How to Buy a Home

Think scoring a home in a pricey market like LA is impossible? Think again! David revisits a chat with Alvin and Ashley, a savvy couple who snagged a $700,000 dream home (with a DJ studio!) by doing things the right way. Their story is packed with "aha!" moments that'll have you rethinking what you actually need to buy your first place.

Quote: "It's not black and white, so get a plan going ASAP... You can do this!" - Alvin, proving that with the right plan, anyone can achieve homeownership.

Highlights:

• What if you could buy a home sooner than you think, even in a competitive market? Alvin and Ashley's story shows how proper planning and the right realtor can fast-track your journey to homeownership.
• Could your current salary actually afford you a home? Discover how exploring your financial picture with a trusted advisor can reveal hidden possibilities and dispel affordability myths.
• Is it possible to find an eco-friendly home that aligns with your values? This episode highlights the importance of finding a home that truly reflects your lifestyle, even down to solar panels and drought-resistant landscaping.
• What if you don't need 20% down to buy your first home? David debunks common down payment myths, revealing the surprising reality of average down payments for first-time homebuyers.
• Is there a secret to navigating the complexities of homebuying? Learn from Alvin and Ashley's experience how the right realtor can guide you through the process, answer your questions (even if it's the fifth time!), and make it less overwhelming.

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

A 29-year-old single woman in Austin, Texas, transforms her home-buying dream into reality in just 48 whirlwind days – proving you're probably ready to buy a home sooner than you think!

Highlights:

• Negotiating with a realtor-seller? Katie shares her experience and how her unicorn realtor helped her navigate this unique situation.
• Inspection anxiety? David and Katie break down why you shouldn't freak out about your inspection report and how the right realtor can guide you.
• Closing costs got you confused? Get the inside scoop on closing costs, pre-paid expenses, and why you might not have a mortgage payment for weeks after closing!
• Leasebacks: Win-win or risky business? Find out how Katie used a leaseback to her advantage and what to consider if you're facing a similar situation.

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Frustrated with inaccurate listing data and endless spam when researching homes online? David reveals how first-time homebuyers can access the same MLS database that feeds Zillow and Redfin - but with better accuracy, privacy, and the ability to research homes without getting bombarded by sales calls.

Quote:

"These portals are genius... you keep everything in one place neat and organized, and all this comes with the one thing everybody needs when they're shopping for anything - you get the expert opinion of someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes the product."

Highlights:

• How does the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) actually work, and why do all major real estate websites pull their data from it?
• What makes the MLS more accurate and up-to-date than public real estate websites?
• Is there a way to research homes privately without triggering an avalanche of automated responses and sales calls?
• How can you access historical property data and neighborhood insights that aren't available on public platforms?
• What are "broker comments" and why might they matter to your home search?

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Worried the election results might derail your dreams of homeownership? David cuts through the political noise and fear-mongering headlines to reveal what Trump's policies could actually mean for first-time homebuyers, while sharing a surprising stat: 45% of recent buyers secured mortgage rates below 5% despite the high-rate environment.

Quote:

"Don't let the election with a hope for lower rates control your starting point to begin your planning. Don't wait for the solution to come to you and then start your strategy."

Highlights:

• Could mortgage rates really hit 8% under Trump 2.0, or is this just another clickbait headline?
• What if Trump's immigration policies actually made the housing shortage worse instead of better?
• Is the real solution to housing affordability hiding in the fate of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
• How did 45% of recent homebuyers score mortgage rates under 5% in this high-rate market?
• Why might waiting until "after the election" for better housing conditions be the worst strategy?
• Could Trump's economic policies actually make housing less affordable for first-time buyers?

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Feeling lost in the maze of mortgages and mountains of paperwork? David chats with Stephanie and Kenton, two educators who transformed a real estate nightmare into a homeowner's dream (complete with an award-winning front yard!). Discover how they ditched the "door opener" realtor, embraced their inner spreadsheet ninja, and unlocked the secrets to scoring their perfect SoCal home.

Quote: "It's not just about the price that you're putting on the offer, it's how you're structuring it." - Kenton

Highlights:

• Could a second chance at your dream home be even sweeter than the first? (Especially after a flipper adds a few upgrades!)
• What if the key to surviving a bidding war wasn't just about offering more money, but crafting a smarter offer?
• Is it possible to find a realtor who understands the importance of "no texts after 8 pm" AND knows the ins and outs of the local market?
• Could your home inspection reveal hidden problems... or uncover unexpected opportunities? (Hint: those pesky termites might just lead to a free treatment!)
• What if the secret to affording your dream home was as simple as embracing your inner spreadsheet nerd and maximizing those tax credits?

