8 Simple Steps for Buying a Home in 2025

2025 is upon us and it’s going to be a great year. Whether you’re just curious about buying or need to move now, there are always things you can do now to improve your buying situation and get you into your dream home.

1. Talk with Your Real Estate Agent Early

Many buyers think they don’t need to talk to their broker before looking at homes; this is a common mistake and misconception. Your agent is here to guide you through the whole process – from preparation to purchase. I commonly tell my clients “whether you’re buying in 3 days, 3 months, or 3 years, let’s start the process and there’s no pressure for you to buy immediately”.

2. Determine Your Budget

One of the first things any buyer should do is talk to a good loan officer – whether you plan to buy in a week or 6 months. A quick phone call can get your financial questions answered and give you a better understanding on what you can afford, what the monthly payment would be, the costs associated with buying a home, and more. Reach out to me so I can connect you to some of the best loan officers around.

3. Pay Off Debts

Debt to income ratio is a key metric when getting preapproved for a loan. Paying off debt can be hard, but start early and chip away at them with every paycheck. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s pivotal and you will thank yourself later on the sacrifices you made to pay them down, and off.

4. Improve Your Credit

This goes in tandem with paying off debts, but good credit is a necessary piece for purchasing a home. I’ve met with many buyers that love a home, only to find that their credit is a bit low to buy the home. Now is the time to build up your credit score, and a good loan officer can give you all the instructions on doing that as fast as possible.

5. Research the Market

Planning on moving out of town? Start doing your own research. Whether it’s driving around that city, visiting neighborhoods, or using Google Maps to see how far amenities are – get as much information on your potential home city before making the leap. Many cities have visitor centers and “visitor guides” that give you a comprehensive list of restaurants, parks, activities, etc.

6. Identify Your Priorities

What would you like to have in a property, and what must you have? Sit down and make a list. These lists are so useful for us real estate agents. If you have a significant other, make sure you do this together so you’re on the same page on what you can’t live without.

7. Choose the Right Location

How long will your work commute be? How far is it from your kids’ school(s)? Location is definitely an important factor in lifestyle. Feel free to go on Google Maps and map out commutes at any time of day. 

8. Ask Questions!

Buying a home is a big decision and commitment. Never hesitate to reach out to me on anything involving real estate. Need a good loan officer? Looking for a contractor? Have questions on certain cities and/or neighborhoods? I have the answers and would love to hear from you.