6 New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Buy Your First Home in 2026 | The Listing Team at RESF

6 New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Buy Your First Home in 2026

Publishing today. If buying this year is the goal, this is the plan that makes it real — without guessing, winging it, or losing out on the right home.

First-Time Buyers Fort Lauderdale + Broward Miami-Dade Updated: Jan 6, 2026

By: Scott Lehr • The Listing Team at RESF

Phone: (954) 342-6180
Email: Scott@ScottLehrRealtor.com

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Why these resolutions matter Resolution #1: Fix your credit (for real) Resolution #2: Save the “right” money Resolution #3: Get pre-approved early Resolution #4: Define your non-negotiables Resolution #5: Tour with a purpose Resolution #6: Build a team that protects you FAQs Next steps

Why these resolutions matter

Most first-time buyers don’t miss out because they “didn’t find the right home.” They miss out because they weren’t positioned to move when the right home showed up.

Truth: the best first-time buyer advantage is preparation. When you’re ready, you can negotiate. When you’re not, you’re reacting — and paying for it.

If you want to buy in 2026, these six resolutions are the simplest roadmap I can give you. No fluff.

Resolution #1: Fix your credit (for real)

Your credit isn’t just a score — it’s a pricing tool. It affects rates, approval strength, and how competitive your offer can be.

  • Pull your credit and look for errors.
  • Pay down revolving balances.
  • Avoid opening new credit lines during the process.

If you’re unsure where you stand, we can point you to the right lender to evaluate your “real” next move.

Resolution #2: Save the “right” money

First-time buyers often only think “down payment.” That’s not enough. Plan for the full cost stack: down payment, closing costs, inspections, insurance, reserves.

  • Set a monthly savings goal and automate it.
  • Keep your money “documentable” (lenders track sources).
  • Ask about down payment assistance options early.

Resolution #3: Get pre-approved early

Pre-approval is leverage. It tells you your true range and lets you move fast without guessing.

  • Choose a lender who can close on time.
  • Get clarity on your payment comfort zone (not just the max approval).
  • Understand what makes an offer stronger besides price.

Resolution #4: Define your non-negotiables

The fastest way to burn out is touring homes without a filter. Decide what matters before you fall in love with something that doesn’t fit.

  • Must-haves (beds, baths, parking, layout, yard, HOA rules)
  • Deal-breakers (busy roads, flood risk, special assessments, low reserves)
  • Flex items you can compromise on

Resolution #5: Tour with a purpose

Serious buyers tour fewer homes and win more often. Why? Because every showing is tied to a plan.

  • Tour homes that match the non-negotiables.
  • Compare apples-to-apples using recent sold data.
  • Be ready to act when the right home shows up.

Resolution #6: Build a team that protects you

This is your first purchase. You want speed, strategy, and protection — not “hope.”

  • Agent who negotiates hard and knows local pitfalls
  • Lender who closes clean, communicates, and answers fast
  • Inspector who actually explains what matters

That’s how you avoid expensive surprises and stop deals from falling apart late.

Next steps (do this now)

If you want to make buying in 2026 real, pick one of these and start today:

Prefer a quick strategy call? Start here: Home ValuationReal Estate BlogScott Lehr Realtor Profile

Helpful downloads: Buyers GuideBroward County Buyers Guide

FAQs

What should a first-time homebuyer do first?

Start with a clear budget, check your credit, and get a lender pre-approval so you know your true buying power before you shop.

How much money do I need to buy my first home?

Plan for a down payment (often 3%–20%), closing costs, inspections, insurance, and reserves. The exact amount depends on loan type and purchase price.

Is it worth buying with today’s rates?

If the payment works and the home fits your plan, buying can still make sense. The key is running the numbers and choosing a strategy that protects your budget.

How can The Listing Team help a first-time buyer?

We guide you from pre-approval through closing, help you avoid costly mistakes, negotiate aggressively, and connect you with trusted lenders and vendors.



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