5 Essential Questions to Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home in 2026

In this episode of the Five Minute Real Estate Fix, Chase from the Whitney team at First Team Real Estate discusses the crucial considerations for first-time homebuyers in Southern California. Chase outlines five key questions that help determine if you're ready to buy a home, covering topics such as financial readiness, job stability, long-term commitment, understanding the housing market, and emotional preparedness. With mortgage rates stabilizing and increased inventory, this episode offers valuable advice for making a confident and informed decision in the current market. 00:00 Introduction to the Five Minute Real Estate Fix 00:17 Are You Ready to Buy? 00:52 Question 1: Down Payment and Emergency Fund 02:32 Question 2: Income Stability 03:30 Question 3: Long-Term Commitment 04:25 Question 4: Knowing What You Want 05:04 Question 5: Emotional Readiness 05:52 Conclusion and Next Steps