New Years Resolutions for buying or selling a home in 2025

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, a New Year’s resolution may help you take the leap and start the process by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, contacting a realtor, or seriously decluttering and preparing your current home for sale; essentially, making a concrete plan to either purchase or sell your home in the new year.

For buyers: New year, new home? If you’re ready to make a move, there’s no better time to start planning so you can achieve your homeownership goals. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for homebuyers that can help you prepare to purchase a home as we begin the year.

Resolution #1: Credit check-up-Obtain a copy of your credit report and work on improving your credit score. Improve credit score by paying down debt. This will be important in determining your mortgage rates and loan terms once you start the home financing process.
Resolution #2: Financial planning and budgeting-Create a realistic budget and adhere to it so you can save for a down payment, closing costs, and potential unexpected expenses that are associated with not only buying a home, but owning your home.
Resolution #3: Define your wants and needs -Make a list of your priorities in a home, distinguishing between the nice-to-haves (wants) and your must-haves/non-negotiables (needs). This will help streamline your search process and narrow down what you’re looking for in your next home. Research desired neighborhoods and property types.
Resolution #4: Meet with a mortgage professional-Consult with a mortgage expert to understand your borrowing capacity and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only gives you an idea of what your budget is for a home, but also gives you a competitive edge in the market.

For sellers: Ready for a change? Relocating? Downsizing? Upsizing? Sometimes you will not only be a seller but also a buyer for your new home, keep that in mind as you create your resolutions

Resolution #1: Declutter and depersonalize-Streamline your living spaces by decluttering, depersonalizing, and organizing. This provides a blank canvas so potential buyers can envision themselves in the space and highlights the home’s potential.
Resolution #2: Start home improvement projects-Identify areas that need improvement in your home so you can make sure your home is ready for photos and showings – from a coat of fresh paint to drywall repair, to replacing light fixtures. Taking the time to provide a show-ready home drives buyer traffic and in turn, get the house sold and gets you onto your next goal.
Resolution #3: Enhance curb appeal-Invest time and resources in improving the curb appeal of your home. The front entryway is a great place to start no matter the weather or the season, while projects such as planting and landscaping and creating outdoor entertaining spaces can be a warm-weather undertaking, remember buyers are shopping year-round and want to “see” their new homes’ potential no matter the season. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression for potential buyers.
Resolution #4: Stage your home to sell-Presentation is a crucial part of the home selling process. Embrace the art of home staging to showcase your property in the best possible light. Enhance the visual appeal and flow of each room by thoroughly cleaning, letting in natural light, and creating a cohesive color scheme in the space.

Key points to remember for both buyers and sellers when making a real estate related New Year’s resolution:

Be realistic: Set achievable goals based on your current financial situation and market conditions.
Do your research: Understand the local real estate market and current interest rates.
Seek professional guidance: Consult with a realtor and mortgage professional to navigate the process.
Create a timeline: Set specific deadlines for key steps like getting pre-approved or listing your home.

Homebuyers & Sellers, Joint New Year’s Resolution: Partner with a Real Estate Professional. The most important New Year’s resolution you can make, whether you’re a homebuyer or a home seller, is to commit to working with a knowledgeable, seasoned real estate professional. From market expertise to negotiation skills to a vast network of connections in the industry, the guidance of a real estate professional can help you navigate all the complexities of the real estate process, ensuring a smoother and more successful experience in the new year and beyond.

Contact us today for a free New Years Resolution worksheet to keep you on task to start your homebuying or selling journey. Cheers to achieving your homeownership goals 2025! For more information, contact Lita Goodwin at 971-319-3223 or visit