If you’re planning on buying a home in 2026, the financial prep you do in December 2025 will determine your loan rate, buying power, and stress level.
I remember a couple last year who were ready to buy—great jobs, solid savings, excited about their kids’ future schools. Then we pulled their credit report and found a collections account they didn’t know existed. One surprise. Two weeks delayed. Almost cost them their dream home.
The difference between a smooth 30-day closing and chaos isn’t your income—it’s whether you handled three simple financial tasks ahead of time. This video shows you exactly what to do in December.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Why December prep matters for buying a home in 2026
00:24 – Who is Yasmine?
0:55 – Step 1: Check your credit early
1:06 – Real Client Dispute Story
1:38 – Step 2: Calculate your debt to income ratio
2:06 – What DTI number lenders want to see
2:21 – What is Your Financial Worry
2:27 – Step 3: Organize your documents now
2:45 – The folder that cut closing time in half
3:00 – Your December homework checklist
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💭 What’s your biggest financial worry about buying a home? Credit? Affordability? Documents? Comment below—I might feature your question in my next video!
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ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
Planning on buying a home in 2026? Your December financial preparation determines whether you get smooth mortgage approval or stressful scrambling. This video covers three critical steps: checking credit reports early, calculating debt to income ratio, and organizing mortgage documents.
Most people wait until house hunting to check credit—then discover errors that could have been handled months earlier. Starting in December gives you 30-45 days for improvements. One couple disputed an inaccurate account and paid down a balance, increasing their buying power and lowering their loan rate.
Your debt to income ratio tells lenders how much monthly income goes toward debt—most want that under 43%. Knowing your DTI before searching helps you target homes fitting your budget. This matters for dual income families in the Inland Empire wanting top school districts.
Third step: create a digital folder with mortgage documents now. When lenders ask for W2s, pay stubs, and bank statements, you’re ready instantly. One client shaved two weeks off closing. This preparation makes 30-day closings possible for turnkey homes.
These three financial steps set the foundation for stress-free 2026 home buying. Start now while you have time.
#BuyingAHome2026 #HomeFinancialPrep #InlandEmpireRealEstate #MortgagePreApproval #DebtToIncomeRatio
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Our Team os serving areas throughout Southern California.Our speciality is home buyers who are relocating to our beautiful cities, and sellers looking to sell using power of video.
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Yasmine Morkous
Southern California Homes
Keller Williams Empire Estates
DRE#01995927
