Podcast appearances and mentions of david sidoni

We're revisiting one of the most powerful first-time buyer stories ever shared on the show. DeShawn's journey from homelessness at 15 to homeowner proves that with the right plan, a unicorn team, and determination, you can buy a home—even when the odds seem stacked against you.In this replay of Episode 247, we revisit DeShawn and Katrina's inspiring path to homeownership. After years of struggle and resilience, DeShawn used the podcast to build a plan, connect with a unicorn team, and take advantage of a first-time homebuyer grant and zero down loan.They brought just $5,000 to closing, and today their mortgage payment is $200 less than their old rent. In this interview, DeShawn shares:How he rebuilt his life after being on his own since age 15Why your credit score is a game-changer (and how to strengthen it)The offer strategy that helped them get their home accepted fastThe importance of expanding your search area to find affordabilityHis vision for creating long-term wealth for his familyThis story is a reminder that first-time buyers can win—even in tough markets. If you've been discouraged by headlines or myths about needing 20% down, DeShawn's story will inspire you to see what's truly possible.Quote“My biggest thing for everybody is just trust the process. Credit score, credit score, credit score is huge. And you really lean into your unicorn team. Amazing things will happen.” – DeShawnHighlightsFrom homeless teen to homeowner: DeShawn's powerful journeyUsing a grant and zero down loan to minimize upfront costsHow their new mortgage ended up cheaper than rentWhy credit score matters more than most buyers realizeCreative offer strategies that stand out in competitive marketsThe role of a unicorn team in making the process achievableBuilding long-term financial stability through homeownershipReferenced Episodes:FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE REFERENCED EPISODES, PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

First-time homebuyers often get stuck in the same myths and mistakes. This episode shares overlooked tips and critical warnings that can protect you and boost your confidence.Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but a few insider strategies can make the process smoother — and safer. In this episode, David Sidoni shares hard-earned lessons from two decades of guiding first-time buyers. You'll learn how lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), why monthly debt payments matter more than total balances, and how to avoid common missteps that derail approvals. Each tip comes with a warning, because protection is the first job of a unicorn Realtor. Whether you're just beginning your research or already preparing for pre-approval, these nuggets will help you move forward with clarity.Quote:“Protecting you isn't a small part of a unicorn realtor's job. It's their first job.”Highlights:What lenders really look at in your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)Why monthly obligations carry more weight than your total debtThe hidden pitfalls that can stall loan approvalThe role of a unicorn Realtor in protecting first-time buyersConfidence-boosting tips that most buyers never hearReferenced Episodes:FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE REFERENCED EPISODES, PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

How one first-time buyer left city renting behind and built her rural dream life — with just 5% down.Dreaming of wide open space, a garden, and room for animals? Samantha made it happen. In this episode, David Sidoni talks with Samantha, a first-time buyer who left apartment living to purchase a 2-acre homestead in Texas. Her journey shows how early planning, flexibility, and the right team can turn a dream into reality.Samantha shares how she timed her purchase with her lease, worked with a unicorn realtor to find trusted lender options, and adjusted her checklist without losing sight of her must-haves. She also opens up about the tough but valuable lessons she learned from rural inspections — including septic and well systems — and how she knew when to walk away.Whether you're dreaming of a rural property or just wondering if 5% down is enough, this story proves that the right strategy makes even the biggest lifestyle shifts possible.Quote“Definitely have a checklist of things that you value and you want with your home. But also don't be afraid of tweaking it, especially as you see homes.” — SamanthaHighlightsWhy starting the homebuying process months in advance reduces stressHow to work with a unicorn realtor to find a trusted lenderBalancing must-haves with flexibility in the searchRed flags in rural inspections: septic systems, wells, and flipper propertiesHow Samantha bought her dream with just 5% downUsing homeownership to build toward bigger life goalsConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Too many renters delay buying because they think they need far more cash than reality. In this updated replay, David Sidoni explains why the “wait and save” mindset is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make—and how much you actually need to bring to closing.If you've been sitting on the sidelines thinking you need $50,000, $80,000, or even $100,000 saved before buying, this episode is for you. In today's shifting 2025 market—where buyers finally have more leverage in many areas—the biggest obstacle is still misinformation about closing costs.In this myth-busting replay of episode 348, David Sidoni breaks down why 90% of aspiring buyers overestimate what it takes to close, costing them years of wasted rent and lost equity. You'll hear real-world examples of buyers who closed on homes with far less than they expected, plus the creative (but totally legit) tools that helped them get there: low down payment programs, seller credits, and assistance options.Closing isn't just a date on the calendar—it's a moving process with shifting costs and timelines. But with clarity, preparation, and the right mindset, you can take control of the chaos and finally stop waiting on the sidelines.“That phrase, ‘wait and save,' has cost renters hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary rent paid and equity lost.”HighlightsWhy most renters dramatically overestimate down payment and closing costsReal examples of buyers closing with as little as $4,100Why the myth of 10–20% down plus extra costs is holding you backHow loan programs, seller credits, and assistance can reduce cash neededWhy closing is a process, not a single day—and how to manage itThe mindset shift that helps Type-A buyers stay calm when timelines shiftThe truth: you don't need as much as you think to buy your first homeConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

What if everything you were told about homeownership was a lie? This episode breaks down the death of the boomer American Dream — and introduces a smarter, realistic path to owning a home today.You've heard the narrative: the housing market is broken, homeownership is out of reach, and the American Dream is dead. And in a way, that's true — but not for the reasons you think.In this episode, David Sidoni tackles one of the biggest lies holding first-time buyers back: the myth that because the old dream died, homeownership is impossible. He reveals the truth about how the boomer-era vision of buying a home began collapsing over 50 years ago — and why it's time to stop waiting for a fantasy to come back.You'll hear a powerful story about Nicholas Z, a listener who came to How to Buy a Home with only $1,500 in savings. Ten months (and a few major life curveballs) later, he and his partner owned a 4-bedroom home. No inheritance. No shortcuts. Just strategy, guidance, and a new path.David brings the receipts: almost one million first-time buyers closed on homes last year. Most didn't put down 20%. Most didn't have financial help from family. The “dream” may be dead, but the opportunity is not. Learn how regular people are still winning — and how you can too.Quote:“The dream didn't die last year. It's been dead for decades — and we've been building a better path.”Highlights:The truth about the boomer-era American Dream (and why it's over)Why the current market isn't your enemy — it's just differentAverage down payment data from 2024 (hint: it's not 20%)FHA and 5% down loan options for first-time buyersNicholas Z's story: from broke to homeowner in under a yearWhat nearly 1 million first-time buyers did in 2024 that you can do tooHow to let go of the old story and focus on what works nowConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

After years of thinking they weren't ready, Isaac and his wife realized they'd been holding themselves back for the wrong reasons. In this episode, they share how financial fears, wedding expenses, and career changes delayed their decision to buy — and why they now believe starting earlier would have saved them money and stress. A real-world reminder that “readiness” doesn't require perfection.Meet Isaac, a first-time buyer who candidly shares the emotional and financial lessons learned on the road to homeownership. From a cross-country move to Florida and years of hesitation, Isaac and his wife postponed buying a home because they assumed they needed to pay off all debt and hit 20% down. But after connecting with the How to Buy a Home team, they closed on their dream home in just a few months — with less money down and full confidence.This episode dives into:Why “waiting until you're ready” can actually cost youThe truth about buying with less than 20% down and paying PMIHow they avoided a money pit thanks to the right agentThe pitfalls of using a family friend as a realtorHow Isaac's view of affordability and timelines completely shifted after finding the right guidanceFor anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsure if it's the “right time” to buy, Isaac's story is the reality check you didn't know you needed.“We should've done this in reverse order. Bought the house first, then planned the wedding.”– IsaacHighlights:Moving from Chicago to Florida: career change, wedding costs, and the turning pointWhat made Isaac say “We waited too long”Their decision to buy with less than 20% down (and why it worked)The inspection that saved them thousandsWhy a “good vibe” isn't enough when choosing your realtorHow connecting with a unicorn agent accelerated their timelineAdvice for anyone thinking they need to “fix everything” before buyingConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Buying your first home? This episode breaks down the new vs. resale debate with clear pros, cons, and strategies to help you make the best choice for your future.For first-time buyers, the choice between a brand-new home and a resale property can feel overwhelming. Each option has unique benefits and hidden challenges, and the best decision depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. In this episode, David Sidoni unpacks everything you need to know about: The perks of new builds (energy efficiency, customization, less immediate maintenance)The realities of resale homes (lower prices, established neighborhoods, potential repair surprises)The importance of budgeting for upgrades vs. remodeling laterHow timing and market conditions can shift the balanceThe types of new home purchases — from land builds to semi-custom, quick move-ins, and spec homes David brings 20+ years of first-time buyer coaching to the table, helping you weigh your options with confidence. If you're asking yourself, “Should I go new or resale?” this is your playbook. “It's the biggest financial decision of your life — new home or resale? Let's break it down.” Highlights New homes offer efficiency and customization but often come at higher costs.Resale homes are more affordable and located in established areas but may bring hidden repairs.Budgeting plays a critical role — upgrades vs. renovations.Quick Move-In (QMI) and spec homes can be a faster path to ownership.There's no one-size-fits-all answer — your personal goals and timing are key.Referenced Episodes:388 - The Playbook VOL. 1 - The Rent Replacement Strategy389 - The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease EverConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Finally — some good news for first-time homebuyers. Housing supply is rising, interest rates are dipping, and builders are offering real incentives. This episode breaks down why 2025 may finally be your chance to buy smarter — before competition heats back up.For years, first-time buyers have been stuck facing high prices, low inventory, and discouraging rates. But late summer 2025 is bringing a shift: seven major U.S. cities are now officially buyers markets, mortgage rates are dropping back into the mid-5% range, and builders are cutting prices while adding incentives.David Sidoni explains what this means for your monthly payment, why timing matters, and how to create your personal rent replacement strategy before bidding wars return. You'll also hear a success story from listeners Will and Annie, who started their planning early and are now thriving as homeowners in their 20s.If you've been waiting for your opening, this could be the time to act.“Interest rates just dropped from 7% to 5.5%. That's almost $400 a month back in your pocket — for the same home.”HighlightsWhy seven U.S. cities just tipped into official buyers marketsHow FHA loans at 5.5% can save first-time buyers nearly $400 a monthThe surprising drop in new construction home prices across one-third of major marketsWhat builder incentives really mean for your budgetWhy starting your rent replacement strategy now gives you a big advantageReal first-time buyer success story: Will and Annie, ages 26 & 27Referenced Episodes388 - The Playbook VOL. 1 - The Rent Replacement Strategy389 - The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease EverConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

