Is 2026 the year to purchase a new home?
- Jen Anderson
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
If you’ve already decided that 2026 is your year to buy, congratulations — you’re a decision-maker.(And honestly, making the decision is often the hardest part. Clarity changes everything.)
My number-one goal is to prepare you well. When the time comes to buy, I want you to feel steady, informed, and confident — not rushed or second-guessing yourself. Around here, we make fully informed decisions.
Why Preparing Early to Buy a Home in Brunswick County, NC Matters
Buying a home in Supply, Holden Beach, Oak Island, or Bolivia isn’t just about timing the market — it’s about positioning yourself well before emotions and competition kick in.
Preparing early gives you breathing room. It allows you to move intentionally instead of reacting at the last minute.
In a market like southern Brunswick County, early preparation helps you:
Understand what truly fits your budget (not just the max number)
Get clear on what your monthly payment should feel like
Explore areas and communities that match your lifestyle — beachside, golf course, waterfront, or tucked-away quiet
Notice what isn’t working in your current home and define real deal-breakers
Take the stress out of the pre-approval process before it matters most
Get Clear on Why You’re Buying Before Choosing a Home in Supply, Holden Beach, Bolivia or Oak Island
Before price points, floor plans, or timelines — start here:
What isn’t working in your current home?
What feels inconvenient?
What creates daily friction?
What are you constantly working around?
Your next home should solve problems, not just check boxes. This is especially important when buying along the coast, where lifestyle matters just as much as square footage.
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Pay Attention to How You Actually Live This Year
This year is your research phase — even if you’re not touring homes yet.
Start noticing:
Where you spend the most time at home
Which layouts feel supportive when you visit other homes
What you keep wishing your home had (or didn’t have)
Pro tip: keep a casual notes list in your phone. You’ll be surprised how helpful it is later.
How to Financially Prepare for Buying a Home in 2026 (Without Obsessing)
It is never too early to talk with a local mortgage lender in Brunswick County. It
doesn’t lock you into anything, and you don’t have to do a full credit pull until you’re ready.
Talking with a lender early gives you clarity — real numbers, real scenarios — so we can strategize, not guess.
I see this often: buyers start in one place, fall in love with a home at the very top of their budget, and end up stretched thinner than they wanted.We are not doing house-poor around here.
If you’d like, I can connect you with trusted local lenders who understand coastal North Carolina markets. Not all realtors are created equal — and not all lenders are either.
You can start focusing on:
What monthly payment actually feels comfortable
Cleaning up expenses that don’t add value
Creating flexibility so future decisions don’t feel tight
Create a Yes / No / Maybe List for Your 2026 Home Search
This list will evolve — and that’s okay. It’s designed to protect you from decision fatigue when emotions run high.
Yes:Â true non-negotiables
No: deal-breakers you won’t repeat
Maybe: things you’re open to if everything else fits
This is especially helpful when comparing homes in Holden Beach vs. Oak Island or deciding between new construction and existing homes in Supply or Bolivia.
When to Talk to a Realtor About Buying in 2026
Just like you can’t talk to a lender too early — you can’t talk to a local Brunswick County real estate agent too early either.
Some buyers reach out about a year before they plan to buy. And if you’re closer than that? You’re still right on time.
A conversation with a realtor helps you:
Decide whether new construction or resale homes make more sense
Understand where value and opportunity exist in today’s market
Learn about off-market or coming-soon opportunities that never hit Zillow
I Have Resources Just for You
Buying in 2026? I’ve put together a buyer guide that walks you through the entire process — big picture, no overwhelm.
Still narrowing down where to live in Brunswick County?Check out my RELOCATION Guide - it breaks down Supply, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Bolivia, and surrounding areas.
You don’t have to have it all figured out yet — you just have to start. I'm ready to talk when you are!