How to Buy a Home

Latest Episodes:

$60K Income to Homeowner: Jessica’s Journey (INTERVIEW) - 343 May 14, 2025

Show notes

Think you can’t buy a home on a modest income? This real-life story proves otherwise—and shows exactly how it’s done. In this jaw-dropping interview, Jessica shares her transformation from living in a van to owning a $400K home in Portland—all on a combined household income of around $60,000. With six years of steady saving, grit, and guidance from the HBH system, she and her partner navigated setbacks (including a violent attack!) and overcame massive doubts to secure their dream home. This episode is a real-world reminder that your circumstances today don’t define your homebuying potential tomorrow. Hear the full emotional ride, including how she convinced a hesitant partner and handled the search like a pro.

Quote

“I make sculptures for a living… I didn’t think I was going to be able to buy a house, but I guess I did—because I’m sitting on the porch right now.” – Jessica

Highlights

How Jessica turned years of renting and low income into real homeownership
What she saved (and how long it took) to buy a $400K home
The moment her skeptical partner became a full-on homebuying believer
How trauma and unexpected events pushed their timeline forward
What Jessica wanted in a home—and how she found it without settling
The one tip she swears every low-income buyer should know
Why mindset, not money, may be your biggest barrier to buying

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!

Three Things I Wish I Did Sooner to Buy a Home (GUEST HOSTED) - 342 May 08, 2025

Show notes

Struggling with student loans, self-employment, or just not knowing where to start? JT shares the top three things he wishes he’d done sooner to get closer to buying a home. This episode is hosted by JT, the Creative Director of How to Buy a Home—and an aspiring buyer himself. After editing over 100 episodes, he realized there were a few major steps he should’ve started years ago. Whether you’re a renter with debt, inconsistent income, or no idea where to begin, JT walks you through how credit repair, savings automation, and practicing your payment can completely reshape your timeline.

This is the perfect episode for anyone who’s not quite ready to buy—but knows they want to be. JT’s honesty and step-by-step reflection will resonate especially with:

• Freelancers or self-employed buyers

• Renters with debt or uneven income

• Anyone overwhelmed by where to start

It’s a deeply personal, no-fluff solo episode that captures the real mindset of a buyer-in-progress—offering both relatable struggles and practical next steps.

Quote:

“I didn’t think this podcast was for someone like me. And after hundreds of episodes, I finally realized—maybe I can do this.” — JT, Episode 342

Highlights:

What’s holding you back—credit score, debt, income type, or all three?
How becoming an authorized user can boost your credit fast
Why automating savings—even in small amounts—creates long-term peace of mind
How “practicing your mortgage payment” builds confidence and creates options
Why starting these habits 6–12 months before you’re “ready” changes everything
How JT turned podcast lessons into an actual plan for future homeownership

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 274 – JT’s earlier homebuying mindset
Episodes 301–310 – Starter Kit Series
Episode 303 – Credit, Debt & Financial Prep
Episodes 339–340 – Lender Strategy with Kelly Cort
Episode 337 & 338 – How to Avoid Moving Scams

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!

Prices, Rates & Confusion - May 2025 Housing Market Update - 341 May 05, 2025

Show notes

Housing prices are rising, inventory’s up, and rates won’t crash—here’s what that actually means if you’re trying to buy your first home in May 2025. The market may feel like a mess, but underneath the whiplash headlines are trends you can actually plan around. This episode breaks down the latest data on home prices, supply, and mortgage rates—including insights from Florida, Wisconsin, and the East Coast—to help you figure out how to buy smart in May 2025. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment or for rates to drop, this episode shows why it’s time to stop waiting and start planning.

Quote:

“Don’t let [rates] be the thing that stops you from starting your plan. Just plan for 7%. Anything else is extra.” — David Sidoni, Episode 341

Highlights:

Why are headlines saying both “prices falling” and “prices rising”?
What does four months of housing inventory really mean for you?
Could rising inventory signal a shift toward a buyer’s market?
Are interest rates ever going back to 3%—or is 7% the new normal?
How do regional stats (Florida, Wisconsin, East Coast) stack up?
Why “price cuts” don’t always mean bargains—and can still lead to bidding wars

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 94 – Real Estate Glossary
Episode 251 – The Last Lease Strategy
Episodes 256–261, 286, 326 – Buying in High-Rate Markets
Episodes 339–340 – Lending Strategy with Kelly Cort

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!

Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW) - 340 May 02, 2025

Show notes

Stackable grants, strategy-based lending, and insider truths about mortgage math—this episode unpacks what really sets unicorn lenders apart in today’s market. In part two of this masterclass with unicorn lender Kelly Cort, David and Kelly go deep on the real numbers behind down payment assistance, adjustable rate mortgages, lender-paid buy-downs, and PMI myths. Learn why pre-approvals aren’t enough, how lenders can actually help you win bidding wars, and what it means to build a plan instead of chase a rate. From DTI math to offer letters and insurance shocks, this is the kind of lending guidance most first-time buyers never get.

