Logo
Feb 15, 2023

Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Smiling couple with keys

If you’ve got #HomeownershipGoals for 2023, we have a few things for you to focus on.


1. Work on your credit score.

Your credit score impacts your mortgage rate and future home loan. Monitor your credit to keep track of your spending record and improve your score by paying down debts. There are some great apps out there that you can use to do this for you which will send you alerts, monitor and track on your behalf.


2. Plan for your down payment.

You may be under the common misconception that you need to put 20% down, but for first-time homebuyers especially the percentage could be much, much lower. Set aside a portion of your paycheck to go directly into a homebuying fund and work with a Realtor® to explore your options for Down Payment Assistance.


At www.onekeymls.com, listings that are eligible for Down Payment Assistance are marked with the Down Payment Resource icon. You the homebuyer, or the property you’re interest in buying, could be eligible for more assistance than you think. 65% of our listings in the NY Regional area are eligible for some type of assistance. Read more about saving for a down payment here: Wondering How Much You Need to Save for a Down Payment?


3. Get pre-approved.

Pre-approval from a lender helps you understand what you can borrow and what your total home budget might be. Want more Key Terms for First-Time Homebuyers?


4. Prioritize your Wants and Needs.

Create a list of desired features and categorize them as Must-Have or Nice-to-Have to determine what’s essential. Share this information with your Realtor, who can help you narrow the search. Read our suggestions on Home Shopping Compromises.


To Sum Up:

Work on your credit score. Plan for your down payment. Get pre-approved. Prioritize your wants and needs.



The [INFOGRAPHIC] below lays the four most important aspect for you to focus on as you begin your home search.

You may be interested in:

Small dog with a hard hat and tool box

Home Maintenance Checklist for September

By Rogelio Avalos • 07 Sep, 2023
Following an annual maintenance routine helps you to avoid costly repairs and keep your home a happy, healthy, and safe place to be. Homeownership comes with a significant responsibility that some people don’t understand when they decide to become homeowners. Home Maintenance is an ongoing, vital part of homeownership. As reported by the National Association of REALTORS®, nearly one in five people said they regretted buying a house because of the chore of maintaining it.
Young family seating on a sofa with a tablet in front of them

Smaller, More Affordable Homes are Coming to Market

By Rogelio Avalos • 07 Sep, 2023
Have you been trying to buy a home, but mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? You’re definitely not alone. First-time homebuyers especially should take note of the good news: Smaller, more affordable homes are on the way.
Woman smiling holding up house keys, couple hugging in the background

The Value of an Agent When Buying New Construction

By Rogelio Avalos • 21 Aug, 2023
From being the first owner, customizing your home’s features, and in some cases getting the chance to watch it being built from the ground up, there are a lot of benefits. Navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be overwhelming. There are a lot of things to be aware of – and this is where a skilled agent makes the difference.
Woman smiling and touching her face

Form & Function: Bathroom Storage Inspiration

By Rogelio Avalos • 21 Aug, 2023
Everyone knows that bathrooms can be messy and cluttered. When you think about décor and design, the bathroom is likely not the first room that comes to mind. Even the most appointed, professionally designed bathrooms can become disorganized easily, especially in a shared space. Sometimes a cluttered bathroom is the result of a lack of storage options and sometimes it’s simply flawed design choices.
Stacks of money with miniature house on top

Real Estate Terms: Home Equity

By Rogelio Avalos • 09 Aug, 2023
Home equity is the amount your home is worth minus the amount you owe on your mortgage.
Older couple with dog painting room

Research-Backed Trends in Remodeling

By Rogelio Avalos • 09 Aug, 2023
If you’re thinking of remodeling, you’re not alone. Whether you’’re motivated by a desire to enhance the home’s value for sale or a desire to enhance your quality of life for staying put, updated home features and functionality can be powerful. Remodeling ideally makes home maintenance easier, limiting the amount of future breakdowns and needed repairs. Remodeling, whether by a professional or DIY, can bring a renewed sense of pride to you too!
Dog in construction gear and maintenance tools

Home Maintenance Checklist for August

By Rogelio Avalos • 02 Aug, 2023
Following an annual maintenance routine helps you to avoid costly repairs and keep your home a happy, healthy, and safe place to be.
Young couple holding keys

Are You Ready to Buy?

By Rogelio Avalos • 02 Aug, 2023
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and your current living arrangements. You’re likely juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you make.
agent consulting with young couple

Why Pre-approval Matters

By Rogelio Avalos • 24 Jul, 2023
You may have heard that pre-approval for a mortgage is important to do at the beginning of the homebuying process – but why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, having a pre-approval letter is crucial to making a successful offer.
Show More
Share by: