The best lenders reveal why waiting to talk to a pro can cost you thousands—and how early planning unlocks smarter, cheaper options for your first home loan. In this episode, David Sidoni shares insights from 250 top first-time homebuyer lenders on what they wish buyers did months before applying for a mortgage. He explains why relying on Google or AI can backfire, and how professional advice early on can tailor your loan for better long-term outcomes. Real-life examples show how small strategic moves, like adjusting debt or rethinking a down payment, can drastically lower monthly costs. Whether you’re a year out or just getting curious, this episode shows why it pays—literally—to start planning now.

Quote

“It’s not just ‘can you get approved?’—it’s are you in the best position possible with the loan structured around your full financial picture?”

Highlights

• What 250 mortgage pros say they wish clients did earlier
• The massive mistake of waiting until you’re “ready” to get pre-approved
• Why Google, webinars, and AI can’t replace tailored financial advice
• A real buyer example where paying off a car instead of boosting a down payment saved big
• How pre-planning transforms your buying power—not just your approval odds
• The difference between a cookie-cutter loan and a custom strategy
• Why a free consult with a realtor-lender team could be your smartest first move

Referenced Episodes

• 129 – Quasi: Bought out of college with the degree—proof you don’t need 2 years.
• 304 – Everything you need to know about credit.
• 182 – Interview with a buyer who had a zero credit score and still bought a home.
• 246 – Lease breaking: Why it shouldn’t stop your buying plan.
• 22, 58, 75, 113 – Using a 401K for your down payment.
• 72, 199 – Myths about credit pulls.
• 309 – Practice your mortgage payment before buying.
• 69, 106 – Dave Ramsey episodes.
• 198 – PMI is a privilege.
• 216 – PMI is still a privilege—not the devil.

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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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