David Sidoni sits down with Mark and Brian Mann, hosts of Raising Real Estate Standards, to discuss the current state of real estate, how the industry is shifting, and what first-time homebuyers need to know about working with the right professionals. In this episode, David welcomes Mark and Brian Mann, two seasoned real estate professionals dedicated to raising industry standards. They discuss why buyers should avoid “door openers” and seek real agents who prioritize long-term strategy over quick commissions. With real estate evolving, they break down how first-time homebuyers can protect themselves, why empathy and education matter, and what changes are reshaping the industry.

Quote:

“Do what you can to get into the market, because that first house is a catapult to a lot of options four, five, ten years down the road. The money you build in equity will give you and your family a lot of upward mobility that you will never get in just about any other investment.” – Mark Mann

Highlights:

• Why real estate standards are falling – and how buyers can find true professionals.

• The “door opener” vs. the real estate strategist – how to tell the difference.

• What buyers should look for beyond price and interest rates.

• Why first-time homebuyers should focus on long-term financial growth.

• Are part-time agents disappearing? The future of real estate professionals.

• What first-time buyers need to know about industry changes in 2025.

• How the Mann brothers are pushing for better real estate service and transparency.

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!

Mortgage rates are dropping, sellers are slashing prices, and pending home sales are hitting record lows. But what does it all mean for first-time homebuyers? In this episode, David dives into the latest housing market trends, breaking down what’s happening with inventory, interest rates, and buyer demand. Should you wait, or is now still the right time to jump in? The answer may surprise you.

Quote:

“A recession sounds scary, but guess what? It could actually be great news for first-time homebuyers. Why? Because when the economy slows, mortgage rates tend to drop—and that’s your opportunity to pounce.”

Highlights:

• Is the market slowing down? Why pending home sales just hit a record low.
• Mortgage rates dipped—so what now? Are we in for a rate drop or more volatility?
• Sellers are cutting prices! What that means for you as a buyer.
• The “window of opportunity” might be staying open longer. How to take advantage before competition ramps up.
• Inventory is rising—but is it enough? The truth behind housing supply and what it means for affordability.
• Crash or correction? Why low inventory keeps home prices from collapsing.
• Two possible scenarios for 2025: A frozen market or a rate-driven buying frenzy—either way, buyers need to be prepared.

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!

What if your first home could not only pay for itself but also set you up for future wealth? That’s exactly what Chris did—buying a home at 20, collecting rent from his college roommates, and using real estate to skyrocket his credit, financial stability, and future businesses. In this episode, David Sidoni uncovers the strategies Chris used to turn his first home into a long-term investment, proving that homeownership isn’t just possible—it’s a game-changer.

Quote

“I didn’t have a lot of credit, but getting a mortgage payment on my record completely boosted me—like bonkers.” — Chris

Highlights

• What if buying a home was possible sooner than you thought?

• Could your mortgage actually boost your credit?

• Is renting really “safer”?

• How can you buy with little to no money down?

• Can you use your first home to buy another?

• Are college rentals a hidden investment goldmine?

• What’s next for homebuyers in 2025?

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!

BiggerPockets’ Dave Meyer joins David Sidoni to bust myths about real estate, revealing strategies that make homeownership possible—even in expensive markets. Whether you’re feeling stuck in the rent cycle, overwhelmed by mortgage jargon, or just unsure if buying is for you, this episode breaks it all down with simple, data-driven insights.

Quote:

“If you buy one rental every three to four years, you can set yourself up for financial freedom—without needing a thousand doors.” – Dave Meyer

Highlights:

• What if you could buy a home with just 3.5% down? Dave Meyer explains how FHA loans and other financing options can help you skip the 20% myth.

• Is renting really better than buying? The truth about long-term wealth-building through real estate—and why time in the market beats timing the market.

• Could house hacking make homeownership affordable? Discover how living in a multi-unit or renting out a room can slash your mortgage payments.

• What’s the biggest mistake first-time buyers make? Hint: It’s not just about the down payment—it’s about understanding appreciation, cash flow, and tax benefits.

