The #1 Thing To Do Now If You Want To Buy A House in 2025

Why You Need a Plan to Buy a House

Look, house hunting is exciting. It’s easy to think that scrolling through Zillow, hitting up open houses, or making wish lists on Realtor.com is how the process starts. And sure, it’s fun! But doing that without knowing what you can afford, how much you’ll need for a down payment, or what financing options you have is setting yourself up for frustration.

The #1 thing you need to do if you want to buy a home in 2025? Make a plan. Not just a vague idea of “I want to buy a house.” A real, actionable plan with dates, steps, and clearly defined priorities. Whether you’re looking to buy next month or at the end of the year, having a clear strategy matters.

What a Home-Buying Plan Looks Like

So, what does this “plan” look like? It starts with getting a full picture of where you stand right now. Here are some of the questions you’ll need to answer upfront:

• What’s your lease situation? If you're renting, when does your lease end? Do you need to plan around potential penalties for breaking your lease, or do you have flexibility?
• Where do you want to live? Are you staying local or relocating to another state in 2025? Each option comes with different considerations.
• Do you know your credit score? You don’t need a perfect score, but understanding where your credit sits will dictate what types of loans or mortgage terms you qualify for.
• How much do you have saved? You don’t need 20% down. In fact, first-time buyers can often qualify for programs with as little as 3% down—sometimes even less.

A big part of planning is breaking down any misconceptions you might have about what’s required. For example, did you know that putting 3% down might get you a better interest rate than putting 10-20% down? Or that mortgage insurance doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think, especially with FHA loans if your credit isn’t stellar? VA loans do not even require a downpayment and there is non minimum credit score. 

The whole point of a planning session is to understand the details about your current situation and figure out what’s smart moving forward. It’s not just about getting pre-approved. It’s about knowing the how and when behind every major step.

What to Expect from a Planning Call

Here’s where it gets even better: It’s completely free. That’s right—just because we go into detail doesn’t mean it costs you anything. These planning calls are about making sure you’re ready and know what to expect.

Instead of jumping straight into filling out applications or committing yourself to a deal, you get a chance to have a conversation with a licensed mortgage professional who wants to see you succeed. And no, we don’t make you fill out an application unless you’re ready.

In the call, it’s all about you. We’ll cover:

• The state of your credit and what, if anything, you need to work on
• Your down payment options based on savings, income, and available programs
• Unique homebuyer programs you may qualify for, such as those for first-time buyers or lower-income households
• Any concerns, fears, or roadblocks you feel may be standing in the way of buying a home

You’ll have 20 minutes of undivided attention to ask your questions—however many they may be. And if you have more questions afterward? Book another call. We’re here to help you from step one to moving day. Book your call here https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston/preapproval-q-a

Common Misconceptions About Buying a House

Many first-time buyers get stuck on a few misconceptions that prevent them from taking the leap towards homeownership.

Misconception #1: You Need a Huge Down Payment

As mentioned earlier, you don’t need 20% down. In fact, programs exist that allow you to buy with just 3% down. Misunderstanding this is one of the biggest obstacles for first-time buyers. You might already have enough!

Misconception #2: Mortgage Insurance Will Cost a Fortune

FHA loans and other programs can have lower mortgage insurance rates, especially if your credit isn’t where you’d like it to be. This can make the monthly costs more manageable than you might think.

Misconception #3: Your Credit Score Must Be Perfect

A 760+ credit score is great, but it’s not necessary. Programs like FHA and VA work well for buyers with less-than-perfect credit. Don’t get deterred because your credit isn’t ideal.

Misconception #4: You Need 2+ Years at the Same Job

If you recently changed jobs, it’s usually not a problem as long as you have a stable employment history. Lenders are looking for evidence of gainful employment over the past two years, but it doesn’t always have to be in the same industry.

Tools to Help You Visualize Your Home-Buying Journey

We offer multiple tools and resources to help you start dreaming, planning, and visualizing your path toward homeownership. You can play with our debt-to-income calculators, explore programs you may qualify for, and even work through a homebuyer worksheet designed to help you envision what kind of home will make you happiest.

These tools aren’t just about numbers—they're about helping you think ahead. What does your dream home look like? What would it feel like to walk through the front door in 2025? Visualization is powerful and works hand-in-hand with planning.

What Not to Do in 2025

The mistake a lot of buyers make? They rush in without pre-approval, or worse, they submit online applications without having a genuine conversation with a lender. This can lead to getting declined just because of a simple form mistake or a misunderstood eligibility requirement. Then, they have to start over, discouraged and frustrated.

Don't submit applications blindly. Make sure there’s an actual person on the other side, ready to walk you through it all. Too many people waste time and potentially hurt their credit scores by jumping the gun.

Conclusion

Buying a home in 2025 doesn’t start with a house—it starts with a plan. Reach out, book that planning call, and give yourself the clarity and direction you need to make your dream of homeownership a reality next year. With the right plan in place, 2025 could be the year you finally get the keys to your new home.

Have questions? Don’t be shy! Contact us - we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Book Your Mortgage Consultation Now

Ready to take the next step towards your dream home? Book a consultation with Jennifer Beeston today!

Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, Jennifer is here to guide you through the process with ease and clarity.