How to Buy a Home

Latest Episodes:

Buying a Home Right Out of College without 2 Years on the Job - INTERVIEW - 363 Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Think you’re too young or unqualified to buy a home? Meet Ella and Mitchell. At just 19, Ella 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.” — Mitchell

Highlights

How 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 @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit 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 a Single Millennial Bought a $400K Home with Just $12K (INTERVIEW) - 362 Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

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 @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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!

2025 Mid-Year Housing Market Update - 361 Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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 Sidoni

Highlights

Freddie Mac reports the biggest one-week drop in rates since March 2025
Fed rate cuts unlikely after strong June jobs report and inflation uncertainty
PCE inflation index still above target, with tariffs poised to raise prices further
Why 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 relief

Referenced Episodes

279 - New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time Homebuyers

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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 Ultimate Homebuyer Playlist: Summer 2025 - 360 Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

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 Sidoni

Highlights

How to start your listening journey with Episode 301 and the Homebuying 101 series
What to prioritize if you’re tight on time or deep in stress
Which episodes to pick for budgeting, credit, or choosing your team
Why new episodes help you stay current—and which older ones still pack value
David’s personal tips on educating yourself on how to buy a home!

Referenced Episodes

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE REFERENCED EPISODES, PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDE

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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!

Real Answers Pt 7: Condos, HOAs, Realtors & Timing - 359 Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

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 Sidoni

Highlights:

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. SFR
324 – Melissa
322, 75, 110, 220 – Inspection
175, 176, 177 – Bidding wars
229, 275 – Unicorn and disclosures

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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.

INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K - 358 Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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 22

Highlights:

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 Goals
Step 2: Choosing a Realtor and Lender
Step 5: Saving to Buy Your Home
Step 9: Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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!

Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without Fear - 357 Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

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 view
Why rising property taxes and insurance aren’t deal breakers
The renter’s blind spot: you’re already paying these increases—just for someone else’s benefit
How to estimate and plan for HOAs, repairs, and future costs with confidence
When fear is valid—and when it’s just misinformation
The biggest budgeting mindset shift every buyer needs

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer - 356 Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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 regret
The critical difference between “liking a home” and being ready to offer
What makes a complete offer package (and what most buyers miss)
How fast timelines move once you find the one
Contingency truths: which ones protect you vs. kill your deal
Why prepping before you tour is your biggest advantage

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025? - 355 Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Real Answers Pt 3: PMI Panic, Bad Advice & David Unleashed - 354 Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Think PMI is a scam? You’ve been lied to—and in this episode, David Sidoni 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.

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.