How to Get Mortgage-Ready Before the 2026 Home-Buying Season
Been thinking about buying a home in 2026? February might feel a little early, but that may not actually be the case. Buyers who tend to win in the spring housing market are not those who prepare in March.
Spring listings tend surge between the months of March and May. By the time most home buyers are getting pre-approved, more motivated buyers are already under contract. The good news is: February gives you just enough runway to do this right. In this article, we cover the steps you need to take this month to make the difference between landing a dream home and watching it go to someone else.
Start With Your Credit Score
You’ve likely heard this before. Your credit score is the most important thing that goes into determining the kind of mortgage you qualify for, as well as your interest rate. Because of this, it’s wise to begin here.
For conventional loans, typical lenders look for scores of at least 620. Remember, significantly better rates will become available when you have a credit score of 740 or higher. FHA loans are more flexible, some lenders accepting scores as low as 580.
You can retrieve a free credit report in places like annualcreditreport.com — remember to watch for errors that may be lowering your score. Should you notice inaccuracies, be sure to dispute them right away. This process takes time, and you’ll want corrections reflected in your score before you apply.
In the meantime, paying down credit card balances and avoiding any new credit applications are two of the fastest ways to improve your credit.
Know What You Can Afford Before a Lender Tells You
Lenders will usually tell you the maximum loan amount that you qualify for. However, that number doesn’t necessarily reflect the amount you should spend. Before you meet with lenders or agents, be sure to calculate your own debt-to-income ratio (DTI) by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.
Most conventional loans require a DTI of 45% or below. Next, you can factor in a down payment, with estimated closing costs (typically 2–5% of the loan amount). You’ll also want a cash reserve for moving costs and early home expenses. Having a clear, honest picture of your budget before you start shopping will keep you focused and protect you from overextending.
Get Your Documents Together Now
The pre-approval process can move along more quickly when you have your loan paperwork well organized. Most lenders will ask for such things as:
- two years of tax returns,
- recent pay stubs,
- two to three months of bank statements, and
- W-2s.
If you are self-employed, you can also expect to be asked for additional documentation, including profit and loss statements. Gathering these documents together now means that when you find a lender you like, you can move quickly. Remember, in a competitive spring housing market, speed matters a lot.
Shop Lenders and Get Pre-Approved
Not all lenders are the same, and shopping around can save you thousands over the life of your loan. The good news is that multiple mortgage inquiries made within a 45-day window are typically treated as a single inquiry by credit bureaus, so comparing rates won’t hurt your score.
Be sure to look at conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loan options to understand which fits your situation best. You should also ask about first-time buyer programs in your state that may offer down payment assistance or reduced rates.
February is exactly the right time when you want to begin the home buying process. Enter your zip code in the sidebar to get connected with a lender in your area and take the first step toward owning your home this spring.
