Planning to make a move in 2026? Here’s what you should be doing now

If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, it might feel like you have plenty of time. But the smoothest, least stressful moves usually start with quiet prep well before the “For Sale” sign goes up or the house hunt begins.

Think of the next few months as your planning runway. Here’s what you can start doing now so you’re ready, confident, and not scrambling when it’s time to make a move.

1. Check in on your numbers and talk to a lender

You don’t need to overhaul your entire financial life, but it is helpful to know where you stand and what a move might look like on paper.

A few simple check-ins:

• Monthly budget: What are you comfortably spending on housing now?
• Debt: Are there any balances you’d like to chip away at before you buy?
• Savings: Do you have a rough idea of what you could put toward a down payment and closing costs?

Then, talk with a trusted local lender — before you’re ready to move.

A short strategy session now can:

• Give you a realistic price range
• Highlight anything to clean up (like a small debt or credit item) over the next few months
• Help you avoid guessing later

You don’t have to lock anything in. Think of it as getting a roadmap, not making a commitment.

2. If you’ll be selling: start prepping your home slowly

You don’t need a full remodel to get your home ready for the market. Focus on small, high-impact wins and spread them out so they feel manageable.

Good places to start:

• Decluttering: Donate, sell, or toss things you know you won’t take with you.
• Minor repairs: Sticky doors, loose handles, scuffed baseboards, leaky faucets — all worth tightening up.
• Curb appeal: Fresh mulch, trimmed plants, and a clean front entry make a big difference.

Tackle a little at a time so you’re not exhausted the week before photos.

3. If you’ll be buying: refine your wish list and areas

You don’t need to find “the one” yet, but you can get clear on what matters most.

Pay attention to:

• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: Bedrooms, home office, yard, schools, commute, single-story vs. two-story, etc.
• Neighborhoods or cities that appeal to you: Where do you actually see yourself living day-to-day?
• Typical price ranges: What’s normal right now in the areas you like?

This clarity will make your search much easier when you’re ready to start touring homes.

4. Keep an eye on the local market 

Between now and 2026, the market will move — rates will change, inventory will shift, and headlines will come and go. You don’t need to track every detail, but a general sense of what’s happening locally is helpful.

Watch for:

• How long homes are taking to sell
• What’s happening in your price range
• Trends in the neighborhoods you care about

You can do this through simple, regular updates (instead of endless scrolling). If you’d like, I can keep you posted with local market snapshots so you’re informed without having to track it all yourself.

5. Talk with your real estate agent early (that’s us)

You don’t have to wait until you’re “ready” to call. In fact, the earlier we connect, the better your plan can be.

Reaching out now means we can:

• Talk through timing, pricing, and strategy for your situation
• Review which projects at home are worth doing — and which aren’t
• Outline a simple, realistic timeline from “thinking about it” to “we’re moving”

➡️ If you’re considering a move in 2026, let’s talk. Call, text, or email me and we’ll map out what your next few months should look like. A short planning conversation now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later.