Quote:

“You just loan yourself $35,000 for $44 bucks a month. Cheapest money you’ll ever buy.” — Kelly Cort, Episode 340

Highlights:

What is down payment assistance—and can you use it even if you have 20% down?
How does stacking assistance programs work—and what are the tradeoffs?
Why does Kelly personally call the listing agent to help your offer stand out?
How can your lender strategy beat a higher competing offer in a bidding war?
What’s the real difference between a 6.5% rate and a “clickbait” 5.5% rate?
Can you buy a home with just an offer letter for a job you haven’t started yet?
Why is PMI sometimes the smartest move—and how low can it actually go?

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 19 – Financial Prep for Homeownership
Episode 94 – Real Estate Terms & Definitions
Episode 328 – 10 Real Action Steps for First-Time Buyers
Episode 339 – Part 1 with Kelly Cort

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!

Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW) - 339 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Forget pre-quals and online rate shopping—this episode breaks down why discovery calls, custom strategies, and unicorn lender relationships are the real keys to homebuying success. In this first of a two-part conversation, David interviews unicorn lender Kelly Cort, who shares the most misunderstood truths about home loans—and how first-time buyers can stop wasting time online and start building a real plan. From rules vs. guidelines, to buying with debt, and even how your W-4 and tax strategy can raise your monthly affordability, this episode is packed with insight that could save buyers thousands.

Whether you’re afraid to “bother” a lender or just not sure when to start, this episode shows why early outreach and human strategy beat bots every time.

Quote:

“It’s not a bother. It’s a privilege. Allow us to be your guide in the journey.” — Kelly Cort, Episode 339

Highlights:

What’s the difference between a pre-qualification and a discovery call?
Why do so many buyers wait too long to talk to a lender—and how does it hurt them?
What’s the real difference between a loan rule and a guideline—and how can it change your approval?
Can you buy a home even with student debt or loans in forbearance?
How can adjusting your W-4 and tax strategy increase your monthly affordability?
Why do unicorn lenders view helping you early as an honor, not a hassle?

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 19 – Financial Prep for Homeownership
Episode 94 – Real Estate Terms & Definitions
Episode 328 – 10 Real Action Steps for First-Time Buyers

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!

Battling Mold, Bad Advice, and Moving Mayhem in Pittsburgh, PA (INTERVIEW) - 338 Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Alex and Tamara faced a long, complicated homebuying journey with unexpected setbacks—but their persistence finally led them to homeownership. Alex and Tamara’s path to owning their first home was full of surprises, setbacks, and last-minute hurdles—from inspection shockers and budgeting surprises to navigating mortgage complexities. Despite numerous pitfalls and a challenging out-of-state move, their determination and flexibility paid off. They share candid insights about staying motivated, working with a unicorn realtor and lender, and how overcoming challenges ultimately made their journey even more rewarding.

Quote:

“We got the clear-to-close email… I was like, ‘Wait, is this real? Is this actually happening?’ That was the moment when it finally felt real.” — Tamara

Highlights:

How do you keep going when your homebuying journey keeps hitting unexpected roadblocks?
What pitfalls did Alex and Tamara face—and how did they overcome each one?
Why did inspection issues almost derail their home purchase?
What budget surprises caught them off guard, and how did they adapt?
How did finding the right unicorn realtor change their entire experience?

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!

Moving Scams: How to Avoid the Moving Mafia & Being Robbed (INTERVIEW) - 337 Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Behind the boxes and bubble wrap lurks a $2.2 million criminal industry—and this episode dives into the chilling real-life story of a moving scam and the five red flags every first-time buyer must know. It sounds like a crime show plot: a young woman hires a moving company, only to be threatened with her belongings being dumped in the Arizona desert unless she wires thousands more. But this isn’t fiction. Mariette Frye, moving expert and victim-turned-advocate, returns to reveal the dark underworld of moving scams—from burner phones and fake paperwork to stolen heirlooms and hijacked semis. First-time buyers will learn exactly how these crimes work and what they can do to protect themselves from becoming the next victims.

"You're going to need to wire us $3,000 more, or we're going to drop your stuff off in Yuma, Arizona at the weigh station." - Mariette's Moving True Crime Story (It involves the FBI)

Highlights

How Mariette's cross-country move turned into an extortion attempt—and how a federal agent stepped in.
The single biggest red flag that you're dealing with a scam: a quote that seems too cheap to be real.
Why using broker sites can expose your personal info to scam networks—and what to do instead.
How to verify a mover’s legitimacy using a federal mover database the scammers hope you don’t find.
What to do on moving day: photographing license plates, getting DOT numbers, and taking selfies for protection.
The disturbing truth behind shared moving trucks, missing valuables, and staged box repacking.
When to call the police and file a federal claim—and how to create a paper trail scammers can’t outrun.

