Most first-time buyers lose out because they’re not ready to act—this episode shows you exactly how to prepare before the home even hits your inbox.Too many buyers start shopping before they’re ready to offer—and it costs them. In Part 5 of the Real Answers series, you’ll learn what it really means to be “offer-ready” and how to prepare for your first purchase with confidence and clarity. From contingencies and timelines to communication strategies with your agent, this episode is a playbook for writing a smart, complete offer the moment the right home appears. If you want to avoid rookie mistakes and actually win the home you fall in love with, this is your must-hear guide.

Quote

“If you’re not ready to make an offer before you start looking, you’re just a shopper, not a buyer.”

Highlights

• Why most first-timers delay too long—and how to avoid their biggest regret
• The critical difference between “liking a home” and being ready to offer
• What makes a complete offer package (and what most buyers miss)
• How fast timelines move once you find the one
• Contingency truths: which ones protect you vs. kill your deal
• Why prepping before you tour is your biggest advantage

Referenced Episodes

Inspections:

• Ep. 75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?
• Ep. 110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers
• Ep. 322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
• Ep. 220 – Interview With Clarisse – Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal

Bidding Wars:

• Ep. 175 – How to Win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 Market

Down Payment Assistance:

• Ep. 250 – Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)
• Ep. 340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)

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

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 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.

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Rent feels safer—but in 2025, skipping the full math could cost you more than you think. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the timeless rent vs. buy debate with a 2025 twist, delivering a deep-dive into the full financial picture first-time buyers need to make smart choices. While renting may seem cheaper at first glance, David walks listeners through the overlooked math that makes homeownership a long-term wealth builder—even when mortgage payments are higher than rent. Using real numbers and multiple market scenarios, he explains why simple online calculators don’t tell the full story. Whether you’re unsure about affording a home or think you’ve missed your chance, this episode gives you clarity with facts, not fear.

Quote:

“You’re comparing rent to a mortgage payment and making a huge decision based on just one of 10 to 20 variables—don’t cheat yourself with bad math.”

Highlights

• Why comparing rent to mortgage payments is dangerously incomplete
• How most people misinterpret mortgage calculators
• What really matters: long-term financial outcomes vs. short-term expenses
• A behind-the-scenes look at how homeownership builds wealth—even in “bad” markets
• 2025 case studies: renting vs. buying across five market cycles
• What sellers, banks, and influencers don’t tell you (but should)
• How to make your decision based on your future—not just today’s prices

Referenced Episodes

• Ep. 225 - Renting Versus Buying For 2024
• Ep. 322 - Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
• Ep. 233 - Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home!
• Ep. 187 - Interview - Balancing Saving and Paying off debt to find IMMEDIATE PEACE
• Ep. 102 - First Time Home Buyer Terms And Definitions From A-Z – “F”

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

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 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.

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Think PMI is a scam? You’ve been lied to—and in this episode, David sets the record straight with no filter. Part three of the Real Answers series takes a detour from step-by-step guidance and instead serves up a fiery PSA. David tackles the myth that first-time buyers must wait to save 20% down to avoid PMI—calling out the financial “experts” giving bad advice and explaining why this outdated thinking is hurting renters. There’s no soft delivery here: it’s a full-on rant from someone who’s tired of seeing people misled. Tune in if you’re ready for a raw, opinionated breakdown of one of the most persistent homebuying myths.

Quote:

“PMI is not evil. It’s not a punishment. It’s just a tool—and if you understand it, you can actually use it to your advantage.”

Highlights:

• Why the “20% down” rule is outdated and damaging
• How PMI actually works—and why it’s misunderstood
• David’s real-time reaction to advice that keeps renters stuck
• What most financial planners fail to grasp about today’s housing market
• A no-holds-barred message to first-time buyers feeling left behind

Referenced Episodes:

• Ep 33: Listener story—PMI turned “no chance” into homeowner
• Ep 56, 61, 64, 90, 199, 304, 349: Credit score tips that actually move the needle
• Ep 182: From zero credit score to first-time homeowner (interview)
• Ep 198 & 216: More PMI truths—and how to make it work for you
• Ep 181: Why waiting for 20% down is often the wrong move
• Ep 301–310: The 10 essential steps to buying your first home
• Ep 348: The real math and mindset behind closing costs

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

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 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.

