Start Strong: How to Get Ready to Buy a Home in 2025

charleyhavasuhomes

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Thinking about buying a home in 2025? The market keeps evolving, but one thing stays the same: the better you prepare, the smoother your journey. Whether this is your first home or your next, here are 5 key steps to get financially and mentally ready to buy:

1️⃣ Know Your Numbers

Before you start scrolling through listings, get pre-qualified and understand what you’re comfortable spending each month—not just what a lender says you can spend.

📌 "Understanding your buying power is the first step to making a smart home purchase decision." — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

2️⃣ Strengthen Your Credit

Your credit score is a major factor in your loan approval and interest rate. Even a 20-point increase could save you tens of thousands over the life of a loan.

📊 According to MyFICO, a borrower with a 760+ score could save over $100/month compared to someone with a 660 score.
💡 NerdWallet’s Guide to Credit Improvement is a great place to start.

3️⃣ Start Saving — Now

In addition to a down payment, you’ll want cash on hand for:

• Closing costs (2%–5% of the home price)

• Inspections and appraisals

• Moving costs and minor upgrades

💰 Freddie Mac reminds us: “The earlier you start saving, the more flexibility and negotiating power you’ll have.”

4️⃣ Define Your Priorities

Start thinking through your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. Do you need a 3-car garage? Pool-ready yard? Room for grandma?

📊 73% of buyers said finding the right property was the hardest part. — NAR 2023 Generational Trends Report (PDF)

📌 A clear list of priorities helps you move faster and more confidently in today’s market.

5️⃣ Choose Your Realtor Early

It’s never too soon to build a relationship with an experienced local agent. I’ll help you:

• Understand financing options

• Navigate listings and hidden fees

• Win offers with strong terms

📊 87% of recent buyers used a real estate agent or broker. — NAR 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
📌 “Buyers who work with a Realtor early often avoid costly mistakes and win homes in competitive markets.”

💬 Ready to Take the Next Step?

I help buyers like you get prepared and confident every day — and I’d love to do the same for you.

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Charley Narcomey, REALTOR®
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert
📍 Lake Havasu City, AZ
📞 808-250-0155
🌐 charleyhavasuhomes.com
📧 [email protected]

Each office independently owned and operated. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. REALTOR® — a registered trademark of the National Association of REALTORS®.