Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Texas in 2026

By Linda Welsh

Specialize in representing savvy Buyers and Sellers for residential, second home, vacation properties, lake and hill country properties, new and existing homes, land and lots. Relocation services include area, community and neighborhood expertise and helping the entire family to find the perfect home to meet their needs and wish list.

The new year is almost here, and 2026 is coming faster than it feels. If buying a home is part of your plan next year, the countdown has already begun. The smartest buyers aren’t waiting for the calendar to flip; they’re using the last few months of this year to prepare.

November is the perfect window to get organized: check your credit, fine-tune your budget, and start planning for pre-approval. Those who wait until spring often find themselves playing catch-up when competition rises. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or stepping back into the market after a break, laying the groundwork now can make all the difference.

Watch the full video to learn how to set yourself up for success in 2026, or use the timestamps below to jump to the parts that interest you most:

00:00 — Introduction
00:40 — #1 Review Your Credit
01:33 — Dispute and Clean Up Errors
02:05 — Keep Balances Low
02:41 — Don’t Open New Accounts
03:10 — Double Up on Payments
03:47 — #2 Organize Your Budget
04:21 — Use a Mortgage Calculator
05:34 — Choose the Right Location
06:49 — Save for Down Payment & Costs
07:24 — Hidden Costs of New Homes
08:06 — #3 Get Pre-Approved
09:00 — Why Pre-Approval Matters
09:51 — Common Loan Structures
10:06 — Market Outlook for 2026
10:28 — Final Preparation Tips
11:04 — Join the Buyer Seminar

If you’d like guidance on how to prepare for your next home purchase or to join an upcoming homebuyer seminar or Zoom session, reach out at (512) 657-4033 or visit LindaWelshRealtyGroup.com. I’ll help you review your credit, explore loan options, and build a plan that gets you ready for homeownership in 2026.