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Most buyers obsess over interest rates—but this episode reveals why waiting for the “perfect rate” might cost you far more than you think. In part two of the “Top 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions” series, this episode dives into one of the biggest fears first-time buyers face: today’s interest rates. David Sidoni tackles the myth that 3–4% mortgage rates will return and explains why waiting could backfire. You’ll hear why “timing the market” is often less effective than just getting in as soon as you’re ready. David uses real historical data, stock market comparisons, and a strategic mindset shift to guide buyers in evaluating if now is the right time. Plus, hear how creative mortgage strategies can make a 7% interest rate not only manageable—but still a smart financial move.

Quote

“Life happens for us when it happens. You’re here thinking about buying a home at this point of the grand long calendar. So you got to do your best with what’s happening right now.” - David Sidoni

Highlights

• Why 3% interest rates are gone for good—and why that matters
• The truth about average mortgage rates since 1971
• What Apple stock teaches us about timing the market
• How to make 7% work for you with a custom rent replacement plan
• Why buying sooner, not perfectly, could double your investment
• The hidden danger of waiting for “the perfect time” to buy

Referenced Episodes

• Ep. 262: Breaking Down the Housing Affordability Crisis
• Homebuying 101: Step 9 – Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage
• Homebuying 101: Step 10 – Understanding Today’s Market

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

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 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.

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Confused by conflicting advice on down payments, loans, and affordability? This episode clears it all up with real answers to the most common first-time buyer questions flooding the internet. In Part 1 of this myth-busting series, David Sidoni addresses the chaos of conflicting homebuying advice from Google, Reddit, friends, and even real estate pros. He explains why different sources offer wildly different answers—and how that noise keeps first-time buyers frozen with doubt. With zero sales agenda and a mission to empower, David breaks down the real facts on how much home you can afford, what kind of loan you need, and how to separate helpful guidance from harmful myths. This is your reset button for homebuying clarity.

Quote

“Every question that I see first time homebuyers asking different people, they end up getting five different answers… and every person who gives them an answer says they are absolutely correct.”

Highlights

• Why online advice for first-time buyers is often wrong—or totally contradictory
• How to figure out what you really need for a down payment
• The truth about pre-approvals, loan types, and who to trust
• Why even pros give opposite answers—and what that means for you
• The real reason buying your first home feels overwhelming (and how to fix it)

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

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 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.

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

This first-time buyer went from $0 savings and defaulted student loans to buying a $170K home on a teacher’s salary—here’s how she did it. In this inspiring episode, David interviews Claudia, a middle school drama teacher who beat the odds to become a homeowner by 35. Starting with zero savings and a credit report dominated by student loan defaults, Claudia mapped out a three-year plan and stuck to it. She shares honest insights into her process—from budgeting and saving to navigating inspections, utilizing down payment assistance, and finding the right home. Claudia’s story proves that time, planning, and the right guidance can turn even the most daunting dreams into reality.

“So I’m 30 years old and the only thing on my credit report is defaulted student loans.” - Claudia

• What it’s really like to start your homebuying journey with a $0 credit score and no savings?
• How Claudia planned over three years to hit her homeownership goal
• Smart strategies for saving money on a low income—without sacrificing everything
• What she learned about efficient home touring and spotting red flags during inspections
• How down payment assistance and grants helped make it all possible
• Why working with a real estate pro made the difference in navigating offers and negotiations
• Her #1 piece of advice for anyone who thinks homeownership isn’t an option for them

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

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 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.

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!

Still think homeownership is a distant dream? This episode shows how renters like you can follow a monthly roadmap that leads to keys in hand—faster than you ever thought possible. Think you’re years away from buying a home? You’re not alone—and you’re probably closer than you think. In this episode, David uses a real life example to break down the “Last Lease Ever” plan, a proven strategy designed for renters who feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed by the homebuying process. You’ll learn how simple monthly steps can completely shift your timeline—and how the traditional real estate system has failed to tell you that. It’s not about waiting for perfect credit or a six-figure salary. It’s about finally having a plan.

