If your goal is to buy a house in 2026, there are a few mistakes I see people make every single year — and they’re the same ones that quietly keep buyers stuck.

I’m Jen Beeston. I’ve been one of the top mortgage lenders in the U.S. for over 19 years, and my team helps buyers move from thinking about buying a home to actually owning one — every day.

Buying a house in 2026 is absolutely doable. But how you approach it matters.

Let’s talk about the biggest mistakes to avoid — and what to do instead.

Mistake #1: “I Want to Buy a House”… With No Actual Plan

This is the most common mistake I see.

People have the idea:

“I want to buy a house.”

But nothing ever happens after that.

There’s no timeline.
No budget clarity.
No strategy.

Wanting to buy a house is not a plan; it’s just a thought.

The buyers who succeed are the ones who turn that thought into:

• A target timeframe

• A realistic payment range

• A clear understanding of what steps come first

Without a plan, months (or years) pass — and suddenly you’re still in the same place.

Mistake #2: Filling Out Multiple Online Mortgage Applications

This one causes massive confusion.

Many buyers:

• Apply with multiple online lenders

• Never speak to a real person

• Get conflicting answers

• Feel overwhelmed

• Give up

Online systems don’t explain why something works or doesn’t.
They just spit out a yes… or a no… or something vague.

And once buyers feel confused or discouraged, they stop altogether.

Technology should support buyers — not shut them down.

Mistake #3: Trusting Bad (or Outdated) Information Online

There is a lot of bad housing information floating around.

You’ve probably seen things like:

• “You need 20% down.”

• “Your debt-to-income must be under 35%.”

• “You can’t qualify with X situation.”

Most of that is simply not true.

Even AI tools and online calculators repeat outdated or incorrect rules because they scrape old or generic information.

I’ve personally caught calculators, articles, and AI tools being wrong — repeatedly.

Buying a house does not follow one rigid rulebook.
It’s nuanced, state-specific, and strategy-based.

The Truth: Buying a Home in 2026 Is Feasible

If 2026 is your year — whether you’re thinking:

• January

• June

• Or even December

It’s absolutely possible.

What matters is how early you create a plan.

The #1 Thing to Do If You Want to Buy in 2026

👉 Book a planning call.

This is hands-down the most effective step you can take.

My team does planning calls every year, and they’re one of my favorite parts of this job — because I remember being the person who had no idea how buying a house worked.

During a planning call, we:

• Answer real questions

• Talk through your timeline

• Identify obstacles before they become problems

• Build a step-by-step plan

No pressure.
No cost.
Just real information.

You can:

• Book a planning call 

• Or call my team directly at 786-933-2077

Not Ready to Talk Yet? Start Here Instead

If you’re not ready to speak to someone and want to learn first, I’ve got you covered.

I created a free homebuyer course at:

👉 60minutebuyer.com

It’s under an hour and walks you through:

• The mindset needed to buy

• Budgeting realistically

• Understanding loan options

• What to expect all the way through getting your keys

It’s designed to replace confusion with clarity.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Get You Home in 2026

If buying a house is your goal this year:

• Don’t fall into the online application trap

• Don’t rely on misinformation

• Don’t sit in analysis paralysis

Get a plan.
Get guidance.
And take one clear step forward.

2026 can absolutely be your year — let’s make it happen!