After back-to-back rental letdowns, Tim and Vanessa decided they'd had enough. This episode dives into their journey from frustration to finally buying their first home in Tarpon Springs, Florida, with insights every first-time buyer can use.Tim and Vanessa's story begins with a double blow from their landlord — first being kicked out for renovations, then again just weeks later when the landlord decided to sell. The final straw came during their wedding anniversary weekend, in the middle of a hurricane, when they got the dreaded 30-day notice. Instead of giving up, they turned their anger into determination.With persistence and guidance from a unicorn realtor, they navigated the emotional rollercoaster of home shopping. They refused to settle, even when it felt tempting, and leaned on their realtor's network of lenders and inspectors to stay confident in the process. Their patience paid off: in early 2025, they closed on a $388,000 two-bedroom, two-bath home in Tarpon Springs, FL.This interview highlights the importance of resilience, choosing the right team, and never letting setbacks define your outcome. For anyone feeling stuck in the cycle of renting, Tim and Vanessa's journey is proof that perseverance and the right guidance can turn things around.Quote: “Don't settle. We tried to talk ourselves into it several times, and it just wouldn't have worked out.” – VanessaHighlights:The rental nightmare that finally pushed them to buyHow a unicorn realtor changed everythingThe emotional toll of the search — and why persistence mattersWhy refusing to settle was their key to successTheir final win: a $388K home in Tarpon Springs, FLConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

#584 Think you know it all when it comes to first-time home buying? Think again! In this episode, host Brien Gearin is joined by real estate expert and first-time homebuyer advocate David Sidoni, founder of How to Buy a Home. David shares his journey from showbiz to real estate, his mission to help underserved first-time buyers, and the misconceptions that hold many back — like the myth that you need 20% down. He also breaks down how self-employed entrepreneurs can navigate home buying, the impact of recent real estate commission changes, and why working with the right team is critical. Whether you're a future homebuyer or just love smart business insights, this episode is packed with eye-opening advice! (Original Air Date - 2/10/25) What we discuss with David: + Myth: You need 20% down – Not true for first-time buyers + Debt-to-income explained – Lenders assess monthly payments, not total debt + Entrepreneurs & mortgages – Self-employed buyers need strategic planning + Start earlier than you think – Many buy months sooner than expected + First-time buyers are ignored – Most agents prioritize higher-value clients + Scaling a niche business – How David built a national agent network + NAR lawsuit impact – Buyer commissions remain mostly unchanged + Renting vs. buying costs – Long-term financial growth matters + Choosing the right team – A great realtor & lender are key + From showbiz to real estate – David's journey to homebuyer advocacy Thank you, David! Check out How to Buy a Home at ⁠HowtoBuyaHome.com⁠. Listen to the ⁠How to Buy a Home Podcast⁠. Follow David on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Twitter⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠. Watch the ⁠video podcast⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most renters can buy a home in 12 months or less — if they have the right system. In this episode, David Sidoni reveals the "Last Lease Ever" playbook, a practical step-by-step guide that helps first-time buyers turn rent payments into a customized strategy for homeownership.The housing industry has failed first-time homebuyers, leaving most renters without guidance until they're already “ready to buy.” But the truth is, with the right coaching and a clear plan, many renters could become homeowners in just a year.In this episode, David Sidoni hands you the ultimate playbook for buying your first home — a proven system that focuses on the Big Three: credit, debt, and savings. Instead of navigating myths and industry neglect, you'll discover:How to build a rent replacement strategy that sets you up for successWhy you only need one action step per month to move forwardThe critical difference between pre-approval and pre-qualificationHow to calculate and understand your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)Why working with a unicorn realtor and lender early changes everythingThis isn't a crash course, a webinar, or a PDF — it's a personalized, actionable plan. With just two free 45-minute meetings, you can map out your 12-month blueprint to turn your rent into a mortgage and finally start building wealth.Quote: “You only need one action step a month. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just real results. That's how you make this your last lease ever.”Highlights:The “Last Lease Ever” playbook: a clear, customized 12-month roadmapWhy the industry ignores first-time buyers during the planning phaseThe Big Three explained: credit, debt, and savingsHow to use DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio) to understand your buying powerThe role of unicorn realtors and lenders in building your planWhy most renters could buy a home in 12 months or lessReferenced Episodes:304 – Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 – Step 3305 – Debt Management: Homebuying 101 – Step 4306 – Saving To Buy Your Home: Homebuying 101 – Step 5355 – Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?381 – Saving While in Debt: How Much Do First-Time Buyers Really Need in 2025?Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Winners don't wait to feel ready. They train. In this episode, you'll learn how to use the rent replacement strategy to practice homeownership before you ever buy — and build a mindset that wins in any market.You don't become a homeowner the day you close — you become one the day you start thinking like one.This episode is your playbook. David Sidoni lays out a rent replacement strategy that isn't just about saving money — it's about training your brain and budget to operate like a homeowner before you own a home. That means practicing now. Living now. Saving now. Not waiting for the “right time.”Just like athletes prep before the championship, smart buyers build the habits that get them across the finish line. Rent replacement is your training camp. It's not sacrifice — it's preparation. And it works.David's coached thousands through this method, and in this episode, you'll hear how to start practicing now so that when your homebuying moment comes, you're ready to win.Quote: “Rent is about survival. Buying a home is about growth."Winners don't wait to feel ready. They train. In this episode, you'll learn how to use the rent replacement strategy to practice homeownership before you ever buy — and build a mindset that wins in any market. You don't become a homeowner the day you close — you become one the day you start thinking like one. This episode is your playbook. David Sidoni lays out a rent replacement strategy that isn't just about saving money — it's about training your brain and budget to operate like a homeowner before you own a home. That means practicing now. Living now. Saving now. Not waiting for the “right time.” Just like athletes prep before the championship, smart buyers build the habits that get them across the finish line. Rent replacement is your training camp. It's not sacrifice — it's preparation. And it works. David's coached thousands through this method, and in this episode, you'll hear how to start practicing now so that when your homebuying moment comes, you're ready to win. Quote: “Rent is about survival. Buying a home is about growth."Highlights:Why “training like a homeowner” means budgeting for your future mortgage nowThe power of automating savings and acting “as if” you already own a homeHow starting your plan early helps you beat rising prices and ratesWhat it really means to practice replacing rent with equity — step by stepWhy mindset matters more than market timing when you're buying your first homeConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think you're years away from buying your first home? You might be closer than you think. In this episode, real-life first-time buyers Tyler and Erin share how they went from overwhelmed to owning a home in just 90 days — all by finding the right help and staying focused on what really mattered.Buying a home in one of the most expensive markets in the country might sound impossible — especially if you're trying to DIY the whole thing. But Tyler, a self-described spreadsheet guy, learned that numbers aren't enough. Once he and Erin connected with a unicorn real estate team through How to Buy a Home, everything changed. In this interview, they walk us through their fast-track journey from research to keys in hand — including the mindset shifts, practical tips, and surprising ease of the process once they had the right guidance.You'll learn:Why talking to your boss might be the first step in buying a homeHow Erin and Tyler chose a “must-have” that simplified everythingWhat made them realize they were ready — even when they didn't feel like itHow unicorn agents make fast, informed decisions easier for buyersThis story will challenge your assumptions and remind you: you don't have to do this alone.Quote: "It can be overwhelming, but having one or two things to focus on — like a good kitchen — helped us feel grounded."Highlights:Tyler and Erin closed on their New Jersey home in just 90 daysTyler emphasized the need to prep your employer for schedule flexibilityErin highlighted the power of choosing one “must-have” to stay focusedWorking with a unicorn agent clarified their finances and sped up the processTheir experience reveals many buyers are closer to ready than they thinkReferenced Episodes:Ep. 6: Choosing House Must-HavesEp. 2: Choosing a Realtor and LenderEp. 1: Deciding Your GoalsConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

