Whether you’re a year out or just starting to think about buying, these 8 tips will help you lay the groundwork — no pressure, no overwhelm, just smart moves to set yourself up right.

Not sure where to start your homebuying journey? In Part 3 of our financial prep series, David lays out 8 high-impact tips for first-time buyers — the exact things he’d tell a friend or family member who wants to buy in the next year or two. These are not one-size-fits-all steps. Instead, they’re practical strategies that can give you a serious edge when you’re ready to get serious.

You’ll learn how to automate your savings, build a basic emergency fund, test-drive a homeowner budget, and prep your credit score. David explains why doing the right things in the right order — before you even look at homes — can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars when it counts most.

“If you’re still a year out, this is exactly the stuff that gets you ready the smart way — without wasting time or money.”

Highlights:

• A full 8-tip roadmap to help future buyers get ahead
• How to start saving without feeling deprived
• Why building a basic emergency fund is part of the plan
• Tools and apps to simplify your budget
• How to “practice” your mortgage before you own one
• The truth about credit report errors (and how long fixes take)
• What to prioritize now vs. later in your timeline
• David’s real-world advice to his own family about where to start

Referenced Episodes

• 400 - Introduction to the How to Buy a Home 10 steps
• 403 - How to Buy a Home - Step 3: Improving Your Credit Score (16 Pro Tips)
• 315 - How a 20-Year-Old Outsmarted the Market—And How You Can Too UNICORN INTERVIEW
• 358 - INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K

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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.

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