Before looking at listings, you must determine what you can actually afford.

Buying a home is a multi-stage marathon that typically takes from initial preparation to receiving your keys. In the current 2026 market, affordability is slowly improving as incomes rise faster than home prices, which are expected to remain relatively flat or grow modestly by 2% to 4%. While mortgage rates have drifted down from recent highs, they are still hovering around 6% to 6.3% , making your first priority a deep dive into your personal finances. 1. Audit Your Finances