A couple turns a rent hike into a homeownership strategy, navigating relocation, pregnancy, and smart financial planning to land a 1923 farmhouse in Maryland.Chris and Niki's journey from Manhattan renters to first-time homeowners shows how strategy, timing, and teamwork can overcome the high costs of living in expensive markets. After learning their $2,900 Manhattan rent was set to jump to $3,800, they began planning to redirect that money into equity. A relocation to Silver Spring, Maryland, brought lower rent and proximity to work, but it was Niki's pregnancy that accelerated their timeline. With $300,000 saved, they split funds between a $150,000 down payment and $150,000 for renovations, ultimately purchasing a 1923 farmhouse for $675,000—$100,000 below asking. Smart lease planning, family carpentry help, and a unicorn real estate team made the process smoother and more affordable.“Get a unicorn team, rely on them, ask questions. They will point you in the right direction.” - ChrisHighlightsHow a rent jump from $2,900 to $3,800 sparked a rent replacement strategy.Why the perfect home doesn't exist—and how to prioritize what matters most.The benefits of open houses for clarifying wants versus needs.What it's like to accelerate homebuying while expecting a baby.How $300,000 in savings was split between down payment and renovations.A unique negotiation strategy that reduced the final purchase price by $100,000.The role family expertise played in making an older home purchase feasible.Why a unicorn team was key to their success.Referenced Episodes350 - From ‘Years Away' to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever382 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 1: Rates383 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 2: Sales, Inventory & Affordability384 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 3: Rent Math & Buying PowerConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Overwhelmed by the market? This special Labor Day episode is your cheat code to clarity — a binge guide to six years of first-time homebuyer education.SynopsisThe housing market in 2025 feels bananas — up, down, and sideways all at once. You can't control interest rates, inflation, or prices, but you can control your knowledge. That's what this episode delivers: clarity, confidence, and a roadmap through all 384 past episodes of How to Buy a Home.Host David Sidoni breaks down exactly how to use the podcast library to build your own personal homebuying education plan. From the ten-step Homebuying 101 Starter Kit to practical strategies in the Last Lease Ever program, plus a real estate dictionary to crush confusing jargon, this guide is your ultimate playlist for a smarter path to homeownership.Whether you're starting from scratch, figuring out where you stand, or staying up-to-date with the latest market insights, this curated list of episodes will help you move from confused renter to confident buyer.Quote“You can't control the market, but you can control your knowledge. This is your cheat code to home buying clarity.”HighlightsWhy fundamentals and education matter more than timing the marketA step-by-step binge guide to 384 past episodesHomebuying 101 Starter Kit — ten must-know episodes for beginnersLast Lease Ever program — practical tips while rentingHow to assess your place in the process and set a custom planA real estate dictionary series to break down confusing jargonHow to mix new episodes with the back catalog for maximum learningReferenced EpisodesFOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE REFERENCED EPISODES, PLEASE VISIT OUR UPDATED 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

In the final part of the 2025 Market Shift Update, David Sidoni breaks down why affordability is finally improving — and why old affordability formulas don't tell the full story. Discover how falling rates and shifting rent dynamics create opportunities for first-time buyers.For five years, first-time buyers have faced brutal affordability math. Home prices skyrocketed from $315,000 in 2020 to $438,000 in 2025, far outpacing normal appreciation. But the tide is finally turning. In this episode, David Sidoni explains how flattening home prices and falling mortgage rates are reshaping the affordability index in buyers' favor.More importantly, David reveals the fatal flaw in traditional affordability formulas: they ignore rent. Rent is your biggest monthly output — and it's rising no matter what. When you factor in rent replacement, buying often makes more financial sense than continuing to rent. David shows how to use this perspective to assess your readiness and why waiting for “perfect” affordability is a losing strategy.Packed with myth-busting insights, this episode equips buyers with the clarity and tactics needed to move forward in today's shifting market.“Buying a home is not a want purchase — it's a necessity purchase. You're paying for shelter either way.”HighlightsWhy affordability has been so brutal since 2020How today's interest rate drop makes homes more affordable, even at higher pricesThe flawed formula economists use to measure affordabilityWhy factoring in rent changes the entire equationTactical steps first-time buyers can use in today's market shiftReferenced Episodes382 - Part 1: Rates383 - Part 2: Sales, Inventory & Affordability279 - New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time Homebuyers350 - From ‘Years Away' to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever355 - Real Answers Pt 4 – Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?168 - Get Off Your Ass!Websitewww.getoffyourass.orgConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!This is one part of a 3 part series highlighting the most significant housing market shift since this podcast began in 2019. Check out the podcast library for the full series for a complete update.

Part two of this special series dives into three critical pieces of the 2025 housing market shift: home sales, inventory, and affordability. David Sidoni breaks down the numbers, explains why headlines can be misleading, and shows how today's changes open up new opportunities for first-time buyers.The 2025 housing market is in the middle of a transformation unlike anything seen in decades. In part two of this three-part series, David Sidoni unpacks the latest on home sales, shifting inventory, and affordability. He shares how existing home sales have dropped to just over 4 million in recent years, but new data and falling mortgage rates are signaling a move back toward healthier levels. Headlines might scream contradictions — sluggish sales one day, rising applications the next — but that's exactly why staying educated matters. Inventory is building, builders are offering incentives, and affordability is showing signs of life. For first-time buyers, understanding these shifts is the key to beating the rush and securing a home before competition heats back up.Quote: “If you take advantage of this shift now, you can beat the bum rush of a bazillion other buyers.”Highlights:Existing home sales data from 2019–2025 and what it means for first-time buyersWhy headlines about sales and applications seem contradictoryThe role of new construction and builder incentives in boosting supplyHow declining mortgage rates are already improving affordabilityActionable insights on how to prepare for the next market phaseReferenced Episodes:Part 1 of this 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift series (home prices & mortgage rates)355 - Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?Sources:Zillow, Redfin, Goldman Sachs, Housing Wire, Ris Media, US News, Bloomberg, The National Association of REALTORS®, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Zelman & Associates, Brian Buffini and other housing economists, The Mortgage Bankers Association, U.S. Census Bureau, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, financial Samurai, Moody's, Inman, US News, Apollo Global, Wells Fargo, and the National Association of Home Builders.Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us! This is one part of a 3 part series highlighting the most significant housing market shift since this podcast began in 2019. Check out the podcast library for the full series for a complete update.

For the first time in over a decade, real change is reshaping the housing market. Prices, inventory, and affordability are shifting in ways that could finally give first-time buyers a new opportunity.In this episode, David Sidoni delivers a data-packed breakdown of the biggest housing market change in 17 years. After years of historically low inventory, rising prices, and brutal bidding wars, 2025 is bringing something different: falling prices in many metros, improving affordability, and a rare increase in available homes.David explains why this isn't a crash, but a shift toward semi-normal conditions — and how you can use this to your advantage. With most experts predicting 2–4% appreciation in 2025, smart buyers who act early can secure homes before the public catches on.This is part one of a three-part market update series designed to help you build a winning 2025–2026 strategy.Quote“For the first time in 17 years, inventory is actually improving — and that changes everything.”HighlightsWhy home prices are actually falling in many metros.The surprising percentage of listings with price cuts this summer.How builders are slashing prices and narrowing the gap with resale homes.What most experts really predict for home values in 2025.How first-time buyers can take advantage of this rare shift.Sources: Zillow, Redfin, Goldman Sachs, Housing Wire, Ris Media, US News, Bloomberg, The National Association of REALTORS®, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Zelman & Associates, Brian Buffini and other housing economists, The Mortgage Bankers Association, U.S. Census Bureau, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, financial Samurai, Moody's, Inman, US News, Apollo Global, Wells Fargo, and the National Association of Home Builders.Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!This is one part of a 3 part series highlighting the most significant housing market shift since this podcast began in 2019. Check out the podcast library for the full series for a complete update.

