New Year, New Home: How to Prepare for a Successful 2026 Purchase

January brings a fresh start — and for a lot of people, 2026 is the year they're finally making the move to Southwest Florida. Whether you're planning to buy in three months or twelve, here's how to set yourself up for success.

Get your financial house in order — now

If you're not already, start tracking your credit score. The difference between a 720 and a 760 FICO can meaningfully affect your mortgage rate. Pay down balances on revolving credit if you can. Don't open new credit accounts in the months before you plan to apply.

Talk to a lender — not just to get a pre-approval letter, but to understand your true purchasing power. Factor in property taxes (Florida's are generally moderate but vary by area), insurance (significant in Florida), HOA and CDD fees, and maintenance.

Get clear on your priorities

I always encourage buyers to make a "non-negotiables" list before we start looking. Not a wish list — a list of the things that would make you turn down an otherwise great house. Flood zone? School district? Distance from the beach? No HOA? Understanding your actual deal-breakers saves time and emotional energy.

Visit in person if you haven't

Southwest Florida looks beautiful on Zillow. But until you've sat in traffic on US-41 during season, felt the summer humidity, and explored the difference between a Sarasota neighborhood and a Venice neighborhood, you're working with incomplete information. January through March is a great time to visit — the weather is perfect and you can see the community at full population.

Understand the buying calendar

Season (November–April) brings peak competition. Summer is quieter — often better for buyers. If you have flexibility, buying in May–September often means less competition and more negotiating room. Not always possible, but worth understanding.

Ready to start? I'm always happy to talk through your specific situation — no pressure, just a conversation.