A rapid-fire guide for first-time homebuyers covering the four pillars of buying a home: shopping, financing, negotiating, and inspections. These battle-tested tips will help you shop smarter, secure better financing, negotiate stronger offers, and protect yourself during inspections.

In this episode, David Sidoni delivers a fast-paced, no-fluff cheat sheet for first-time homebuyers who want to cut through confusion and act with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your home search or preparing to write an offer, this guide covers:

• Shopping: How to research neighborhoods like a pro, bundle showings, and keep your top-three homes clear in your mind.
• Financing: Why pre-approval matters, how to choose a lender, and why the lowest online rate isn’t always your best option.
• Negotiating: Winning strategies that go beyond price to include timing, contingencies, and seller needs.
• Inspections: The importance of showing up, asking questions, and knowing the difference between a deal-breaker and a fixable issue.

With over 20 years of experience and countless real-world success stories, David packs this episode with actionable tips you can use right now. For deeper dives into each topic, the show notes include links to past episodes that explore each stage in detail.

Quote: "The highest offer doesn’t always win. The right terms, timing, and certainty can beat price every time."

Highlights:

• Research neighborhoods with crime maps, public records, and on-the-ground visits at different times of day.
• Keep a top-three list of favorite homes to avoid decision fatigue.
• Get pre-approved before shopping to know your real budget.
• Work with a lender who explains your options clearly.
• Negotiate with terms and flexibility, not just price.
• Attend your inspection and use findings strategically.

Referenced Episodes:

• 227 – Using The Internet To Research Your First Home
• 279 - New Build vs Resale Houses for First Time Homebuyers
• 175 - How to win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 market (Part 1 of 3)
• 361 - 2025 Midyear & Market Update
• 364 - REDO 237 – (High Rates, No Problem - Your First Time Home Buying Guide for 2024)
• 301 - Introduction to Homebuying 101: Getting Started in 30 min
• 346 - How to Build the Perfect Mortgage Plan (Before You Apply)
• 345 – Why You’re Asking the WRONG Question About Interest Rates
• 242 - 10 (MORE) Listener Questions ANSWERED: How to Buy Your First Home Pt 2
• 250 - Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)
• 332 – Home Inspections: What’s Normal vs Red Flag? (110 Replay)
• 352 - Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1) (Part 1 of 7)

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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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