The 15-Minute December Buyer Checkup: The Fastest Way to Strengthen Your 2026 Plan
- Michael Belfor
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
December is one of the best months for buyers to refresh their strategy — but many don’t realize how fast and simple the process can be.A 15-minute checkup can uncover new buying power, new programs, and new options for 2026 that weren’t available even a few months ago.
Here’s what we review:
1. Updated Credit (Especially Utilization)
Credit scores are fluid — especially around the holidays.A lot can change since your last approval:
Lower balances → higher scores
New credit lines → new impact
Old balances paid down → improved pricing
Even a small change can shift rate pricing into a better tier.
2. Updated Payment Scenarios
Rates move.MI pricing moves.Program guidelines shift.
Re-running your payment scenarios gives you:
Your most accurate monthly payment range
New Conventional vs. FHA comparisons
Buydown options and updated costs
Permanent vs. temporary buydown math
Clarity today prevents surprises later.
3. Program Updates for 2026
Every December and January, programs refresh.Some buyers suddenly qualify for:
Lower down payment options
Expanded income flexibility
New DPA options
Better conforming limits
HELOC combo strategies
A quick review reveals opportunities buyers didn’t know existed.
4. Updated Cash-to-Close Position
This includes:
Holiday gift funds
Year-end bonuses
Seller credits available this month
Recasting options
2/1 buydown structures
Lower MI or lower price ranges due to new limits
It often shifts affordability more than buyers expect.
5. Document Prep for Fast January Execution
The fastest January buyers are the ones who prep in December.A quick check ensures:
Income docs are current
Asset statements are updated
Paystubs & W2s are ready
DU/LP is refreshed
This is how buyers beat early 2026 competition.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a long appointment. You just need clarity — and December is the ideal month to get it.
A 15-minute checkup gives you a cleaner, stronger, clearer path into 2026.
Ready for yours?👉