Happy 2012! Is your New Year’s Resolution to save up enough money this year to buy a house? If so, we have 5 things that you can do now to help you prepare for your future purchase of your new home!

Check Your Credit

• Checking your credit before considering buying a home is definitely a must. Many deals will not happen due to bad credit. While you still have time on your hands, be sure your credit is up to par. If not, be sure to work on building your credit up before you really start your home search. You do not want to get let down!

Do your Research

• Purchasing a home has a lot to consider. One of the things you really want to check out is the neighborhood and area you are looking to buy. Be sure to consider school districts, the resale value of homes, tax rates, and the neighborhood character. If you have a specific area you are looking to buy, we have a special tool for Reece & Nichols customers only; The MyNeighborhood Report. The MyNeighborhood Report will show you the market value of a home you are interested in and compare it to other homes within that neighborhood. Click here to get started on your FREE MyNeighborhood Report!

Save Save Save!

• Have you saved up for your 3.5 percent down payment? Or even saved up a little extra for closing costs? Well if so, keep saving! Purchasing a home is a big investment. After you close, you might want to make some repairs, do some upgrades, buy appliances, or even just buy some cute decorating items for your home. Putting aside a set amount per paycheck or per month toward home investments is a good idea to minimize any anxiety of any future home projects you might have.

Get Rid of Some “Stuff”

• Moving might seem like a hassle – having to pack up everything in boxes and then eventually unpack it all seems like a lot to do. BUT if you think ahead and get rid of some of the clutter and items that you do not need, that is less packing and unpacking! You can clear out items, have a garage sale, and all of the extra “stuff” that people did not buy, you can donate it! Two benefits: cash for the things you sell & a tax receipt for the things you donate.

Sit Tight

• If you are planning on purchasing a home, sit very still on making any major financial moves until you close on your home. Thinking about buying a new car? Wait until you close on your house. You do not want to do anything to mess up your credit by making any big purchases in the process of purchasing your home. Believe it or not, a deal can fall through right before closing because they will do one more credit check before the deal is done – so sit tight!