Think you can't buy a home until your debt is gone and your savings are massive? Think again. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the real math behind saving for a down payment while managing debt — and why waiting too long could actually cost you more. For first-time homebuyers, the internet is full of misinformation: you need zero debt, a huge down payment, and perfect timing. Wrong. In this episode, David tackles one of the biggest fears holding renters back — how much you actually need to save, and whether it's possible to do that while still carrying debt. Spoiler: it is.Building on Rosie's inspiring story from the last episode (a single mom who bought her first home in 2025 after bankruptcy), David unpacks the myths that scare buyers into renting for far too long. He explains the strategies that let you save and pay down debt at the same time, and why the rising age of first-time buyers — now at a shocking 41 years old — is proof that misinformation is keeping people trapped.If you're stuck renting because you think your debt or small savings disqualify you, this episode is your wake-up call. Homeownership is possible sooner than you think — if you know the facts. Quote: “You don't need a big down payment and no debt. Nope, nope, nope.” Highlights:The myth of needing zero debt before buying a home — busted.How to save for a down payment while paying down debt.Why waiting too long could cost you more in rising prices and rents.Rosie's real-life story: from bankruptcy in 2019 to buying in 2025.The shocking truth: average first-time buyer age has jumped to 41. References (If Applicable):186 - INTERVIEW: Buying a Home with 300K of Student Debt?305 - Debt Management: Homebuying 101 - Step 4233 - Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home!339 - Don't Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)327 - From “Maybe Next Year” to Homeowner in 4 Months – Elizabeth's Story (INTERVIEW)330 - From Renter to Homeowner with a Home Business – Christina's Story (INTERVIEW)347 - She Fired Her Realtor—and Bought the Right Home in 3 Days (INTERVIEW)351 - How a Drama Teacher Bought a Home Solo (INTERVIEW)Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Rosie's journey proves that even if you start off alone, overwhelmed, or unsure, the right support can change everything. In this episode, you'll hear how one first-time buyer turned a rocky beginning into a smooth close by connecting with a trusted local expert — and how leaning into education, patience, and the right guidance helped her do what felt impossible. Rosie's journey wasn't smooth — it was full of the exact hurdles that make most first-time buyers give up. She started with a realtor who ghosted her, a process she didn't fully understand, and serious doubts about whether homeownership was even possible for her. But she didn't walk away. Instead, she regrouped. She reached out, asked for help, and found a unicorn agent who helped her rethink everything. Why is Rosie's story is so powerful? Because she did everything the way most people don't. She took her time. She built the team that actually worked for her. And when things got hard, she didn't rush — she kept going with clarity and purpose. This episode is a blueprint for anyone who feels like homeownership is out of reach but isn't ready to give up. Quote: "I'm super happy. I feel very grateful that I got connected to you and the team and all of that.” - Rosie You'll hear:How Rosie went from bankruptcy, student loans, and single motherhood to homeownershipWhat she did when her first realtor ghosted herHow a podcast shoutout led to a game-changing connectionWhy she mixed and matched her agent and lender to build the perfect teamHow patience and education helped her winWhat she'd do differently (and what she's glad she didn't change)The value of combining a reliable lender with a responsive local expertWhy communication and trust were more important than speed or convenienceConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think buying a short-term rental is the fast track to homeownership? In this episode, David Sidoni unpacks the real math behind Airbnb investing — and why it might be the wrong move if you're still renting.With affordability at an all-time low, many first-time homebuyers are exploring creative ways to get into real estate. One trend gaining popularity: buying a short-term rental like an Airbnb in a cheaper market instead of purchasing a primary residence. But in this brutally honest episode, David Sidoni reveals why that plan could backfire.David breaks down the 2025 short-term rental landscape, explaining how increased competition, regulations, and declining profits have changed the game. More importantly, he highlights the financial risks renters take when they try to become investors before becoming homeowners.This episode dives into the math, the mindset, and the myths — showing you why owning your own home first is the smartest play. If you're tempted by Airbnb hype, you need to hear this before making a costly mistake.Quote: "The golden goose of Airbnb is losing its feathers and turning into a turkey super quick."Highlights:Why short-term rental investing isn't what it used to be in 2025The financial danger of skipping rent replacementHow tax laws, maintenance, and financing make STRs riskier than they lookA breakdown of real costs vs. projected incomeWhat first-time buyers should do instead of chasing Airbnb profitsConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

In this episode, David sits down with Bhavik and Suhani, a first-time buyer couple who beat the odds and bought a home in one of the most expensive markets in the country. They share the strategies that helped them overcome fears of high monthly payments and why getting clear on their goals changed everything. If you're stuck in the rent trap and terrified that buying will cost you thousands more per month, this episode is for you. Bhavik and Suhani didn't just guess or hope—they ran the numbers, educated themselves, and made confident decisions with the help of their unicorn real estate team.You'll hear how Suhani used open houses to learn what she actually wanted in a home, why Bhavik found peace of mind sitting down with a trusted agent, and how their mindset changed from overwhelmed to empowered. They even considered creative strategies like house hacking to make the math work.This story proves that even in high-cost areas, preparation and perspective can help you buy smart.Quote: "I just started going to open houses. That helped me figure out what I really wanted." - SuhaniHighlights:Why looking at homes early in the process helped Suhani clarify her prioritiesHow a trusted agent made complex steps feel manageable for BhavikWhat made them realize the extra $2,000/month was an investment, not a lossHow planning ahead gave them control instead of fearThe power of seeing real numbers, not assumptionsWhat house hacking looked like in their situationConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

In this final part of the Homebuyer Checklist series, David Sidoni covers crucial inspection tips, what to expect at closing, and the smart moves to make immediately after getting your keys. Learn how to protect your purchase and set yourself up for long-term success.Buying your first home isn't just about finding the right property — it's about navigating the process without costly missteps. In this episode, David Sidoni wraps up his three-part Homebuyer Checklist with an in-depth look at the final stages: inspections, closing, and the first steps of homeownership. You'll discover why having a vetted, experienced real estate team (“a unicorn”) from the start is the ultimate money-saver, and how to approach your inspection without overreacting to the inevitable list of issues. David also walks through the closing process, highlighting the importance of reviewing your Closing Disclosure, avoiding wire fraud, and confirming repairs during your final walkthrough. Finally, he outlines the essential actions to take right after you close, from changing the locks to filing for a homestead exemption. Whether you're weeks or years from buying, this checklist will keep you prepared and confident.Quote: “Every home inspection will find something wrong — the question is, does it matter to your safety or your budget?”Highlights:Could choosing your real estate team early be the key to saving thousands?What is the “Dad effect” during inspections — and how can you avoid it?How can you get the most out of your inspection?Which critical steps will protect you at closing?What should be on your post-closing to-do list as a new homeowner?Referenced Episodes332 – Home Inspections: What's Normal vs Red Flag? (110 Replay)348 – How Much Do You Really Need for Closing Day?198 - PMI Is a Privilege216 - PMI Is Still A Privilege And Still Not The Devil352 - Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1)259 - Why Zillow is a SCAM (Mostly)361 - 2025 Midyear & Market Update364 - REDO 237 – (High Rates, No Problem - Your First Time Home Buying Guide for 2024)301 - Introduction to Homebuying 101: Getting Started in 30 min302 - HOMEBUYING 101: Deciding Your Goals | STEP 1303 - HOMEBUYING 101: Choosing A Realtor & Lender | STEP 2304 - Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 - Step 3305 - Debt Management: Homebuying 101 - Step 4306 - Saving To Buy Your Home: Homebuying 101 - Step 5307 - Choosing House Must-Haves: Homebuying 101 - Step 6308 - DIY Education & Online Research: Homebuying 101 - Step 7 & 8309 - Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage | STEP 9 | HOMEBUYING 101310 - HOMEBUYING 101: Understanding Today's Market | STEP 10Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

A rapid-fire guide to the next steps in your homebuying journey, from boosting your credit score to nailing negotiations and knowing exactly what to do after your offer is accepted. In Part 2 of the 2025 Ultimate Homebuying Checklist, David Sidoni delivers another round of actionable, must-know tips to help first-time homebuyers prepare for their purchase — even in today's stalled summer market. Building on Part 1 (Episode 373), this episode dives into five critical areas: credit score preparation, neighborhood sleuthing, loan and financing strategy, negotiation tactics, and your immediate to-dos after an offer is accepted. Learn how to check and improve your credit score, avoid common loan pitfalls, research neighborhoods beyond online listings, and negotiate for more than just price. David also outlines the crucial first moves to make post-offer so you can close with confidence. Whether your purchase is months or years away, this checklist will keep you focused and ready to act when the time is right. Quote: “Before you even dream shop on Zillow, start with your credit score.” Highlights:Why now is the perfect time to prepare for your future purchaseCredit score tips that can save you thousandsThe one site you should use to check your credit report weeklyNeighborhood research beyond online listingsLoan shopping myths and truthsHow to negotiate for more than just pricePost-offer steps to protect your deal Referenced Episodes: Credit3 – What Do You Need To Know About Credit8 – Quick Credit Tips For First Time Home Buyers61 – More FICO Fun - Some Good News, For Once, About Credit Scores - And More Credit Hacks!90 – Credit Repair For 300-669 - “Bad” Or “Fair” Credit Scores182 – Interview: From ZERO Credit Score to Homeowner199 – Boomer's Homes Were CHEAPER – Plus Credit Pull Myths!304 – Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 - Step 3349 – Credit Score Solutions for First-Time Buyers (INTERVIEW) Internet Tips for Home Shopping227 – Using The Internet To Research Your First Home New Homes vs. Resale279 – New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time Homebuyers Bidding Wars (3-episode series)175 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 market176 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in 2023 – Part 2177 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in 2023 – Part 3 Market Updates361 – 2025 Midyear & Market Update364 – REDO 237 – (High Rates, No Problem - Your First Time Home Buying Guide for 2024) 10 Steps (301–310)301 – Introduction to Homebuying 101: Getting Started in 30 min302 – HOMEBUYING 101: Deciding Your Goals | STEP 1303 – HOMEBUYING 101: Choosing A Realtor & Lender | STEP 2304 – Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 - Step 3305 – Debt Management: Homebuying 101 - Step 4306 – Saving To Buy Your Home: Homebuying 101 - Step 5307 – Choosing House Must-Haves: Homebuying 101 - Step 6308 – DIY Education & Online Research: Homebuying 101 - Step 7 & 8309 – Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage | STEP 9 | HOMEBUYING 101310 – HOMEBUYING 101: Understanding Today's Market | STEP 10 Loans & Mortgage Planning346 – How to Build the Perfect Mortgage Plan (Before You Apply)345 – Why You're Asking the WRONG Question About Interest Rates237 – High Rates, No Problem: Your First Time Home Buying Guide for 2024339 – Don't Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)242 – 10 (MORE) Listener Questions ANSWERED: How to Buy Your First Home Pt 2250 – Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House) Real Questions for 2025 (7-part series: 352–359)352 – Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1)353 – Real Answers Pt 2: Mortgage Myths, Interest Rates & Buying Timing354 – Real Answers Pt 3: PMI Panic, Bad Advice & David Unleashed355 – Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?356 – Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer357 – Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without F

