If you’re preparing for Match Day, finding your next home might feel like a problem for later. You have interviews, rotations, exams, and plenty of other things competing for your attention. And until you know where you’re matching, it’s easy to assume there’s nothing you can do about housing yet.
But you don’t have to wait until Match Day to start preparing.
You don’t need a home picked out or a moving date on the calendar. You can simply start learning about your options now, so you’re not figuring everything out from scratch when the timeline gets tight.
Start Thinking About Your Housing Priorities
Before you start browsing listings, consider what you want your next home to offer.
Is a short commute to the hospital important to you? Would you prefer a walkable neighborhood, access to trails, or more space? Will a partner or family member be moving with you? Are you hoping to stay in the same city for residency and fellowship, or is another move likely?
You may not have every answer yet, and that’s fine. Identifying your priorities now will help you evaluate neighborhoods and housing options once you know where you’re headed.
Learn the Basics of Renting vs. Buying
You don’t need to decide whether to rent or buy before Match Day, but it’s worth understanding what each option could look like.
Renting may offer flexibility if you anticipate moving again in a few years. Buying may be worth exploring if your finances, residency timeline, and long-term plans support it.
There’s no universal right answer. Starting the conversation early gives you time to consider the costs, responsibilities, and trade-offs without feeling pressured to make a quick decision.
Explore Physician Home Loan Options
If buying is a possibility, take some time to learn about physician mortgage loans.
Depending on the lender and program, these loans may offer low or no down payment options, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), or more flexible treatment of student loan debt. Some programs may also allow eligible borrowers to qualify using a signed employment contract.
Terms and eligibility vary, so speaking with a lender experienced in physician financing can help you understand what may be available for your situation. Gathering information now doesn’t commit you to buying; it simply helps you make an informed decision later.
Build Your Team Before the Timeline Gets Tight
After Match Day, you may have only a few months to find housing, coordinate a move, and prepare to start residency. Connecting with a local real estate professional ahead of time can help you understand the area, explore neighborhoods, and learn what to expect from the housing process.
At Physician Real Estate Network (PREN), we connect medical students and physicians with real estate professionals who understand the unique considerations that come with medical training and relocation.
You don’t need to have everything figured out today. Start asking questions, exploring your options, and getting your ducks in a row.
Preparing for Match Day? Even if you don’t know where you’ll match yet, connect with PREN to start a conversation about your housing options!
