In a recent article by MarketWatch, Jen Poniatowski, senior vice president of mortgage growth and market development at Key Mortgage explains, that getting mortgage-ready in 2026 is about more than simply qualifying to close. Buyers must move beyond credit scores and down payments and focus on strategy, education, and long-term affordability. As Poniatowski notes, “In 2026 and beyond, it is no longer just about hitting a credit score threshold or saving a certain percentage for a down payment… having a strategy and the right education on how to get a mortgage are essential as well.”