First-time buyer Silvia shares how she purchased a $530,000 home as a single mom using grants, grit, and guidance from a unicorn realtor — all while juggling debt and staying under budget.

Silvia is a single mom who just bought a $530,000 home with only $17,000 out of pocket — no co-buyer, no help. In this episode, she shares how she tackled debt, saved strategically, and found first-time buyer grants most people don’t even know exist. You’ll hear how she won a bidding war, handled a tough inspection, and still came out ahead with $26K in seller-paid repairs. Her story proves you don’t need perfect timing — you need a plan, a team, and the right information.

“I honestly didn’t think it was going to be this quick, this smooth.” - Silvia

• How do first-time homebuyer grants work — and can you stack them?
• Can you really buy in a high-cost area without 20% down?
• What’s the debt snowball method — and how did Silvia use it to get ready?
• What negotiation tricks helped her win a bidding war?
• How did she get $26K in seller-paid repairs after inspection?
• Why does trusting your unicorn agent matter more than ever?

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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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