Top real estate resolutions for 2026

Real estate isn’t an impulse buy you toss in your cart like candles or candy. It takes planning, and January is the perfect time to stop “thinking about it” and get moving. A recent survey of Playbook readers found that 60% plan to buy property this year, and 16% plan to sell. Need some inspiration on what to do next? We asked investors to open up their own playbooks and share their plans.

Pounce on price drops. “My goal is to retain enough liquidity to take advantage of lower prices,” says Martin Orefice, an investor in Orlando, FL, and founder of Rent To Own Labs. “Real estate prices are likely to fall, and those who are in position to take advantage will be able to get income-generating units for cheap.”

Target low rates. “With many owners holding mortgages far below current rates, methods like seller financing or subject-to arrangements allow both sides to benefit,” says Armand Gjeka, a Pennsylvania-based real estate investor. “I used these tools sparingly in 2025, but in 2026 I plan to pursue them more intentionally.”

Shift from flips to rentals. “We wrapped up a handful of flips in 2025, and the effort-to-return ratio keeps shrinking,” says Igor Golovko, real estate investor at Chicago-based TwinCore. “So this year, I’m aiming to buy one or two small multifamily buildings in Midwest secondary markets and hold them for consistent monthly income rather than chasing one-off payouts.”

Wholesale for fast cash. “We renovated 14 houses in 2025,” says Jeffrey Miller, a real estate investor in Stillwater, NY. “In 2026, we plan to shift half our business to wholesale. With full renovations, it’s difficult to make a profit. Wholesaling minimizes some risk.”

Hustle less. “In 2026, I’m focused on buying and renovating properties in markets where demand is steady, not speculative,” says Dallas-based Jackie Coffey of The Happy Investor. “It’s less hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle and more intentional investing that pays back with both money and peace of mind.”

Expand operations. “I plan to broaden our mobile home portfolio into neighboring states,” says South Carolina–based Ian Smith of We Buy SC Mobile Homes. “Having completed over 150 transactions here, I’m confident we can replicate our buy/renovate/re-sell model in new markets.”

Wait out the competition. “My resolution is to weather the short-term rental storm,” says Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder, who owns and operates three short-term rental properties in Austin, TX. “I expect STR owners to exit when selling conditions improve, and I want to be in a position to be more successful. I may discount more for longer stays, add perks like early check-in and late checkout, and invest so my properties stay fresh.”

Prioritize community over cash flow. “I’m resolving to acquire three to five properties in underserved Baltimore neighborhoods where families are struggling with estate settlements or probate,” says Lewis Hammond of Bright Future Home Buyers. “This isn’t just about growing our portfolio; it’s about helping families move forward while building rental income that strengthens communities.”