Spring Into Your New Home: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for 2026
As the flowers begin to bloom across Texarkana, the real estate market is also waking up. Spring is traditionally the busiest season for home buying, and 2026 is shaping up to be a unique year. With mortgage rates beginning to stabilize in the low 6% range and inventory levels up nearly 9% from last year, there is a renewed sense of optimism in the air.
However, a "busier" market means you need a sharper strategy. At Angela Son Realty, my goal is to make sure you aren’t just "browsing"—I want to make sure you are buying ready.
Here is how to prep your finances and your mindset to win this spring.
1. The Golden Ticket: Getting Pre-Approved
In a market where well-priced homes are seeing more interest, a pre-approval isn't just a suggestion; it’s your entry fee.
Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: Don't confuse the two. A pre-qualification is a rough estimate. A pre-approval means a lender has verified your income, taxes, and credit. It tells a seller, "I have the money, and I am ready to close."
The 2026 Advantage: With buyers returning to the market after a quiet 2025, sellers are looking for certainty. A pre-approval letter allows you to act the moment that perfect listing hits your inbox, often moving you to the front of the line.
2. "Spring Cleaning" Your Finances
Before we head out to look at open houses, we need to ensure your financial "curb appeal" is spotless.
The Debt-to-Income (DTI) Check: Lenders are looking closely at your monthly debts versus your gross income. Spring is the perfect time to pay down those credit card balances to give your buying power a boost.
Audit Your Credit Report: Check for errors now. A small mistake on your report can be the difference between a 6.1% and a 6.7% interest rate, which adds up to thousands over the life of your loan.
The "Stay Put" Rule: Once you start the process, avoid any major purchases. That new boat or car might look tempting for summer, but a new line of credit can jeopardize your mortgage approval instantly.
3. Get "Market Ready" Before You Shop
Education is the best antidote to stress. Being "ready to go" means knowing exactly what you want—and what you can live without.
Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves": In 2026, we are seeing a shift toward sustainable and "digital-first" homes. Do you need a dedicated home office for remote work? Is an EV charging port a deal-breaker? Deciding these things now saves us time later.
Research the Neighborhoods: From the quiet trails of Celery Fields to the bustling energy of downtown, every pocket of our region has a different vibe. Use these early spring weekends to drive the neighborhoods at different times of the day.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 spring market offers more choices than we’ve seen in years, but the best homes still move fast. By getting your pre-approval in hand and your "wish list" finalized now, you’ll be the most confident buyer in the room.
Ready to start your spring home search? I’d love to help you navigate the current market and find a place you truly love