Renee and Tom spent 16 years renting before finally becoming homeowners. In this episode, they share how persistence, education, and the right team helped them turn skepticism into success.After 16 years in the same rental, Renee and Tom were told they had to move. For Tom, buying a home seemed impossible at 60, especially with some credit bruises. But Renee had a different vision. Known as the "Research Goddess," she dove into the How to Buy a Home podcast, learned the language of homebuying, and built a plan. They improved their credit, saved strategically, and connected with HBH-vetted Realtors James and Andy. To their surprise, the process was smoother and easier than expected. This episode is a testament to the power of preparation, the right guidance, and believing that homeownership is possible at any stage of life.Quote: "The biggest surprise was how easy and painless it was once we had the right team in place."Highlights:How a forced move pushed Renee and Tom to finally pursue buying.Overcoming credit challenges later in life.Why early education and research made all the difference.The importance of having the right real estate team.How the process turned out to be smoother than they ever imagined.Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Discover how a single mom in Long Island went from a decade of renting to owning her first home. This inspiring replay episode of HBH shares the story of perseverance, preparation, and the power of a trusted real estate team.In this replay of episode 265, David Sidoni sits down with Vayola, a single mother who never thought homeownership was possible in her expensive Long Island market. Determined to set an example for her teenage daughter, she reached out to the How to Buy a Home podcast, learned the steps, and put them into action. Vayola shares her top tips for first-time buyers: trust your "unicorn" real estate team, keep your funds liquid and ready to move, and never settle until you find the right home. Her journey proves that with the right preparation and guidance, even the most daunting housing markets can be navigated successfully.Quote: "Trust your unicorn team. They know what they're doing. You're in good hands." - VayolaHighlights:Why trusting a vetted real estate team is critical for first-time buyersHow to keep your funds accessible for a fast-moving marketThe importance of patience and not settling for the wrong homeTurning homeownership into a lasting legacy for your familyAction steps to prepare before your offer is acceptedReferenced Episodes104 – Interview With A Single, Female First-Time Home Buyer Who Closed In 2022, Trying Since 2019109 - Brian and Diana - 4 months, From Wondering About Buying their 1st home to Getting the Keys116 - Interview With First-Time Home Buyers Whose Rent Went Up 90% In One Year BAILED On Renting!128 - First Time Buyer Couple Interview - Making The Move From Apartment To Condo129 – Interview With A First Time Home Buyer Who Bought WITHOUT Two Years Of Employment167 - Interview: Buying a $300K Home With Only $18k? Yes!169 - Woman Power: This Single Woman Bought Her First Home189 - INTERVIEW - VA Loans: Bad for Buyers or a Christmas Miracle?217 - Interview With Millie - How To Buy Your First Home Before Turning 30Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

rapid-fire guide for first-time homebuyers covering the four pillars of buying a home: shopping, financing, negotiating, and inspections. These battle-tested tips will help you shop smarter, secure better financing, negotiate stronger offers, and protect yourself during inspections.Synopsis: In this episode, David Sidoni delivers a fast-paced, no-fluff cheat sheet for first-time homebuyers who want to cut through confusion and act with confidence. Whether you're just starting your home search or preparing to write an offer, this guide covers:Shopping: How to research neighborhoods like a pro, bundle showings, and keep your top-three homes clear in your mind.Financing: Why pre-approval matters, how to choose a lender, and why the lowest online rate isn't always your best option.Negotiating: Winning strategies that go beyond price to include timing, contingencies, and seller needs.Inspections: The importance of showing up, asking questions, and knowing the difference between a deal-breaker and a fixable issue.With over 20 years of experience and countless real-world success stories, David packs this episode with actionable tips you can use right now. For deeper dives into each topic, the show notes include links to past episodes that explore each stage in detail.Quote: "The highest offer doesn't always win. The right terms, timing, and certainty can beat price every time."Highlights:Research neighborhoods with crime maps, public records, and on-the-ground visits at different times of day.Keep a top-three list of favorite homes to avoid decision fatigue.Get pre-approved before shopping to know your real budget.Work with a lender who explains your options clearly.Negotiate with terms and flexibility, not just price.Attend your inspection and use findings strategically.Referenced Episodes:227 – Using The Internet To Research Your First Home279 - New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time Homebuyers175 - How to win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 market (Part 1 of 3)361 - 2025 Midyear & Market Update364 - REDO 237 – (High Rates, No Problem - Your First Time Home Buying Guide for 2024)301 - Introduction to Homebuying 101: Getting Started in 30 min346 - How to Build the Perfect Mortgage Plan (Before You Apply)345 – Why You're Asking the WRONG Question About Interest Rates242 - 10 (MORE) Listener Questions ANSWERED: How to Buy Your First Home Pt 2250 - Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)332 – Home Inspections: What's Normal vs Red Flag? (110 Replay)352 - Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1) (Part 1 of 7)Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

First-time buyers Brittany and Fred from Dallas, TX, prove you don't need 20% down to buy a home. With expert guidance from their unicorn realtor, they navigated a seller lease-back, chose a 3% down conventional loan, and moved into their dream home — all while raising their 7-month-old daughter.In this inspiring episode, David Sidoni chats with Brittany and Fred, a young family who just purchased their first home in Dallas. Their story busts one of the biggest myths in real estate: you don't need 20% down to buy. Starting out believing they had to save far more, they discovered better options through their unicorn realtor and trusted lender. With excellent credit scores, they secured a 3% down conventional loan, avoiding costly FHA fees. They also used a seller lease-back to sweeten their offer without raising the price, showing how flexibility on timing can be a winning strategy. This episode is a must-listen for any first-time buyer who thinks homeownership is out of reach.Quote: "You don't need 20% for a down payment. That was by far the biggest thing we learned." - FredHighlights:How Brittany and Fred went from renters to homeowners with a 7-month-old.The myth-busting truth about down payments for first-time buyers.Why a 3% conventional loan was better than FHA for their situation.How a seller lease-back can win you the house without raising your offer.The value of working with a unicorn realtor for strategic negotiation.Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Learn how to budget smarter, not harder, with proven strategies and the best budgeting apps for first-time buyers in 2025. From his in-depth research, David shares the top five budgeting apps tailored for home purchase planning in 2025, plus two bonus tools for spreadsheet lovers and detail-oriented planners. Along the way, he warns against predatory financial service companies and common app pitfalls that could cost you more in the long run.Quote: "A budget is a tool to afford more of what you love."Highlights:Why budgeting is about empowerment, not deprivation.How zero-based budgeting gives every dollar a job.The 50/30/20 rule as a starting point for intentional saving.Top 5 budgeting apps for first-time buyers in 2025.Why free budgeting apps often fall short.Predatory pitfalls to avoid when choosing financial tools.LINKS TO THE BEST BUDGETING APPS of 2025You Need a Budget - YNABMonarch MoneyQuicken SimplifyNerdwalletCopilotLunch MoneyReferenced Episodes:Episode 306 - Saving To Buy Your Home: Homebuying 101Episode 305 - Debt Management: Homebuying 101Episode 180 - Online Mortgage Calculators Are GARBAGE - Here's WhyEpisode 69 - Dave Ramsey Is Dead Wrong When It Comes To Buying Your First Home In 2022 And BeyondEpisode 106 - Dave Ramsey is Sometimes Right, but OH SO WRONG for First Time Home BuyersConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

