She bought a home at 26 — with acreage, animals, and no family money. Cynthia’s story shows exactly what’s possible when you plan ahead, find the right team, and stick with it, even through setbacks.

Cynthia started listening to the How to Buy a Home podcast in 2022. Three years later, she closed on her dream property — a $250K home with two and a half acres in Florida. She did it with zero financial help from family, months of prep with a unicorn team, and a plan that accounted for credit, savings, zoning laws, and inspection surprises. She now pays less than renting and boarding a horse, and she owns the whole thing outright. No partner, no co-signer — just her, 15 chickens, 4 ducks, 1 horse, and 1 very good dog.

"I remember when you were 12 years old and this was your dream… You’re living the dream you’ve had since you were 12." — Cynthia’s horse trainer

Highlights

• How planning two years in advance helped Cynthia buy her dream home at 26
• What made her property search so unique — and how zoning, acreage, and location all mattered
• Why the right inspections (and a lost septic tank!) made all the difference
• What made her monthly payment less than renting and boarding her horse
• Why she says the HBH podcast gave her the tools to make it all happen

Referenced Episodes: 

• 400 - Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)
• 388 - The Playbook VOL. 1: The Rent Replacement Strategy
• 389 - The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease Ever
• 363 - Buying a Home Right Out of College without 2 Years on the Job - INTERVIEW
• 418 - 2026 Housing Market Predictions (and What 2025 Taught First Time Home 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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