Last year was a turbulent year for many, especially those trying to buy a home. Between interest rates continuously increasing and home prices steadily rising, 2022 was just tough. However, as we move into the new year, we can’t help but feel encouraged. We have hope that things in 2023 will be different, in a great way.

With the new year, we’re taking a new perspective and jumping head first toward our goals. One way we’re focusing on goals in 2023 is by creating a vision board. If you’re new to this concept, also known as a goal board or a dream board, a vision board is a visual tool that people use to create a collage of the goals and dreams they have. 

In this article, we’re teaching you how to create the ultimate vision board that will serve as a daily reminder of your big goals and aspirations for the coming year, including homeownership. 

First things first, grab your supplies:

• The base of your vision board (this can be a big piece of cardstock, poster-board, cardboard or cork board)
• Home and lifestyle magazines
• Markers
• Scissors
• A glue-stick or tape
• A printer (We’ve put together a PDF of images we thought you might find helpful! Click here to download and print.)

Then, figure out what exactly your goals are. If you’re here reading this article, we’re going to assume one big goal of yours is to purchase a new home. You don’t have to stop there. Envision yourself living your best life. What does that look like? Where are you, and who is by your side? Plus, take time to map out how you will get there. If you’re looking to buy a home in 2023, some steps to reach that goal might include creating and sticking to a budget, paying off debt and improving your credit score… and of course, finding a Realtor and getting pre-approved up front with Cambria Mortgage. Write those things down, all of them. This is where the basis of your vision board comes from. 

Next, you’re going to pull out those old magazines and flip through to find images that speak to those goals and your envisioned future. You can also do a Google search if you have a printer to print out pictures; don’t forget about that PDF we mentioned, there’s some good stuff in there too.

When finding the pictures you will use for your board, find ones that represent how you are aiming to feel. Use pictures that make you feel excited about your goals. Oh and don’t worry if you can’t find the picture that represents your goals exactly… For example, if one of your goals is to buy a cabin on a lake, a picture of a dock or a boat or a family fishing might do the trick! Remember this is all about what speaks to you and your dreams. 

Lastly, make sure you find text excerpts that speak to how you want to feel on a daily basis. Positive words can inspire a healthy mindset, which helps you keep moving forward toward your goals. We’ve included a few word cutouts in that PDF as well!

Once your images and words are all cut out and ready to go, start arranging them on your board. Make sure you lay it out to your standards, because you will be looking at this new piece of art every day for the next year! When everything looks perfect, tape and paste the images down. 

Viola, there you have it… Your 2023 Vision Board is complete. Put your vision board somewhere that you will see it often. Keep chasing those dreams and remember, Cambria Mortgage is here to be your guide on your journey to homeownership! Visit CambriaMortgage.com/Connect or call 952-942-0110, we’re here to help you make 2023 your housing year.