homes. Think about:

• Location and commute
  
  

• Home layout and size
  
  

• School districts
  
  

• Lifestyle needs (yard, office space, walkability, etc.)
  
  

Clarity upfront saves time and frustration down the road.

4. Choose Your Agent Early

The right agent does far more than unlock doors. They help you understand pricing, market conditions, competition, and timing — long before you write an offer. Read reviews, interview agents, and choose someone you trust and communicate well with.

Buying Later in 2026? This Is Still Your Preparation Window

Even if your purchase feels like a late-2026 goal, now is still a valuable season to prepare. The buyers who feel the most confident when it’s time to act are usually the ones who started quietly preparing months (or even years) in advance.

Here are a few low-stress ways to get ahead:

Strengthen Your Credit

You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score can impact loan options and interest rates. Paying down balances and making on-time payments consistently can make a noticeable difference over time.

Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to a dedicated home-buying savings account. Automation builds consistency and removes the temptation to spend those funds elsewhere.

Lean Into Side Income

Whether it’s freelance work, part-time hours, or a side hustle you’ve done before, extra income can accelerate your savings and give you more flexibility when it’s time to buy.

Use Windfalls Wisely

Tax refunds, bonuses, gifts, or other unexpected cash can make a powerful impact when directed toward your future home fund. Small decisions now can create big wins later.

The Common Thread: Preparation Changes Everything

Buying a home doesn’t start with an offer — it starts with a plan. Preparation gives you clarity, confidence, and options. It reduces stress and helps you move decisively when the right opportunity appears.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is part of your plan, the best time to start the conversation is now — not to rush you, but to empower you with clarity and confidence.

At Amy McDaniel Team, we believe the smoothest moves happen when buyers are informed, prepared, and supported long before they ever write an offer. Whether your goal is early 2026 or later in the year, we’ll help you understand your options, navigate local market trends, and create a strategy that fits your timeline and lifestyle.

When you’re ready to turn a goal into a plan, the Amy McDaniel Team is here to guide you every step of the way — with honest advice, local expertise, and a trusted network of lenders and professionals who put your best interest first.

📍 Planning ahead today makes tomorrow’s move easier. Let’s start that plan together.