Buying a Home in the Next 6 Months? 10 Smart Steps to Take Now
- alexa heilbrun
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
So—you’re thinking about buying a home soon-ish. Not tomorrow, not next week, but sometime in the next six months. First of all: YES. Smart move. Second: I’ve got you.
The truth is, buying a home isn’t just about browsing Zillow and hoping for the best. It’s a process. One that rewards you for being the person who plans ahead (aka you, reading this blog).
Whether you’re currently renting, living with family, or just dreaming of something that’s yours, here’s your step-by-step prep list to go from “thinking about it” to “keys in hand” without the overwhelm.
1. Check Your Credit Score (And Breathe—No Judgment Here)
Your credit score is one of the first things lenders look at, and you don’t need perfection—just progress.Check for errors, make sure everything looks right, and pay down high balances if you can.Think of this as a quick tune-up before the main event.
2. Get Clear on Your Budget (Not Just What You Can Afford—What You Want to Pay)
There’s what you qualify for, and then there’s what feels comfortable.Spoiler: your mortgage shouldn’t strangle your lifestyle.Look at your current expenses, what you'd feel good paying each month, and reverse-engineer your home price range from there.
3. Start a Dedicated Savings Plan (Because Surprise Fees Are the Worst)
Down payment? Yep. Closing costs? Absolutely. Home inspection? You bet.Start a separate savings account now—even if you're just tossing in $100 a week.You’ll thank yourself later when you're not Venmo-ing your soul for a water heater repair.
4. Avoid Big Purchases or New Credit Cards (Step Away from the Tesla… For Now)
Seriously. That new car or big screen TV on a payment plan might seem fun now, but lenders? They’re not amused.Keep your debt-to-income ratio stable until you’ve got those house keys in hand.
5. Research Loan Options Like the Genius You Are
There are first-time buyer programs, zero-down loans, grants, and more.You don’t have to figure it all out solo (that’s what I’m here for), but starting to explore now gives you a leg up.Hint: Oregon has some pretty great options for first-timers and renters.
6. Talk to a Lender (Just a Chat—No Ring Required)
You don’t have to commit to a mortgage right now.But speaking to a lender gives you a crystal-clear picture of what you’d qualify for today and what you might need to tweak over the next few months.
Bonus: It makes you feel like a boss.
7. Make Your Must-Have List (And Your “Would Be Nice” List Too)
Three bedrooms? Big backyard? Walking distance to brunch?Separate the dealbreakers from the dream perks.Knowing what really matters to you helps me find homes that hit the mark without wasting your time.
8. Explore Neighborhoods Like a Local (And Order Coffee Like You Live There)
Drive around the areas you’re curious about. Walk the sidewalks. Visit open houses, even if you're just “looking.”Imagine your daily life there—grocery runs, dog walks, lazy Sundays.Buying a home isn’t just about the house. It’s about where your life unfolds.
9. Talk to a Real Estate Agent (Hi, I’m Alexa 👋)
No pressure. No contracts. Just real talk about what you want, where you're at, and how to get you home. The earlier we connect, the better I can guide you—and I love helping buyers create a strategy that actually fits their timeline and lifestyle. (You’re not a number. You’re a story, and I’m here for it.)
10. Take the “Are You Ready to Buy?” Quiz
It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly insightful.Whether you’re almost ready or just curious, you’ll walk away knowing what step to take next.
✨ Final Word
If you’re buying a home in the next six months, you’re not too early—you’re right on time.And you don’t have to go it alone. My job is to help you make sense of all the steps, skip the stress, and build a plan that works for you.
👉 Claim Your Buyer Strategy Session
Let’s turn your timeline into a game plan—so when the time is right, you’re 100% ready.
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