What's the SEMOP—and Why Self-Employed Buyers Need It (Click the link to learn about a free consultation)If you're self-employed and planning to buy a home, understanding how lenders view your income can be a major hurdle. That's where the Self-Employed Mortgage Optimization Plan (SEMOP) comes in. Created by CPA Dan Mullen, SEMOP is designed to help entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent contractors present their finances in a way that works with—not against—mortgage qualification standards. From strategic timing of deductions to optimizing income documentation, SEMOP gives self-employed buyers a clear roadmap to prepare for underwriting and boost their chances of loan approval. It's not a gimmick—it's guidance built for how the system actually works.Many first-time buyers assume a mortgage guarantees big tax breaks—but unless you itemize your deductions, those savings may never come.Are you self-employed? Want a free tax consultation from Dan the Tax Man? Visit this link to learn more about Dan's program and how to get a complimentary consultation.This episode brings on CPA Dan Mullen to break down the truth about tax benefits for homeowners. You'll learn who actually gets tax breaks, when they apply, how itemizing plays a role, and how to calculate them before you buy. From itemized deductions to the SALT cap, Dan and David explain what first-time buyers need to know—and what myths to ignore. They also share real-world examples of savings (or lack thereof) so you can plan your budget with real numbers.Quote: "You have to remember, not everybody gets the tax benefits of owning. That's just a myth." — Dan MullenHighlights:Who really qualifies for the mortgage interest deduction?What is the SALT deduction cap, and how does it affect buyers?Why some buyers may see no tax benefit after purchasingThe difference between escrow payments and tax deductionsHow to estimate your actual savings before making an offerShould You Rent or Buy? This Book Has the Math.Wondering whether homeownership really makes financial sense?Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning by Brady Mullen and Dan Mullen, CPA, breaks down the real numbers behind one of life's biggest choices.They debunk common myths and reveal how taxes, inflation, and appreciation shape your long-term wealth—whether you're buying your first home or advising someone who is. Perfect for first-time buyers, financial professionals, and real estate agents alike.Grab the book on Amazon →Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think you missed your chance to buy a home because you're over 40 and buying solo? Think again. In this episode, David Sidoni talks with Regina, a first-time buyer in her 40s who overcame relocation, job uncertainty, and years of doubt to become a homeowner in just two months. Her story is a masterclass in late-stage first-time homebuying—especially for single women ready to take the leap alone.David interviews Regina, a solo first-time buyer who closed on her home at age 47 after putting off the decision for nearly two decades. Regina shares how instability in her early career and several relocations—reflecting a broader trend of older millennials delaying homeownership due to economic and career uncertainty— kept her from committing to a home purchase. But after a pivotal conversation with a friend, she realized it was time to protect her finances and stop waiting.She stumbled upon the How to Buy a Home podcast through Reddit, binge-listened to the show, and realized she had already done much of the prep work—her credit was solid, her debt was paid off, and her income was stable. All she needed was a trusted team. That's when she connected with a unicorn realtor and closed within two months of reaching out.This episode highlights a growing trend of single women becoming homeowners later in life—now outpacing single men in first-time buying, according to recent How to Buy a Home data; and breaks down the emotional and practical steps that can make it possible—no matter your age or relationship status.Quote: "This was my last lease. And that's what I decided." —ReginaHighlights:Why Regina waited nearly 20 years to buy her first homeThe emotional trigger that turned her mindset aroundHow she found the podcast and used it to prep financiallyHer experience working with a unicorn realtorA powerful story of solo homeownership for older first-time buyersConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Renting isn't a waste, but long-term ownership could save you millions—here's how to tell when it's time to make the shift. In this episode, David Sidoni continues with Part 2 of his interview with Dan and Brady Mullen, authors of Real Decisions, to break down the real financial impact of renting versus owning. You'll learn how to zoom out beyond monthly costs, understand the long-term wealth gap, and see why the first year of ownership might feel hard—but pays off big over time. The Mullens bring data, compassion, and clear examples to help first-time buyers shift their mindset and see the math behind the move.Quote: “If you're telling me it's too expensive to own because it'll cost $1.5 million over 35 years, you've got to answer what rent costs on the other side of that equation.” — Brady MullenHighlights:How to tell when renting is still a smart moveWhy the first year of homeownership feels like a loss—and what happens afterWhat the Mullen brothers' graphs reveal about real cost differences over timeWhy interest rate fears are overblown in 2025How to shift from emotional fear to fact-based planningReferenced Episodes / Resources:Book: Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning by Dan and Brady MullenConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Discover why most financial advisors aren't trained—or even allowed—to guide you through the biggest wealth-building decision of your life: buying a home. Author and former financial advisor Brady Mullen joins CPA Dan Mullen to explain how real estate plays a critical role in long-term wealth, and why it's often ignored by the people we trust for financial advice.In this episode, David sits down with brothers Brady and Dan Mullen, authors of Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning. Brady, a former financial advisor, and Dan, a CPA specializing in real estate tax, share what they learned about the enormous—but often overlooked—financial power of homeownership.They explain why real estate is usually left out of “holistic” financial planning, how renting compares to owning over time, and why most homebuyers are left to figure out these massive decisions alone. The Mullen brothers share insights on tax advantages, inflation protection, and how your first mortgage payment will be the worst one you ever make (yes, that's good news). This is a must-listen episode for anyone who's been told that renting is the smarter choice.Quote"You can buy 30 years of shelter at today's prices—and the bank will give you a loan to do it." – Brady MullenHighlightsWhy financial advisors can't give you real estate adviceThe financial industry's blind spot when it comes to shelterThe difference between being sold real estate and being educated about itHow landlords pass hidden costs onto rentersWhy renting might seem cheaper—but costs more over timeUnderstanding inflation and your mortgage as a financial toolThe truth about maintenance, taxes, and “rent being easier”How owning gives you control over your housing costsWhy your first mortgage payment is your most expensive—and what happens afterReal estate's role in building long-term net worthConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think you're not ready to buy a home? Think again. In this episode, David reconnects with Sergio and Ali — real buyers who once believed they weren't ready. Their story reveals how fear and misinformation almost delayed their homeownership journey, and how the right support helped them succeed.Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest hidden obstacles facing first-time buyers. Sergio and Ali didn't think they were ready to buy a home — despite solid savings, a strong financial position, and a clear desire to stop renting. When they reached out to David, their hesitation came not from reality, but from fear.This episode revisits their story from episode 276 (where they were anonymously known as “Bob and Bobcat”) and follows their journey all the way to closing day. They share what it took to shift their mindset, how a trusted real estate pro guided them through a cross-country move, and why emotional readiness is just as important as financial preparation.Their insights are honest, encouraging, and tactical — perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, underqualified, or unsure if now is the right time to start. You'll hear exactly how they planned their budget, built confidence, and learned that they were more ready than they ever believed.Quote:“You need a unicorn realtor. You need a unicorn realtor that understands everything, but is also like a marriage counselor.”— SergioHighlights:Why did Sergio and Ali believe they weren't ready to buy? They were navigating a job change and felt uncertain despite already having significant savings.What did David see that they didn't? He recognized they were financially in a strong position and just needed clarity and guidance.How did planning make the difference? Building a financial plan and timeline helped them feel confident and organized.What was so special about their realtor? Their unicorn agent supported them remotely, gave expert advice, and even helped with relationship stress during the process.Why is emotional support critical in homebuying? Feeling supported helped them move past fear and take confident steps toward buying.What challenges came with buying during relocation? They bought remotely while moving to a new city — and relied heavily on their agent for eyes on the ground.What advice do they have for first-time buyers? You're likely more ready than you think, and the right support can make all the difference.Referenced Episodes:Episode 274 — Wait…My Producer Can't Buy a Home? Here's Why…Episode 275 — Market Update & Unicorn DisclosuresEpisode 276 — Breaking Down Home Buyer Questions - Bob & BobbetteEpisode 315 — How a 20-Year-Old Outsmarted the Market—And How You Can Too (UNICORN INTERVIEW)Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Let's be real—trying to buy your first home in 2025 feels overwhelming. This episode gives you the truth about where to begin, why generic advice won't work, and how to find your actual first step based on your situation.If you're feeling stuck, skeptical, or straight-up discouraged about buying a home in 2025—you're not wrong. Rates are high, affordability is brutal, and the online advice is either confusing or useless. Most first-time buyers think they need a list of 10 steps to follow. But here's the truth: there is no single path.In this episode, David breaks down why generic homebuying advice fails—and how to create a plan that works based on where you're starting today. Through the metaphor of Chutes and Ladders, you'll learn how to recognize your personal position on the “game board,” what traps to avoid, and how to start moving forward with real clarity.This is more than mindset—it's strategy. You'll leave this episode with a way to cut through the noise, avoid common buyer pitfalls, and understand what you need to do next—whether you're at square one or already halfway there.“There is no one path. Everyone is at a different starting place. So why would you accept a one-size-fits-all list?” - DavidHIGHLIGHTSWhy buying a home in 2025 feels harder than ever—and how real buyers are still making it happenThe truth about “10-step plans” and why generic homebuying checklists often set you backHow to figure out your personal starting point based on your credit, savings, and timelineThe Chutes and Ladders method: a strategic tool to map your custom homebuying journeyCommon mistakes first-time buyers make by starting too late—or in the wrong placeHow to build a real plan that fits your situation, not someone else's sales funnelThe critical difference between generic advice and a tailored homebuying strategyConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

