New home goals? Get ready to buy in 2024.

You know what I like to say –

It’s never too early to start. It’s also never too late to start!

2024 is HERE and it’s time to start planning your home goals for the year. If buying is on your radar, there’s a few things you can do now to feel more prepared when it’s time! 

+ Get your credit in order

You don’t need perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage, however the better your FICO score, the better your rate will be. 

Here’s the thing – sometimes you don’t know what you need to prioritze on paying off. You don’t have to have a zero balance and no credit card debt. 

This is one reason I recommend the next step:

+ Get connected with a lender you like

Your lender is the second most important hire (your realtor is #1, of course). 

I encourage every buyer to look at multiple options and select the lender they feel the most comfortable with, because you NEED to feel comfortable with them all up in your financial business. They aren’t judging at all, but if you don’t feel like you can ask a question and get an answer quickly, they aren’t the right fit. 

+ Start driving neighborhoods

Take note of where you like to spend your time when you aren’t working. What neighborhoods draw your eye and support the lifestyle you enjoy living? 

Location is the one factor that you cannot change. You can decorate your home to suit your needs, but if it’s 45 minutes one way to work, your family and favorite gym, that isn’t ideal for you. 

+ Look at your DTI 

Majority of lenders want to see a debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%. If you have a bunch of outstanding loans, you may want to consider paying one or two off. 

One of the reasons I recommend talking to a lender first is that they’ll help you decipher which loans make the most impact on your application and how much you’re approved for.

+ Find a realtor you love

I know, shocker. 

Having a guide from the start only sets you up for a smoother experience though! Connecting with a realtor allows you to strategize from the start and feel more comfortable when it is time to get pre-approved and start looking. 

If you’re not quite ready to connect with an agent but want to start prepping, I highly recommend grabbing this free Future Homeowners Guide.