Referenced Episodes / Resources

Episode 94 – Real Estate Terms & Definitions
Episode 301 – 10 Basic Steps for First-Time Buyers
ProtectYourMove.gov – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s official database for vetting movers.
Mariette Frye
Website: DecidingToMove.com
Podcast: Moving Tips and Tricks for People Considering a Relocation
Social: @mariettesonthemove on all platforms

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!

Moving & Packing Tips - How to Reduce Stress When Moving (INTERVIEW) - 336 Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Moving is one of the most stressful parts of homebuying—so before you decide to relocate for affordability, remote work, or a dream lifestyle, this episode helps you figure out if you’re really ready. David sits down with Mariette Frye, host of the Moving Tips & Tricks podcast, who has moved 20 times in 24 years and developed a practical and emotional framework to help people plan better moves. From financial prep to emotional readiness and community-building tips, this episode is all about knowing what to do before you commit to a new city or neighborhood—especially if you’re planning to rent first, test out a market, or buy remotely.

Whether you’re dreaming of New York, San Diego, or just moving two zip codes over, this episode helps you get clear on how to test your dream before making a major life transition.

Quote:

“You have to grieve your old home and your old life—because once you move, it’s a complete reset. Whether you’re ready for it or not, it’s coming for you.” — Mariette Frye

Highlights:

How do you know if you’re actually ready to relocate—or just reacting to burnout, grief, or frustration?
What is the FRED framework? A 4-part system to evaluate your next city using lifestyle filters, not just affordability.
Can you test-drive a city before committing? Why short-term rentals, online communities, and “proof-of-concept” visits matter more than a Zillow search.
Why renting in a luxury building might backfire if your long-term plan is to buy affordably in the same area.

Referenced Resources:

Mariette’s podcast: Moving Tips & Tricks
DecidingToMove.com – Mariette’s workbook and relocation planning tool

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!

VA Loan, Self-Employed, Military Spouse—Jessica Did It (INTERVIEW) - 335 Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

VA loan myths, self-employment hurdles, and relocating with a toddler—Jessica’s story proves that even with obstacles, a smart plan and the right team make homeownership possible. Jessica is a military spouse, a self-employed business owner, and a mom—three factors that many people assume make buying a home impossible. In this episode, she shares exactly how she proved them all wrong. With a VA loan, a “unicorn” real estate team, and months of early preparation, she bought a home in a dream neighborhood—even after losing out on an earlier offer.

This interview is packed with hard-earned wisdom about organizing documents for underwriting, dealing with VA misconceptions, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of buying as a military family with limited local support. Whether you’re active duty, self-employed, or just trying to figure out how to make homeownership work in tough circumstances, Jessica’s story shows it can be done—and why it’s worth it.

Quote:

“It’s like a light in the dark—out of nowhere, you suddenly have a lantern. And you’ve been walking around with a match.” — Jessica, Episode 335

Highlights:

Can you buy a home using a VA loan with no down payment—and still get taken seriously by sellers?
What steps can self-employed buyers take to prep their tax returns for mortgage approval?
What makes a “unicorn” real estate team essential for military families relocating?
How did buying a fixer-upper in a dream neighborhood become a better long-term win than a renovated home?
Why do VA loans come with extra scrutiny—and how can buyers get ahead of it?
How does a toddler, a septic tank, and a $1964 stove all fit into a successful first home story?
Why starting early—12–24 months before your move—is the real game changer for military families

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!

April Tariff Panic: What It Means for Homebuyers - 334 Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Stock market swings, Fed pivots, and tariff chaos all hit in April—here’s how it’s really impacting mortgage rates, builder incentives, and your buying plan. A surprise tariff announcement in early April caused the largest single-day stock drop since 2022—but does that mean the housing market is crashing? Not even close. In this episode, you’ll hear how trade turmoil, media panic, and rate fluctuations connect to real first-time buyer decisions.

David explains how April’s brief rate dip created new affordability windows, what the Fed’s shifting tone means, and why fear-based headlines often create quiet openings for strategic buyers. He also calls out rising builder incentives, condo deals, and ways to stay ahead when everyone else hits pause.

Quote:

“Use the public panic to your advantage. You know more than most people do. Yeah, you do.” — David Sidoni

Highlights:

Why did April’s tariffs trigger a 12% market drop—and what does it really mean for rates?
Could builder costs rise in 2025 due to materials and trade impacts?
How April’s 1%+ mortgage rate swing changed monthly payments for buyers.
Is buyer fear creating stealth deals in the condo market right now?
What role is the Fed playing—and why their next move matters for your timeline.
How to prepare—not pause—when uncertainty hits the market.

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 94 – Real Estate Terms & Definitions
Episode 198 & 216 – PMI Strategy
Episode 301–310 – The 10-Step First-Time Buyer Plan
Episode 326 – Assumable Mortgages
Episode 328 – 10 Real Action Steps for First-Time Buyers

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!