“What to Do Right Now If You Want to Buy a House in the Next 12 Months”

“What to Do Right Now If You Want to Buy a House in the Next 12 Months”
Category: Real Estate Strategy | The Citrus Society

Buying a home isn’t just about listings and loan apps.
It’s about readiness. And that starts way before the open house.

If you plan to buy within a year, here’s what you should start doing today.

1. Get Your Credit Right

Your credit score directly affects your mortgage rate and monthly payment.
Start now:

Dispute errors on your report
Pay down credit cards to under 30% of the limit
Avoid opening new accounts

📱Use free tools like Credit Karma or Experian to track weekly.

2. Set Your Budget, Not Just a Dream Price

Know the difference between:

What you qualify for
What you can actually afford comfortably

Factor in:

Down payment
Closing costs
Emergency fund
Monthly lifestyle spending

💡 Citrus Rule: If it stresses your lifestyle, it’s not the right move—yet.

3. Start Saving Like It’s Go Time

Even low-down-payment loans (3–5%) still come with other costs.
Set up:

An automatic savings transfer each week
A side hustle or extra income stream
A savings tracker to monitor progress

Every dollar saved now = less stress later.

4. Interview Agents and Lenders Early

Don’t wait until you find the perfect house.
Start talking to:

Mortgage brokers or lenders (for pre-approval)
Realtors who understand first-time buyers
Other homeowners in your network

🎯 Tip: Choose a team that educates, not just sells.

5. Learn the Market Now — Not Later

Set Zillow/Redfin alerts in your target neighborhoods.
Track:

Median home prices
Days on market
Types of homes available at your price point

🧠 The more familiar you are, the faster (and smarter) you’ll move when it’s time.

Final Thought:

Buying a home is a process, not a moment.
The people who win in this market are the ones who prepare with purpose—not panic.
And if you’re starting now, you’re already ahead.

The Citrus Society