Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%.

That 2% increase might not sound like a big jump, but in a market where buyer demand has been cooling for the past few years, it’s a sign things are starting to shift. More people are feeling ready (or at least closer to ready) to take the leap and buy a home in 2026.

And if you’re in that camp and buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, this is your nudge to connect with a local agent and a trusted lender to start laying the groundwork now.

Planning To Move in Early 2026? Start with These 4 Steps

If you’re eager to get the ball rolling right away, here's what to tackle first:

1. Get pre-approved. A pre-approval gives you a real understanding of your buying power and what your payment could be at today’s rates. But keep in mind, Experian says most pre-approvals are only good for 30-90 days, so this step makes the most sense as you’re ready to get serious.
2. Run the numbers. Look closely at all your expenses to come up with your budget. Consider what you’re spending on other bills and what your monthly mortgage payment would be once you buy. That way you go in with open eyes and you don’t stretch too far.
3. Define your non-negotiables. Once you know the numbers work, figure out your must-haves. This includes your desired location, commute, layout, school district, lifestyle needs, etc. Getting clear on these now makes decisions easier once you start looking at homes.
4. Choose your agent early. Look at reviews online and talk to multiple agents to find one you trust that you also click with. The right agent does more than show homes. They help you understand pricing, competition, timing, and strategy before you ever write an offer.

Thinking about Buying Later in the Year? This Is Still Your Window To Prepare

Even if buying feels like a late-2026 goal, this moment still matters. The buyers who feel the most confident later are usually the ones who quietly prepared earlier.

That doesn’t mean big financial commitments or major lifestyle changes. It just means setting yourself up so you’re ready when the timing is right. Here are a few low-stress ways to do that:

1. Work on your credit. While you don't need to have perfect credit to buy a home, your score can have an impact on your loan terms and even your mortgage rate. So, working to bring up your score has its perks. Paying down debt now and making payments on time can help bring your score up.
2. Automate your savings. If you have to remember to transfer money into your homebuying savings manually, you may forget to do it. So, you may want to set up automatic transfers to drive consistency and remove the temptation to spend the money elsewhere.
3. Lean into your side hustles: Do you have a gig you do (or have done before) to net some extra cash? Taking on part-time work, freelance jobs, or picking up a side hustle can help give your savings a boost.
4. Put any unexpected cash to good use: If you get any sudden windfalls, like a tax refund, bonus, inheritance, or cash gift from family, put it toward your house fund. You’ll thank yourself later.

The common thread here? The right prep work makes a difference.

Bottom Line: Planning Your 2026 Home Purchase in North San Diego County

If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, now is the right time to start the conversation. Not to rush a decision—but to make sure you’re prepared when the timing is right.

Whether you’re exploring Luxury Homes, browsing Homes for Sale, or keeping an eye on the North San Diego County real estate market, having a plan in place makes every move smoother.

If you’re curious about your options, here are a few helpful resources to get you started:
🔗 Check your home value – See what your current home may be worth today
🔗 Search homes for sale – Browse active listings across North San Diego County
🔗 View a market snapshot – Get a quick look at local pricing, trends, and inventory
🔗 Use a mortgage calculator – Estimate payments and understand your buying power
🔗 Contact us – Connect with Patty Villanueva to talk through your goals and timeline

Every successful move starts with the right information and the right guidance. If you need help creating a plan that works for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals, let’s connect.

Patty Villanueva is a local real estate professional serving North San Diego County, including Vista, Bonsall, Oceanside, Fallbrook, Escondido, San Marcos, and surrounding communities.