No matter the season, it’s always a good time to strengthen your financial foundation — especially if buying a home is one of your future goals. Whether you’re planning to purchase soon or simply preparing for the day you’re ready, these four smart financial resolutions can help you feel more confident and organized.
#1: Keep Credit Card Balances Low
How you manage revolving credit accounts, such as credit cards, is one of several factors that influence your credit score. Lenders often look at your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you’re using) as one indicator of overall credit management. Keeping balances lower in relation to your credit limits may have a positive impact over time.
While each borrower’s situation is unique, being aware of how credit usage can affect your overall profile is a helpful step toward financial preparedness. Maintaining awareness of spending and credit limits can also help you feel more confident when it’s time to explore home financing options.
Resolution #2: Pay Bills on Time
Your payment history plays an important role in shaping your credit profile. Even one missed or late payment can affect your score, so consistency matters. Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can make it easier to stay on track and avoid missed due dates.
Maintaining steady payment habits reflects financial responsibility and may contribute positively to your overall credit profile. Practicing consistency today can help you feel more organized and confident when you’re ready to explore home financing.
Resolution #3: Build a Savings Plan
Building your savings gradually can make a big difference when it comes to preparing for expenses like your down payment, closing costs, or moving costs. Setting a monthly goal that fits comfortably within your budget helps you stay consistent and on track.
If available, you might consider directing a small portion of your paycheck into a separate savings account — many people find this “set it and forget it” approach makes saving feel effortless over time. Even small, steady contributions can add up and help you feel more confident when it’s time to take the next step toward homeownership.
Resolution #4: Stay Financially Organized
Keeping your financial documents organized can make the mortgage process much smoother when you’re ready to apply. Store items like pay stubs, bank statements, W-2s, and tax returns in a secure, easy-to-access place, so they’re ready when needed. (ex. physical folder, a password-protected cloud drive, or a personal finance app)
If you’re self-employed, tracking income and expenses regularly - and keeping business and personal accounts separate - can help simplify documentation later. Taking just a few minutes each month to stay organized can give you greater confidence and peace of mind as you move closer to homeownership.
Credit health plays an important role in home financing - but it’s not the same for everyone. Your situation, history, and goals are uniquely yours. That’s why having the right team to help you understand your options matters.
Ready to take the next step?
C21 Redwood partners with Atlantic Coast Mortgage to provide clients, friends, and family with a clear, supportive mortgage experience, guiding you every step of the way, from “What’s Next?” to “Welcome Home!”
* Eligibility for all applicants cannot be guaranteed. Atlantic Coast Mortgage (“ACM”) and Century21 Redwood Realty are separate entities and are not affiliated. Consumers are not obligated to use either or both entities to obtain financing or purchase a property.