High interest rates aren't your biggest obstacle — fear and bad advice are. In this episode, David Sidoni shows you how to win anyway.SynopsisIf you're waiting on mortgage rates to drop before you buy a home, you may be setting yourself up to lose thousands. This episode breaks down the real math of affordability — and why obsessing over interest rates could cost you far more than you think. David walks through the truth behind today's rates, the history that puts them in context, and the emotional traps that keep first-time buyers on the sidelines.You'll learn how to stop hoping for a return to 3% rates (spoiler: that era was a global emergency, not a market trend) and instead start planning within the reality of 2025. This is a continuation of the affordability conversation from Episodes 237 and 262, with a sharper focus on how to beat high-rate fears with facts, strategy, and a new mindset.Whether you're renting, budgeting, or just plain overwhelmed, this episode will help you shift from stuck to strategic.Want to see the full affordability breakdown and rent vs. buy math? Read the blog: [Insert Link]Learn how interest rates have changed over the decades — and what that means for your plan.Quote“If you're waiting for 3% rates, you're waiting for another global crisis. That's not a plan.”HighlightsWhy 3% mortgage rates aren't coming back — and why that's okayThe historical average interest rate since 1970 (spoiler: it's 7.7%)How fear and recency bias distort smart homebuying decisionsWhat today's rates really mean for your monthly paymentHow to build a rent replacement plan instead of chasing the marketWhy emotion-based waiting can cost you thousands in lost equityHow to use strategy — not timing — to create long-term winsREFERENCED EPISODESConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think you're too young or unqualified to buy a home? Meet Ella and Mitchell. At just 19, they swapped a cramped $1,500/month apartment for a 3-bedroom home on 1.3 acres — and they did it in under a week. This episode proves it's possible, even when you think it's not.Ella and her boyfriend Mitchell were renting young, paying more than they liked, and doubting homeownership was even an option. But after a personal loss made them reevaluate their priorities, they decided to stop waiting. With the help of a unicorn agent in Appleton, Wisconsin, they found and bought a home in just 5.5 days — working , no masse typical 2 year job requirment, savings, and no buy-down gimmicks. In this powerful interview, they share how they overcame fear, bad real estate advice, and the myth that homeownership is for “later in life.”Their story will resonate with anyone who feels too young, too underprepared, or too overwhelmed to start the process. Ella and Mitchell show that with the right mindset and guidance, buying a home can be faster, simpler, and more life-changing than expected.Quote“It's not impossible. You can do it. There are resources out there — no one expects you to do this alone.” — MitchellHighlightsHow did Ella and Mitchell buy their home at age 19 without two years of job history?What made them choose to trade a $1,500/month apartment for a 3-bed ranch home?How did they manage to go from search to close in just 5.5 days?What did locking in a 5.25% interest rate with no buy-downs mean for their monthly payment?What happened with the shady Zillow agent, and how did a unicorn realtor change their path?What personal event sparked their urgency to stop renting and start building equity?How did Mitchell describe the sense of control and stability after buying?Why did he say their mortgage feels like a better investment than their rent ever did?What did he want other young people to understand about the real possibilities of ownership?Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Can you really buy a $400,000 home on your own with just $12,000? In this episode, David interviews Carrie, a single elder millennial who didn't think homeownership was possible… until it was. Hear her story of belief, flexibility, and what it really takes to make your homebuying goals happen — even when the system feels stacked against you. This episode is an inspiring, eye-opening interview with Carrie, a self-described elder millennial who overcame the belief that homeownership was out of reach. As a single woman who once thought buying a home was a fantasy, Carrie shares how she closed on a $400K property with just $12,000 out of pocket — and how the right planning and people made it happen. She breaks down how reframing “compromise” as flexibility helped her shift from city-focused dreams to a home that truly supports her long-term needs — including space for her mom. She also opens up about the real-life responsibilities of owning a property (like tree maintenance and surprise sewer issues), and the importance of learning and adjusting along the way. If you've told yourself “it's too late” or “I can't do this alone,” Carrie's story will prove you wrong — and show you what's possible when you stick to your values and find the right support. “It's not compromise — it's flexibility. What can I change later? What can I create?” Highlights: How did Carrie manage to buy a $400,000 home with just $12,000 out of pocket?What shifted her mindset from “I'll never own” to “I can do this”?Why did she leave Denver and what made her say yes to Colorado Springs?What does it really mean to buy “the property” — not just the house?What surprised her about homeownership in the first few weeks?How did working with a Unicorn team make the difference?Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Mortgage rates are dropping — so why are buyers still stuck on the sidelines? This episode breaks down the latest market update with July 2025 data, unpacking how inflation, job reports, and interest rate speculation are shaping first-time buyer behavior.In this episode, David delivers a critical market update recorded just after the July 4th weekend in 2025. Despite a notable drop in mortgage rates — the fifth consecutive week of declines — most buyers still aren't making moves. Why? The answers lie in economic signals that go beyond interest rates.You'll learn how job market strength and inflation fears are keeping the Federal Reserve from cutting rates, despite public pressure. Plus, David breaks down how tariffs and the PCE index (the Fed's favorite inflation tracker) are working against rate relief. With clarity and candor, he explains why rate drops aren't enough to reboot buyer confidence — and why timing your purchase based on Fed headlines may be a risky move.First-time homebuyers will walk away with a clearer picture of what's happening behind the scenes — and why understanding market conditions is more important than listening to outdated advice from friends or family.Quote“Mortgage rates have fallen for the fifth straight week. Buyers aren't budging though — they're still waiting.” – David SidoniHighlightsFreddie Mac reports the biggest one-week drop in rates since March 2025Fed rate cuts unlikely after strong June jobs report and inflation uncertaintyPCE inflation index still above target, with tariffs poised to raise prices furtherWhy first-time buyers should stop trying to “time the market”CME FedWatch projections: July cut odds drop to 5%, September cut down to 67%Clear explanation of how job market strength delays rate reliefReferenced Episodes279 - New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time HomebuyersConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Looking for the perfect binge-listen while road tripping this summer? In this special Independence Day episode, David Sidoni shares the ultimate guide to navigating 360+ episodes of How to Buy a Home. Whether you're brand new or halfway through your buying prep, this episode will help you pinpoint exactly which episodes to queue up next.It's a holiday weekend and David Sidoni is giving you the cheat code. This road trip-style episode pulls from six years of the podcast catalog to help you binge smarter—not harder. If you've ever felt lost in the episode feed, overwhelmed by too much info, or unsure where to start, this is your shortcut.You'll hear how to tackle the full Homebuying 101 series (episodes 301–310), when to explore recent vs older episodes, and how to match specific episodes to the questions keeping you up at night. It's your on-the-go roadmap for becoming an educated, confident homebuyer—minus the scrolling.Quote“You can't control the market, but you can control your knowledge.” – David SidoniHighlightsHow to start your listening journey with Episode 301 and the Homebuying 101 seriesWhat to prioritize if you're tight on time or deep in stressWhich episodes to pick for budgeting, credit, or choosing your teamWhy new episodes help you stay current—and which older ones still pack valueDavid's personal tips on educating yourself on how to buy a home!Referenced EpisodesFOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE REFERENCED EPISODES, PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