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Feeling paralyzed by the chaos of the 2024 election and unsure whether now’s the right time to buy a home? You’re not alone. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down why the current election panic might be making you second-guess your plans. Spoiler: the data suggests that waiting for a “better” time could actually cost you. Tune in as David shares historical insights and proven strategies to help first-time buyers navigate the storm—and why now might be your best chance to act.

Quote:

"The election will pass, the headlines will fade, but the smart decisions you make today will impact your future for years to come."

Highlights:

• What if all the election hype is just making you overthink your home buying decision?

• Could waiting until after the election leave you with fewer opportunities in the housing market?

• Is it possible to secure a mortgage rate below 5% in today’s environment? Yes—here’s how savvy buyers are doing it!

• What if historical data could show you that home sales actually increase after elections? Find out why you should bet on that trend.

• Could the election year slowdown actually create a secret buying opportunity that you’re missing out on?

• Why do experts agree that the housing market is likely to pick up steam in 2025? Get the facts that could shape your next move.

• What if the key to affordability isn’t waiting, but instead acting now with the right strategy?

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Got something holding you back from buying a home? David shares his tips for people stuck in the early planning stages, feeling like they have a huge obstacle in front of them before they can even start the process. Things like:

• High debt
• Low Credit
• Building Up Savings
• Learning How to Budget

Referenced Episode: 274 - JT's Homebuying Journey (and Podcast Takeover)

Important Resources:

• The Riches Man in Babylon (Book) - by George Samuel Clason
• How to Report Your Rent to Credit Bureaus (Nerd Wallet Article)

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Dive into the great "new build vs. resale" home debate! David Sidoni breaks down the pros and cons of each, revealing the hidden costs, builder tricks, and how to avoid getting stuck with a "builder's agent" (spoiler alert: bring your own realtor!). It's a wild ride, but by the end, you'll be armed with the knowledge to make the best decision for YOUR homeownership dreams! 🏡

Quote: "It's not even apples to oranges. It's apples to grapefruit to kiwi... You could be comparing apples to roses, and there is NOT a quick, easy answer!"

Highlights:

• Could a new build ACTUALLY be cheaper than a resale home? (Hint: those builder incentives can be insane!)
• What if the "perfect" model home is actually a sneaky bait-and-switch tactic? (Don't fall for it!)
• Is it possible to avoid those crazy bidding wars AND still get a move-in ready home? (David reveals the secret!)
• What are the hidden costs lurking in those HOA fees and "basic" new builds? (Prepare to be surprised!)
• Could a resale home be a BETTER value than a new build? (The math might shock you!)
• Is it REALLY necessary to hire a realtor when buying a new construction home? (Short answer: YES!)

Referenced Episodes: 256, 260

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

David exposes a shocking new scam targeting first-time homebuyers, revealing how one company manipulated the legal system for its own gain. He's pulling back the curtain on the predatory practices of Landian and giving you the knowledge you need to protect yourself. Don't fall victim to the hype – get the facts and find out how you can still achieve your homeownership dreams.

Quote: "This guy literally used the United States legal system to create chaos and confusion so that he could then swoop in with a new company that was going to correct all the wrongdoings and profit off of a complete bullshit lawsuit."

Highlights:

• What if the recent "pro-consumer" real estate lawsuit was actually a masterclass in corporate manipulation?
• Could a seemingly helpful new real estate company be exploiting the very fears it helped create?
• Is it still possible to buy your first home without getting ripped off in today's market? (Spoiler alert: YES!)

Referenced Episodes:

• Episodes 230 & 231 - NAR Lawsuit Explained Part 1 & 2

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

Ever feel like your tax return is a ticking time bomb for your homeownership dreams? David Sidoni's got your back! In this episode, he throws a lifeline to self-employed and 1099 earners who might be unknowingly shrinking their mortgage potential with those tempting tax deductions. Get ready to discover the surprising strategy that could boost your buying power and unlock the home of your dreams (without the last-minute scramble!).

Quote: "To say that the stress scramble reduces people to tears, that's actually an understatement."

Highlights:

• Could those "smart" tax moves be secretly shrinking your mortgage potential?
• What if the path to a bigger mortgage involves a surprising twist – paying more to the IRS?
• Is it possible to rewrite your tax history and still come out ahead in the home buying game?
• What if you could start taking action years before you're ready to buy and sidestep the stress scramble entirely?
• Could a "unicorn" lender be the missing piece of the puzzle for self-employed homebuyers?

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!