“Is It Too Soon to Buy a House?” — A Guide for Anyone Who’s Adulting Hard Enough to Wonder

So you’ve been working, saving, renting, and wondering: Am I actually ready to buy a house? Short answer: maybe. Long answer? Keep reading — because what you do in the next few months could set you up for one of the smartest financial moves of your life.

Let’s be real. Buying a home in Southern California isn’t exactly like picking out your first apartment after college. This isn’t The Sims, and there’s no cheat code for an $800K house in Pasadena. But there is a strategy — and yes, even with high prices and interest rates, you might be closer than you think.

Here’s a breakdown of what to do now if homeownership is even a “maybe someday” in your head.

🏁 1. Get Real About Your Timeline

You don’t need to be ready to buy tomorrow. But most people underestimate how much prep time it actually takes. Spoiler: getting pre-approved for a loan isn’t the starting line — it’s mid-race.

If buying a home is a goal within the next 6–18 months, now’s the time to get serious. Why? Because a good lender can help you map out what’s actually possible, what needs to get cleaned up (hello, credit), and what steps will give you the most leverage when you’re ready to pull the trigger.

🎤 Mic Drop Tip: You don’t need perfect credit or a six-figure savings account to start this convo. If you’ve had stable work for 2+ years (or are in a related field), you can talk to a lender today. Don’t self-disqualify.

🏦 2. Don’t Just Google Lenders — Talk to One

Yes, there are mortgage calculators online. And yes, they can give you ballpark ideas. But that’s like diagnosing yourself on WebMD — technically possible, but rarely accurate.

A great lender won’t just tell you what you qualify for — they’ll give you a plan to get there, or stretch further. That could mean boosting your credit, paying down debt, shifting your savings plan, or combining resources in creative ways.

Heads up: There are legit Down Payment Assistance programs out there (including some that offer up to 10% toward your home). And there’s even HomeFundIt — a crowdsourced platform that lets friends and family contribute toward your down payment as a wedding or birthday gift. 💡 Learn more: https://www.homefundit.com/realtor/MatthewGarciaTKWMG

📋 3. Know Your Numbers

Let’s break this down in real terms. Here’s what your lender will look at:

• Income — Not just how much, but how consistent.

• Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) — Monthly debts vs. your income. Lower is better.

• Credit Score — Shoot for 680+, but don’t panic if it’s lower.

• Cash on Hand — For down payment and closing costs (not always 20%, don’t worry).

• Job History — Ideally 2+ years at your job or in your field.

Knowing where you stand helps you feel empowered — not overwhelmed. Your lender can also help you set a realistic purchase price and monthly payment target based on your actual numbers — not just what you saw on Zillow at 2 a.m. last night.

🧼 4. Clean Up Your Credit

If your credit score is a little more “oops” than “ooh,” now is the time to fix that. And no, it’s not about gaming the system. It’s about creating good habits and consistency.

Some quick wins:

• Pay down high-interest credit cards (target the highest utilization first)

• Don’t close old accounts (length of credit history matters)

• Don’t open new cards (unless necessary, but especially if you already struggle with retail debt and discipline)

• Pay all bills on time, every time (set reminders or automate it)

This is where Financial Peace University gets it right — their debt snowball method (paying smallest balances first while maintaining all minimums) isn’t magic, it’s psychology. And it works.

💰 5. Update Your Budget

Not "make one" — update it. You likely already have a system or an idea of where your money goes each month. Now's the time to tighten it up and align your budget with your goals.

Start tracking:

• What you actually spend (not what you think you spend)

• How much you can realistically save monthly

• Where you could trim without hating your life

Apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget) and EveryDollar can help. Or if you're old school, a spreadsheet and a highlighter still work just fine.

And if budgeting feels like a foreign language, don’t worry. That’s something we can work on together.

🕹 6. Plan for the Future Version of You

Don’t wait to "feel ready" — prep for what’s coming. Because let’s be honest, market conditions will never be perfect.

Yes, interest rates matter. But trying to “time” the market is like trying to guess the exact moment to buy Bitcoin in 2011 — great if you can do it, but not a strategy to build your life on.

More importantly:

• Prices will keep climbing because inventory is limited. SoCal demand isn’t going away.

• Even if rates drop later, home prices may rise — and you can always refinance.

• If you wait too long, you could lose equity potential AND spend more on rent in the meantime.

📈 Need proof? According to CAR (California Association of REALTORS®), the median home price in California went from $786,000 in May 2023 to $900,000 in May 2025. That’s over $100K in growth in two years. (https://www.car.org)

So yes — it’s possible rates may come down. But if prices go up another $40K, you’re still losing ground. And while refinancing might be in the cards, don’t build your purchase around it. Buy a home you can afford now — not based on the hope that tomorrow will bring you better terms.

☎️ Ready to Start? Let’s Talk.

You don’t need to know every detail. You just need to be willing to ask questions, get organized, and take the next step.

Whether you’re six weeks or sixteen months out, I’ll help guide you through what to do now so Future You can send their landlord a very satisfying goodbye text.

📞 Text, email, or call me — just don’t DM.

We’ll figure out the right move for you — not your cousin in Texas, not the influencer who flipped a duplex on TikTok — you.

Sources:

• https://www.car.org

• https://www.homefundit.com/realtor/MatthewGarciaTKWMG

• https://www.fanniemae.com

• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/first-time-home-buyer

Disclaimer:
This blog post was created using a combination of personal insights, publicly available real estate resources, and AI writing assistance via ChatGPT by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice.

Readers are encouraged to consult with licensed professionals before making any real estate decisions. Turn Keys With MG, Matthew Garcia DRE# 02251181, and Real Brokerage Technologies assume no liability or responsibility for actions taken based on the content of this blog. Always verify any legal or regulatory advice with appropriate authorities or qualified professionals.