IS A NEW GREATER CHARLOTTE HOME IN 2026 ONE OF YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS?
5 RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE (AND KEEP)
"To own a home is to build a tangible dream."
... Unknown
A new year always seems to get people thinking about taking a fresh look at their goals... from health and careers to relationships and finances. If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to buy a home, this is the year you can make four resolutions to make a home purchase happen: (1) improve your credit score, (2) pay down some debt, (3) save for a down payment to make that resolution come true, (4) create a relationship with an experienced real estate agent early in the home buying process.
2026 Home Buying Resolution #1:
Qualify For A Better Mortgage Rate With A Higher Credit Score
Your credit report highlights your current debt, bill-paying history, and other key financial information. Importantly for your home-buying journey, it is also used by lenders and companies to calculate your credit score, which partly determines if you are qualified to obtain a mortgage. So, before you start house-hunting, make sure your finances are in the best possible shape by checking your credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (via AnnualCreditReport.com). You can also obtain your credit score for free from some banks and credit card companies.
Your credit score will be a number ranging from 300-850. Generally speaking, a credit score of 740 or higher is considered very good to excellent. If your FICO score drops below 740, you might need to work at boosting your score for a few months before you begin house-hunting. Ways to do this are to pay your bills on time every month, keep your credit card balances low, and avoid applying for new credit. Get Ready To Buy A Home By Improving Your Credit Score.
“Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.”
... Marshall Field
2026 Home Buying Resolution #2:
Improve Your Credit Health By Paying Down Debt
Do you have student loans, credit card debt, or car payments tying up your income each month? That debt is hurting your “buying power,” or the amount of home you can afford. Not only is it money that you can't spend on your new home, but your debt-to-income ratio also affects your credit score, which was noted in Resolution #1.
The less debt you have, the higher your FICO score and the better mortgage rate you can obtain. If you can, pay off some debt in its entirety—like a low balance on a credit card. Then apply that "extra" money you previously paid on that credit card to pay off bigger debt, like a car loan. Even if you can’t pay off all (or any) of your debt in full, reducing the balances of each account will help you qualify for the best possible mortgage terms.
“90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.”
... Andrew Carnegie
2026 Home Buying Resolution #3:
Create A Financial Plan & Safety Net Before Applying For A Mortgage
Don’t forget that buying a home requires cash reserves, as well. A down payment is typically 3.5%-20% of a home’s purchase price, and closing costs can exceed $5,000. You’ll also need money for moving expenses and any initial maintenance tasks that might pop up once you've purchased a home.
You never know when an unforeseen event might cause a job loss, drop in income, or health scare, so having some liquid savings will ensure that you can still pay your mortgage if a crisis occurs. Dedicate some effort to building up your reserves. Cut down on unnecessary expenses, and consider having a portion of each paycheck automatically deposited into your savings account to avoid the temptation to spend it.
2026 Home Buying Resolution #4:
Create A Relationship With An Experienced Real Estate Agent Early In The Process
There are any number of reasons to work with an experienced real estate agent when buying a home and it pays to create a relationship with an agent early on. The right agent will take the stress out of buying a home, as well as minimize risks.
Amongst other things, an experienced agent will provide:
- Local Market Insight: agents have in-depth knowledge of local market trends, neighborhoods, property values, and schools.
- Objective Advice: agents provide an unbiased perspective, helping you make informed decisions without emotional bias.
- Market Comparisons: agents provide access to comparative market analyses (CMAs) to ensure you pay a fair price.
- Paperwork Management: agents handle the complex documentation involved in the buying process.
- Advocacy: Agents act as your advocate during negotiations, helping you secure the best price and terms.
- Disclosure Requirements: They ensure you’re aware of property disclosures, zoning laws, and other regulations.
“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth…both financial affluence and emotional security.”
... Suze Orman
2026 Home Buying Resolution #5:
Define Your Home Buying Priorities
You're dreaming about making a move for a reason – what is it? Your needs may have changed in a way your current house can’t address or you could be ready to step into homeownership for the first time. Know your "why" and your motivation. They will be your guidepost.
And before you begin looking for a home, it's important to get very clear on what your home buying priorities are. You'll want to specify where, what, and how you intend to buy: target neighborhoods, property type, price ceiling, non-negotiable features, and acceptable trade-offs. And don't forget to make sure your real estate agent knows your priorities.
Defining your home buying priorities before you start looking at homes transforms you from a “financially ready” buyer into an "execution-ready" buyer and prevents costly hesitation or emotional decision-making in 2026.
Let Nina Hollander Help You With Your 2026 Home Ownership Resolution
Without a plan and a support system, 55% of Americans will break their new year’s resolutions. It helps to connect with a trusted real estate agent to keep you motivated and on track.
As local market experts, we have the knowledge, experience, and networks to help you achieve your homeownership goals, whatever they may be. Reach out to me today for a free consultation and commit to keeping your resolution to buy a new home in 2026.
Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty has been opening doors for Greater Charlotte area home buyers since 1999. If your 2026 resolution is to buy a home in the Greater Charlotte area this year, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, to exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:
"The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."
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