Are You Ready to Buy a Home in the Next 12 Months? Here’s How to Know 🏡

If you’re thinking about becoming a homeowner within the next year, you’re probably weighing a lot of moving pieces. Mortgage rates. Home prices. The economy. Your savings. Your job. Your future plans.

It’s a lot to sort through—and that’s completely normal.

While housing market conditions absolutely matter, the most important factor in deciding whether you’re ready to buy is you. Your finances, your stability, and your life goals all play a major role.

As NerdWallet explains:

“Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals and readiness to become a homeowner.”

Instead of trying to perfectly time the market, focus on what you can control. These five questions can help you gain clarity on whether the next 12 months are the right time for you to buy.

✅ 1. Do You Have a Stable Job and Income?

Buying a home is a long-term commitment, and lenders want to see consistent, reliable income. Beyond qualifying for a mortgage, job stability gives you peace of mind.

If your income is steady and you feel confident about your employment outlook, that’s a strong foundation for homeownership.

💰 2. Do You Know What You Can Comfortably Afford?

Affordability isn’t just about what a lender approves—it’s about what fits your lifestyle and budget.

This is where speaking with a trusted lender becomes essential. A pre-approval can help you understand:

• How much you may qualify to borrow

• What your estimated monthly payment could look like

• Closing costs and upfront expenses

• How current mortgage rates affect your buying power

Knowing your numbers upfront helps you shop with confidence—and avoid unnecessary stress later.

🛟 3. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?

Homeownership comes with unexpected expenses. Appliances break. Roofs age. Life happens.

That’s why having a financial cushion is so important. CNET recommends:

“You’ll want to have a financial cushion that can cover several months of living expenses, including mortgage payments, in case of unforeseen circumstances.”

Ideally, you’ll want enough savings left after your down payment and closing costs to protect yourself if the unexpected comes up.

📍 4. How Long Do You Plan to Stay in the Home?

Buying a home makes the most sense when you plan to stay put long enough to build equity and offset upfront costs.

According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors:

“Five years is a good, comfortable mark. If the price of your home appreciates considerably, then even three years would be fine.”

If you expect a major life change—like a job relocation or family needs—in the near future, that’s worth factoring into your decision.

🤝 5. Do You Have the Right Real Estate Team?

Having the right professionals in your corner makes all the difference.

A trusted local real estate agent and lender can:

• Help you understand your options

• Explain the process step by step

• Identify what to prepare before you buy

• Guide you through Jefferson County’s local market conditions

You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting the conversation—that’s what the pros are for.

🔑 Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the next year, the best first step isn’t guessing where the market is headed—it’s understanding your readiness.

A simple conversation can help you determine whether now is the right time or if a little preparation will put you in a stronger position.

For local insight and personalized guidance in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, and throughout Jefferson County, connect with:

Chris Nash
Century 21 Integrity Group – Jefferson, WI
🌐 https://www.c21integritygroup.com
📧 cnash@sellzhomez.com

The right plan—and the right local expert—can make your path to homeownership much clearer.