TOP 3 Hit List Considerations to Buying a Home by the End of 2025: You can do this!
To all my fence-sitting homebuyers of 2025, it’s time to hop off the fence and dive into setting up your plans, schedule, and resources to make the dream of homeownership a reality. Even if you cannot buy by the end of this year, you will be ready to surge through the 2026 starting gate and confidently become a homeowner. Buying a home is a project—just like implementing a DIY home remodeling goal—and the financial returns can make a major difference in your life!
The Financial Hit List -Getting Ready to Buy!
The number one requirement for homeownership is the financial means to pay for a home and all its extra costs (principal and interest, property taxes, HOA dues, insurance, etc.) and still have a cash cushion each month for other bills.
Remember Point: Depending on the type of mortgage program, you don’t need 20–30% down to buy a home. As I’ve mentioned over the last couple of years, there are a variety of helpful programs for first-time buyers or move-up buyers. Down payment assistance is available through local, state, or family lending programs. Perhaps it’s time to approach family members or friends about a legal arrangement to jointly purchase a home. And please—do not accumulate additional debt if you think you’ll be ready to buy by the end of 2025. Cash is king! Too much credit is dangerous to your mortgage health!
2025 Action Item: Meet with a mortgage professional that you feel comfortable—someone you trust to take the time to review all your options. Your debt-to-income ratio is key to mortgage approval. (That’s the percentage of your monthly debt compared to your total income.) Work on your credit score! Ideally, you’ll want to be in the mid-700s or higher to qualify for the best mortgage terms. Depending on your score, the cost of homeownership can be either reasonable or uncomfortably expensive. A good mortgage broker can also connect you with organizations that help buyers improve their credit scores so they can qualify for better financing options.
The Team Resource Hit List: Surround Yourself with Success! Your team is key to buying a home by the end of 2025! Who do you need to be successful? Link and me as your realtors and the following other experts: a knowledgeable and experienced mortgage broker, an eagle-eyed home inspector, a trustworthy title company (in the state of Colorado). I can guide you through every step of the home-buying process. And with the right team, you’ll have expert support to navigate contract issues and spot any unacceptable elements before they become deal-breakers.
Remember Point: Always treat your team of resources with professionalism and empathy. Buying a home successfully is very difficult. We work very hard for your success!
2025 Action Item: Set up meetings with potential resources and learn about their processes, so there are no surprises later. Ask plenty of questions, and be proactive in making sure they are professionals who truly care about you and your family. Check their references very carefully. Review their social media presence. Read through their online reviews. And most importantly, how do the potential team members make you feel? Do they listen to you? Do they understand your goals?
The Perfect Property Decision Hit List: The Link Reality vs Fantasy Home Game (Perhaps I’ll Design a Real Board Game)
One of the most difficult issues when buying a home in 2025 is the realization that any home you don’t custom-build may not be your perfect dream home or forever home. There are key home attributes that your new home must contain. These are the factors you must focus on when you look at potential homes. “Nice to haves” may wait for the next home. Use your 2025 home equity to stretch to the next level of real estate or keep the 2025 home for rental income. It just takes the first home!
Remember Point: I promise to be truthful in my recommendations and to guide you competently through your real estate journey. If I don’t have the answer to your question, I’ll find it. After all, I truly enjoy working with many of my clients through multiple buying and selling opportunities. Mutual trust is earned!
2025 Action Item: Let’s develop a checklist of your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves,” and use it as a roadmap to find your home by the end of 2025.