More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready in the Valley.

 

Quiet momentum is building in the housing market — and it’s starting earlier than many people realize. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are beginning to think seriously about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home within 12 months. This year, that number climbed to 17%.

That may sound like a small increase, but after several years of cooling buyer activity, it’s a meaningful shift. More people are feeling financially and emotionally ready — or at least closer to ready — to make a move in 2026.

Here in the Twin Tiers, that lines up with what we’re seeing locally. Buyers in Sayre PA, Athens PA, and Waverly NY are asking questions earlier, watching neighborhoods more closely, and wanting a plan before jumping in. If buying a home in 2026 is even a maybe for you, now is the time to start laying the groundwork.

Planning To Move in Early 2026? Start With These 4 Steps

If you’re hoping to buy in the first half of 2026, preparation now can make the process far less stressful later.

Get pre-approved.
A pre-approval helps you understand your buying power, estimated monthly payment, and how current mortgage rates affect your options. Just keep in mind that, according to Experian, most pre-approvals are only valid for 30–90 days. This step makes the most sense when you’re getting closer to actively shopping.

Run the numbers honestly.
Look at your full financial picture — not just the mortgage payment. Consider utilities, taxes, insurance, commuting costs, and day-to-day expenses. Buyers who do this early tend to feel more confident when it’s time to make an offer, especially in competitive Valley neighborhoods.

Define your non-negotiables.
Location matters here. School districts, commute times, walkability, and layout can vary widely between Sayre, Athens, and Waverly. Knowing what truly matters — and what doesn’t — helps you move decisively when the right home comes along.

Choose your agent early.
The right local agent does far more than unlock doors. They help you understand pricing trends, timing, negotiation strategies, and how NY and PA transactions differ long before an offer is written. Looking at reviews and having conversations early gives you clarity — not pressure.

Thinking About Buying Later in 2026? This Is Still Your Window To Prepare

Even if your timeline is late 2026 (or beyond), this season still matters. The buyers who feel calm and prepared later are usually the ones who quietly did the work earlier.

Here are a few low-stress ways to prepare now:

Work on your credit.
You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score can impact loan options and interest rates. Paying down debt and making on-time payments now can pay off later.

Automate your savings.
Setting up automatic transfers into a home fund removes temptation and builds consistency — two things that matter more than saving large chunks all at once.

Lean into side income if it fits your life.
Whether it’s part-time work, freelancing, or a seasonal side hustle, extra income can give your savings a helpful boost without requiring a major lifestyle overhaul.

Use unexpected money wisely.
Tax refunds, bonuses, or cash gifts can make a real difference when put toward down payment or closing costs. Future-you will be glad you did.

The common thread? Preparation doesn’t have to be dramatic — it just has to be intentional.

Bottom Line

If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, starting the conversation now gives you something invaluable: time and clarity. Not to rush a decision — but to make a confident one.

Every smooth move starts with a plan, especially here in the Valley.

Written By

Steph Rogers Robinson
Associate Broker | Realty One Group Supreme
Local Roots. Real Results.

🔗 Website: https://stephanierogersrobinson.myrealtyonegroup.com/
🔗 Blog: https://stephsellsthevalley.blogspot.com/
🔗 Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/stephanie-rogers-robinson
🔗 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/StephRogersRobinson
🔗 Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/stephanie-rogers-robinson/

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