New Year, New Home: What You Can Do NOW If You Want to Buy in 2026
The start of a new year naturally sets the stage for goal-setting, and fresh motivation. If homeownership in 2026 is something you’re thinking about, the best time to start preparing isn’t later this year. It’s now.
Buying a home is a process, not a single moment, and the buyers who feel the most confident are the ones who give themselves time to plan. Taking steps today can put you in a much stronger position when the time comes to make a move. Remember, we’re here to help you along the way!
Start the Conversation Early With RMN
One of the most common misconceptions about buying a home is that you need to be ready to buy before speaking with a lender. In reality, starting the conversation early is one of the smartest moves you can make. Talking with us now gives you clarity on where you stand and what you can do to improve your position before buying. This is the best way to set yourself up for success!
As a local Iowa lender, we offer all major loan programs and understand the nuances of the local market. More importantly, we walk with you through the entire process. Early conversations help you understand realistic price ranges, explore loan options, and create a plan that fits your timeline.
Use This Time to Strengthen Your Credit
Your credit plays a major role in your homebuying options, from loan eligibility to overall affordability. If your goal is to buy this year but you want to take some time to improve your credit, even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
Staying current on payments, keeping balances manageable, never charging over 30% of your credit line on your credit cards, keeping credit lines open, and avoiding unnecessary new debt can all contribute to stronger credit over time. You can read more about credit scores and best practices on our blog dedicated to the topic.
Increasing your score puts you in a better position for any loan, and better interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs. Even 20 points make a huge difference!
Being Financially Prepared
Buying a home involves more than just a down payment. That’s why we recommend having a conversation with us early in the process. When you know the full picture and context behind what you’re saving for and how much you might need, saving becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.
Many buyers are surprised to learn they may not need as much upfront as they originally thought, depending on the loan program they use. We also partner with the Iowa Finance Authority as Preferred Lenders, and they have down payment assistance options that we offer.
RMN can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare financially so there are no surprises along the way. The goal is to feel ready and comfortable, not stretched thin.
If you have any questions about how much you need for a down payment or any of our assistance programs, feel free to ask. We’re here to help and also squash myths.
Remember: When Interest Rates Drop, Competition Increases
It’s helpful to stay informed about what’s happening in the housing market, but it’s just as important not to let headlines dictate your decisions. Many buyers fixate on interest rates and delay purchasing while waiting for them to drop, without considering the full picture.
When interest rates decrease, buyer demand often increases. That increased competition can lead to multiple offers, fewer choices, and rising home prices. Waiting for lower rates can sometimes mean paying more for the home itself or feeling pressured in a competitive market.
Focus on the Monthly Payment, Not Just the Interest Rate
Interest rates aren’t the only factor that determines whether a home is affordable. What truly affects your day-to-day life is the monthly payment and whether it fits comfortably into your budget. Focusing on the overall payment helps you make a decision based on stability and long-term comfort rather than a single number.
If you need to buy a home now but are concerned about interest rates, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many buyers choose to purchase when it makes sense for their life, making sure they pick something with an overall monthly payment they are comfortable with.
While no one can predict the market, if interest rates improve in the future, refinancing may be an option, and it’s something we’re happy to discuss as well.
Let RMN Help You Prepare, Not Just Close
At RMN, we believe homeownership is a journey, not a transaction. We’re proud to be a local lender that offers a wide range of loan programs and personalized guidance from start to finish. Whether you’re just beginning to think about buying in 2026 or already taking steps toward that goal, we’re here to help you feel informed, confident, and supported. We treat everyone we work with as a person, not a commodity!
A new year is the perfect time to start building toward a new home. When you’re ready to take the first step—even if it’s just a conversation—RMN is here to guide you every step of the way.