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.

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

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

• 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

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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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