New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025
January 7, 2025
As the new year begins, many people take time to reflect and set their goals for 2025. If owning a new home is part of your vision, now is the perfect time to start planning. But where do you begin, and how do you turn that dream into reality?
Here’s some expert advice to help you kick-start your journey toward homeownership.
Focus on Your Why
To build a strong foundation for your real estate journey, start by focusing on your “why.” Beyond the financials, your motivation—whether it’s needing more space for a growing family, downsizing, or buying your first home—drives your decision to move. Keep your purpose clear and front and center as you plan.
Your why is what helps you stay focused. Communicate your motivation to your real estate agent, and they’ll leverage their expertise to help you achieve your goal, regardless of market conditions. A skilled agent will guide you, solve problems, and keep you on track until you successfully reach your homeownership milestone.
Get Clear on What You Need
Next, identify the must-haves for your future home. How many bedrooms do you need? Is a dedicated home office a deal-breaker? Do you require a large, fenced-in backyard? Clarifying these priorities will streamline your search.
Knowing your must-haves and nice-to-haves makes the search a lot smoother. With affordability still a challenge, it’s crucial to define your essential home features upfront. Consider being flexible on location if the home meets your other priorities. Discuss your must-haves with your real estate agent—they’ll help you find properties that align with your needs and budget.
Know Your Numbers
Before you jump in, take a look at your finances. How much have you saved? What monthly payment feels comfortable? Getting clear on your budget early will help you know what’s possible.
The best way to do this is by partnering with trusted real estate professionals, like a local agent and a lender. They’ll help you:
- Plan for your down payment and look into down payment assistance programs
- Understand the equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next move if you’re selling
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can borrow
Lean on a Pro To Guide You
It can be hard to know where to start, but you don’t have to do it alone. A real estate agent knows what you need to do to get ready to buy or sell, how to navigate the process, and can answer your questions every step of the way. As Bankrate puts it:
“. . . now more than ever, it’s smart to lean on the guidance of an experienced local real estate agent. If you want to enter the housing market in 2025, whether as a buyer or a seller, let a pro lead the way for you.”
Bottom Line
If buying or selling a home is one of your goals for 2025, now is the perfect time to start. Focus on your motivation, define your must-haves, and connect with trusted real estate professionals to achieve your goals. Let’s work together to make this the year you reach your real estate aspirations.
