Planning a Move in 2026: Your Guide to a Smooth Transition

Once fall begins, a lot of people start thinking about their next chapter. Winter is around the corner, the holidays are creeping up, and before we know it, 2026 will be here. If a move is on your radar for 2026, or if you know someone planning one, now is a great time to talk about your future plans. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just preparing for your next chapter, a little planning goes a long way toward reaching your real estate goals.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the home buying process typically works:

1. Talk with your real estate agent. We will help you understand the next steps, share current market conditions, and learn your wants and needs so we can create our plan of action.
2. Determine your financing. If you’re using a mortgage, we can connect you with a great lender who’ll walk you through pre-approval and help determine your price range. If you're purchasing a home with cash, you’ll want to talk to your bank and make sure your funds are ready and accessible.
3. Start your search. Once your budget is clear, we’ll begin looking at homes that meet your goals and preferences.
4. Make a strong offer. When you find the right place, we willl guide you through submitting a competitive offer and deciding which contingencies make sense for your situation.
5. Navigate closing. From the moment your offer is accepted to the day you get the keys, we will handle the details and keep things moving smoothly toward the closing table.

Here’s a fun stat: according to the 2025 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, buyers typically search for about 10 weeks and look at 7 homes before making a decision. If you have a specific move-in date in mind, that gives us a good sense of when to begin your search.

Each market and neighborhood is different, however, so we'll help you understand what’s happening locally to ensure you’re prepared to make a competitive offer when the time comes.

If you’re considering making a move in the next year, let’s talk. The sooner we start planning, the smoother the process will be.