“The current real estate system… it sucks. There’s a massive gaping hole in the industry—a complete lack of real estate professionals willing to step up and help first-time homebuyers.” - David Sidoni

• Why the real estate system isn’t built to help renters like you
• How to follow a simple, monthly plan that moves you toward buying
• The truth about what it actually takes to be “ready” to buy
• What delays most renters for years—and how to avoid it
• Why starting now matters more than waiting to be “perfect”
• How to tell if 2025–2026 could be your window to own
• What kind of expert you need—and why most realtors won’t cut it

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

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 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.

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!

Whether your credit score is 520 or 790, this expert interview reveals the overlooked steps that can immediately improve your homebuying power. Credit scores remain one of the most confusing and fear-inducing hurdles for first-time homebuyers. In this special interview, credit expert Jeanne Kelly—known as “The Credit Genie”—returns to offer actionable insights that go far beyond generic internet advice. With over 25 years of experience and a deeply personal story of rebuilding from financial rock bottom, Jeanne explains exactly how buyers can take control of their credit, whether they’re in recovery mode or already have strong scores. David and Jeanne break down myths, share real-life success strategies, and highlight the most surprising tips that even high-credit borrowers should know.

“I didn’t answer the door once and the man was going to turn off my electric… That was my rock bottom. You sit there and say, ‘You gotta change things.’” – Jeanne Kelly

• Why even buyers with “good” credit scores are missing opportunities
• The most common credit myths that keep renters stuck
• Jeanne’s formula for rebuilding credit after major financial struggles
• Tips you won’t find on Google—straight from a 25-year credit veteran
• What to do today if you’re afraid your credit score will hold you back
• How to recognize a real credit expert versus a scam
• Emotional and practical advice from someone who’s been there—and made it through

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

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 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.

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!

You’ve made it through the offers and inspections—now don’t let closing day blindside you. Learn what to expect (and what can still go wrong) in the final stretch of buying your first home. If you’re like most first-time buyers, you think you’re in the clear once your offer is accepted. But the final 4 to 6 weeks—known as “closing”—are packed with surprises that can derail your timeline, your budget, and your sanity. In this myth-busting episode, David Sidoni explains why closing is rarely “set in stone,” and walks you through everything from shifting dates to last-minute costs. Designed specifically for buyers who crave control and clarity, this episode helps you anticipate the unpredictable, manage expectations, and stay grounded when it matters most.

Quote

“You can do everything right, but you are just one of dozens of different factors that determine if you close on time.”

Highlights

• Why closing is a process, not a single day—and why that matters
• How even a signed contract doesn’t guarantee your moving date
• What “fluid” means in real estate and how it plays out during closing
• Why your lender, escrow agent, and even the seller can throw wrenches into your plans
• How to protect your peace of mind when the timeline gets shaky
• Practical advice for spreadsheet lovers and Type-A buyers who crave control
• The exact mindset that turns closing chaos into a manageable milestone

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

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 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.

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!

When a failed inspection nearly derailed her plans, Ashley found a unicorn agent who helped her buy the right home in just 72 hours—right before Christmas. Ashley’s first-time homebuying journey in New Jersey wasn’t smooth—but it was transformational. After months of frustration, low inventory, and a realtor who didn’t get it, she hit a wall: mold, rodents, and a roof issue revealed by a failed inspection. Instead of settling, Ashley walked away. With guidance from a unicorn agent she found through the HBH podcast, her fortunes changed fast. This episode breaks down the decisions, mindset shifts, and real-world lessons that helped her go from confusion to closing—with a signed contract just three days after finding the right home. A must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or unsure in their buying journey.

“We don’t need you to fit the home—we need to find the home that fits you.” – Ashley's Unicorn Realtor

• How Ashley knew it was time to switch realtors—and what happened next
• What a home inspection revealed that nearly trapped her in a money pit
• The emotional shift from “can we do this?” to “we bought a house!”
• How unicorn agents empower first-time buyers to walk away from bad deals
• Why trusting the process (and yourself) is more powerful than market conditions
• A play-by-play of how she found, bid on, and locked down her home in just three days

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

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 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.

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!