The final four questions from the 20 most-asked by first-time buyers — including real-life success stories and crucial myths to stop believing now.In this episode, David Sidoni closes out the 7-part series on the 20 most common questions from first-time homebuyers. Questions 17 through 20 tackle some of the biggest decision points in the journey: What type of property is best for you? Are HOAs really that bad? Who actually pays your agent? And should you wait to buy?With clarity, empathy, and strategic insight, David unpacks each question using real buyer stories — like Melissa's bold move into a condo with an HOA in pricey Southern California — and explains why the biggest cost you face might be waiting too long. He also breaks down how commissions work after the 2024 legal changes, and why building your homebuying team early is not just smart — it could save you thousands. If you're serious about buying but still wrestling with doubts, this episode is your crash course in cutting through the noise and making informed, confident choices."You wouldn't do surgery without a doctor. Why try to buy a home without a pro?" - David SidoniHighlights:Should you buy a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Depends on your long-term plan — not your dream aesthetic.Real buyer story: Melissa chooses a condo with a $450 HOA fee and still saves money versus renting.HOAs aren't evil: 80% of new homes include them, and rejecting them limits your housing options.You don't pay your buyer's agent. Even post-lawsuit, most fees are still seller-paid.Why hiring your real estate team early (not just a lender!) makes all the difference.Waiting for the "right time" can cost you more — it's about time in the market, not timing the market.Referenced Episodes:154, 319 – Condo vs. SFR324 – Melissa322, 75, 110, 220 – Inspection175, 176, 177 – Bidding wars229, 275 – Unicorn and disclosuresConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Think you're too young or not ready to buy a home? Meet Allison and Mitchel — 22 and 24 years old — who went from renters to owning a duplex in just six weeks. With only $12,000 in closing costs, their story proves it's not just possible — it's smart.In this inspiring episode, David interviews Allison and Mitchel, a young Ohio couple who defied the odds and bought a duplex at just 22 and 24 years old. With the help of a unicorn realtor and guidance from the podcast, they realized they were ready to buy — even when they didn't think so. You'll hear how they navigated the process quickly and confidently, closed on their home with just $12K, and now live in one unit while renting the other. Their total monthly costs are close to — or even less than — what they paid in rent. They share practical advice for new buyers, insights on emotional readiness, and what surprised them most about the homebuying journey.Quote:"You're probably ready to buy a house even if you don't think you are." – Allison, age 22Highlights:How did a 22- and 24-year-old close on a duplex with just $12K in six weeks?What is a unicorn realtor, and how did one transform their buying journey?Why can trying to learn everything online actually make homebuying harder?How did they get a mortgage close to the rent they were paying?What is house hacking, and how did it help them build wealth fast?How can emotional readiness shift once you hear real success stories?Referenced Episodes:Step 1: Deciding Your GoalsStep 2: Choosing a Realtor and LenderStep 5: Saving to Buy Your HomeStep 9: Stop Fearing Your Future MortgageConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Think owning a home will bring surprise expenses that wreck your budget? This episode breaks down exactly what you'll pay—and why it's not as scary as you've heard.Synopsis:In this myth-busting continuation of the 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions, David Sidoni tackles one of the biggest fears holding renters back: hidden costs. From rising property taxes and insurance to repairs and HOAs, David exposes the truth behind these so-called “surprises” and shows how proper planning makes them predictable. If you've been scared off by online horror stories or clickbait headlines, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to stop renting and start planning. You'll walk away with real numbers, smart strategies, and a clear-eyed understanding of how homeownership costs actually work.Promise Delivered:You'll learn how to predict and plan for every cost of homeownership—so nothing feels “hidden” or unexpected. This episode replaces fear with facts and shows that a well-built budget can make homeownership not only possible, but powerful.Quote:“The taxes and insurance are not surprises—they're scheduled and predictable. And if they go up? They go up in rent too. You're just not paying attention.”Highlights:Why most “hidden” costs are just poorly explained (and how to plan for them)How PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) gives you a complete budget viewWhy rising property taxes and insurance aren't deal breakersThe renter's blind spot: you're already paying these increases—just for someone else's benefitHow to estimate and plan for HOAs, repairs, and future costs with confidenceWhen fear is valid—and when it's just misinformationThe biggest budgeting mindset shift every buyer needsReferenced Episodes:9 – How Much Money Do I Need To Make To Buy My First Home?75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers162 – How Much Home Can You Afford With Your Salary?174 – How much Income do I need to make to Buy? DETAILS186 – INTERVIEW: Buying a Home with 300K of Student Debt219 – How Much Money Do You Need To Make To Buy A Home - For REALS!220 – Interview With Clarisse - Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal280 – Don't think you can buy a home? - Financial Planning 101322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask339 – Don't Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)350 – From ‘Years Away' to Homeowner: Your Last Lease EverConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Most first-time buyers lose out because they're not ready to act—this episode shows you exactly how to prepare before the home even hits your inbox.Too many buyers start shopping before they're ready to offer—and it costs them. In Part 5 of the Real Answers series, you'll learn what it really means to be “offer-ready” and how to prepare for your first purchase with confidence and clarity. From contingencies and timelines to communication strategies with your agent, this episode is a playbook for writing a smart, complete offer the moment the right home appears. If you want to avoid rookie mistakes and actually win the home you fall in love with, this is your must-hear guide. Quote“If you're not ready to make an offer before you start looking, you're just a shopper, not a buyer.” Highlights Why most first-timers delay too long—and how to avoid their biggest regretThe critical difference between “liking a home” and being ready to offerWhat makes a complete offer package (and what most buyers miss)How fast timelines move once you find the oneContingency truths: which ones protect you vs. kill your dealWhy prepping before you tour is your biggest advantage Referenced Episodes Inspections: Ep. 75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?Ep. 110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home BuyersEp. 322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must AskEp. 220 – Interview With Clarisse – Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal Bidding Wars: Ep. 175 – How to Win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 Market Down Payment Assistance: Ep. 250 – Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)Ep. 340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Rent feels safer—but in 2025, skipping the full math could cost you more than you think. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the timeless rent vs. buy debate with a 2025 twist, delivering a deep-dive into the full financial picture first-time buyers need to make smart choices. While renting may seem cheaper at first glance, David walks listeners through the overlooked math that makes homeownership a long-term wealth builder—even when mortgage payments are higher than rent. Using real numbers and multiple market scenarios, he explains why simple online calculators don't tell the full story. Whether you're unsure about affording a home or think you've missed your chance, this episode gives you clarity with facts, not fear.Quote:“You're comparing rent to a mortgage payment and making a huge decision based on just one of 10 to 20 variables—don't cheat yourself with bad math.”HighlightsWhy comparing rent to mortgage payments is dangerously incompleteHow most people misinterpret mortgage calculatorsWhat really matters: long-term financial outcomes vs. short-term expensesA behind-the-scenes look at how homeownership builds wealth—even in “bad” markets2025 case studies: renting vs. buying across five market cyclesWhat sellers, banks, and influencers don't tell you (but should)How to make your decision based on your future—not just today's pricesReferenced EpisodesEp. 225 - Renting Versus Buying For 2024Ep. 322 - Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must AskEp. 233 - Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home!Ep. 187 - Interview - Balancing Saving and Paying off debt to find IMMEDIATE PEACEEp. 102 - First Time Home Buyer Terms And Definitions From A-Z – “F”Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Think PMI is a scam? You've been lied to—and in this episode, David sets the record straight with no filter. Part three of the Real Answers series takes a detour from step-by-step guidance and instead serves up a fiery PSA. David tackles the myth that first-time buyers must wait to save 20% down to avoid PMI—calling out the financial “experts” giving bad advice and explaining why this outdated thinking is hurting renters. There's no soft delivery here: it's a full-on rant from someone who's tired of seeing people misled. Tune in if you're ready for a raw, opinionated breakdown of one of the most persistent homebuying myths.Quote:“PMI is not evil. It's not a punishment. It's just a tool—and if you understand it, you can actually use it to your advantage.”Highlights:Why the “20% down” rule is outdated and damagingHow PMI actually works—and why it's misunderstoodDavid's real-time reaction to advice that keeps renters stuckWhat most financial planners fail to grasp about today's housing marketA no-holds-barred message to first-time buyers feeling left behindReferenced Episodes:Ep 33: Listener story—PMI turned “no chance” into homeownerEp 56, 61, 64, 90, 199, 304, 349: Credit score tips that actually move the needleEp 182: From zero credit score to first-time homeowner (interview)Ep 198 & 216: More PMI truths—and how to make it work for youEp 181: Why waiting for 20% down is often the wrong moveEp 301–310: The 10 essential steps to buying your first homeEp 348: The real math and mindset behind closing costsConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Most buyers obsess over interest rates—but this episode reveals why waiting for the “perfect rate” might cost you far more than you think. In part two of the “Top 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions” series, this episode dives into one of the biggest fears first-time buyers face: today's interest rates. David Sidoni tackles the myth that 3–4% mortgage rates will return and explains why waiting could backfire. You'll hear why “timing the market” is often less effective than just getting in as soon as you're ready. David uses real historical data, stock market comparisons, and a strategic mindset shift to guide buyers in evaluating if now is the right time. Plus, hear how creative mortgage strategies can make a 7% interest rate not only manageable—but still a smart financial move.Quote“Life happens for us when it happens. You're here thinking about buying a home at this point of the grand long calendar. So you got to do your best with what's happening right now.” - David SidoniHighlightsWhy 3% interest rates are gone for good—and why that mattersThe truth about average mortgage rates since 1971What Apple stock teaches us about timing the marketHow to make 7% work for you with a custom rent replacement planWhy buying sooner, not perfectly, could double your investmentThe hidden danger of waiting for “the perfect time” to buyReferenced EpisodesEp. 262: Breaking Down the Housing Affordability CrisisHomebuying 101: Step 9 – Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage Homebuying 101: Step 10 – Understanding Today's MarketConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Confused by conflicting advice on down payments, loans, and affordability? This episode clears it all up with real answers to the most common first-time buyer questions flooding the internet. In Part 1 of this myth-busting series, David Sidoni addresses the chaos of conflicting homebuying advice from Google, Reddit, friends, and even real estate pros. He explains why different sources offer wildly different answers—and how that noise keeps first-time buyers frozen with doubt. With zero sales agenda and a mission to empower, David breaks down the real facts on how much home you can afford, what kind of loan you need, and how to separate helpful guidance from harmful myths. This is your reset button for homebuying clarity.Quote“Every question that I see first time homebuyers asking different people, they end up getting five different answers… and every person who gives them an answer says they are absolutely correct.”HighlightsWhy online advice for first-time buyers is often wrong—or totally contradictoryHow to figure out what you really need for a down paymentThe truth about pre-approvals, loan types, and who to trustWhy even pros give opposite answers—and what that means for youThe real reason buying your first home feels overwhelming (and how to fix it)Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

This first-time buyer went from $0 savings and defaulted student loans to buying a $170K home on a teacher's salary—here's how she did it. In this inspiring episode, David interviews Claudia, a middle school drama teacher who beat the odds to become a homeowner by 35. Starting with zero savings and a credit report dominated by student loan defaults, Claudia mapped out a three-year plan and stuck to it. She shares honest insights into her process—from budgeting and saving to navigating inspections, utilizing down payment assistance, and finding the right home. Claudia's story proves that time, planning, and the right guidance can turn even the most daunting dreams into reality.Quote“So I'm 30 years old and the only thing on my credit report is defaulted student loans.” - ClaudiaHighlightsWhat it's really like to start your homebuying journey with a $0 credit score and no savings?How Claudia planned over three years to hit her homeownership goalSmart strategies for saving money on a low income—without sacrificing everythingWhat she learned about efficient home touring and spotting red flags during inspectionsHow down payment assistance and grants helped make it all possibleWhy working with a real estate pro made the difference in navigating offers and negotiationsHer #1 piece of advice for anyone who thinks homeownership isn't an option for themConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Still think homeownership is a distant dream? This episode shows how renters like you can follow a monthly roadmap that leads to keys in hand—faster than you ever thought possible. Think you're years away from buying a home? You're not alone—and you're probably closer than you think. In this episode, David uses a real life example to break down the “Last Lease Ever” plan, a proven strategy designed for renters who feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed by the homebuying process. You'll learn how simple monthly steps can completely shift your timeline—and how the traditional real estate system has failed to tell you that. It's not about waiting for perfect credit or a six-figure salary. It's about finally having a plan.Quote“The current real estate system… it sucks. There's a massive gaping hole in the industry—a complete lack of real estate professionals willing to step up and help first-time homebuyers.” - David SidoniHighlightsWhy the real estate system isn't built to help renters like youHow to follow a simple, monthly plan that moves you toward buyingThe truth about what it actually takes to be “ready” to buyWhat delays most renters for years—and how to avoid itWhy starting now matters more than waiting to be “perfect”How to tell if 2025–2026 could be your window to ownWhat kind of expert you need—and why most realtors won't cut itConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!