With the new year comes new milestones to reach. And if this year you'd want to go beyond the usual promises to focus on your health and wellness, read more, and finally achieve a grand dream like buying your first house, remember that preparation is key. Here are six practical resolutions for you to consider so you can have a better chance of achieving your homeownership goals and finally have a place you can call your own. There's no time like the present to start practicing good saving habits, especially if you plan to get a home loan this year. Start by getting a clear view of your expenses. Determine how much you spend on necessities, such as food, rent, utilities, transport, and other bills, including debts you’re paying off. Once you have tracked your monthly spending, you’ll know where you can cut costs and how you can boost your savings. Another number you'll need to give attention to before you go house-hunting this year is your credit score. Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Your score is a significant factor that lenders use to determine a borrower’s eligibility to buy a home. If you're looking to buy a home for the first time, avoid making large purchases, such as a new car, jewelry, furniture, or any other big-ticket yet non-essential items. You will need all your financial documents in order to apply for a mortgage, and this new year is the perfect time to have all your important papers ready. While preparing financially for your home buying journey is laborious, deciding where you want to put down roots and what home you specifically want to buy can also be challenging. As soon as you've decided that you want to buy your first home, resolve to find a good real estate agent that will be very valuable in achieving your goal.