• Are you overestimating how many properties you need? Forget social media hype—owning just a few rentals can set you up for long-term financial success.

• Do real estate “gurus” get it wrong? Dave calls out common misconceptions (looking at you, Grant Cardone and Robert Kiyosaki).

• Is it too late to buy? Market cycles fluctuate, but historical data proves that real estate remains one of the most reliable ways to build wealth.

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

Visit BiggerPockets to learn more about the tools and resources Dave mentioned!

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!

The housing market is freaking people out—but that’s exactly why it might be your best shot to buy a home! Most buyers are too scared to jump in, but that hesitation means huge opportunities for first-time buyers who know where to look. In this episode, learn why 2025 could be the perfect time to buy, how to tap into free money for your down payment, and the biggest traps to avoid. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this is your wake-up call.

Quote:

“When you’re prepared, you don’t just jump on an opportunity—you jump in with options. And that’s how you win.”

Highlights:

• Is now really the right time to buy? Why high inventory and low competition could be the best setup for first-time buyers in years.

• Could you get up to $50K in free money? New down payment assistance programs might help you buy sooner than you thought.

• Renting vs. Buying – The real math. Why your rent check might be keeping you stuck when you could be building wealth instead.

• Homebuilders are getting desperate. How their need to sell could score you a lower interest rate, big incentives, and hidden discounts.

• Most real estate agents aren’t selling homes. What this means for you—and how to find an agent who actually knows what they’re doing.

• Beware of builder traps. The sneaky tricks new construction companies use to lock you in without proper representation.

Referenced Episodes:

• Episode 279 – Resale vs. New Homes: Which One’s Right for You?

• Episode 260 – How Patrick & Alex Got a Killer Deal on a New Build

• Episode 256 – Jelly’s Story: Builder Incentives, Big Savings

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!

Worried that an appraisal issue or a non-traditional career path (like still being a grad student) makes homeownership impossible? In this episode, David Sidoni chats with Declan and Bailey—new homeowners who once believed buying was “only for the rich”—to reveal how down payment assistance, flexible financing options, and the right support team can help first-time buyers find stability faster than they ever imagined .

Quote:

“I always thought buying a home was only for the super-rich, but here we are—homeowners with just 3% down!” - Bailey

Highlights:

• What if you face an appraisal gap? Discover how Declan and Bailey kept their deal alive.
• Could you buy a home while juggling grad school and a new job? Hear how they made it work.
• Is it possible to qualify for down payment assistance without a huge nest egg?
• What if your “perfect home” appears before your lease is up? Learn to manage the overlap.
• Could you overcome the fear of surprise expenses? Find out how these first-timers budgeted wisely.
• Is this really “just for rich people”? Listen as Declan and Bailey prove otherwise.

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!

Is the window of opportunity for first-time homebuyers finally here? David Sidoni reveals why February 2025 presents a unique moment in the market, with increased inventory and less competition than seen in the past five years.

Quote:

"According to Zillow and their market Heat index, home buyers had more leverage than they've ever had in the past five years."

Highlights:

• Is the "lock-in effect" finally breaking as homeowners abandon their 3% mortgages?
• Could less competition be creating your perfect moment, with listings up but sales down?
• What if you're actually ready to buy 8-20 months sooner than you think?
• How did nearly half of 2024's buyers secure rates under 5%?
• Are cities like Harrisburg and Rochester the hidden gems for first-time buyers in 2025?

Referenced Episodes: FED RATE CUT 4- PART SERIES

• Episode 266 - EMERGENCY - Surprise Fed Rate Cuts Change Everything! - Part 1
• Episode 267 - FED RATE CUT - Part 2
• Episode 268 - Post-Fed Rate Cut Reality & What Comes Next -Part 3
• Episode 269 - The Time is Now! 2024-25 Homebuying Interest Rate Forecast - Part 4

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!

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!

Ready for the final step in your homebuying journey? Step 10 reveals why even the most well-meaning advice from experienced homeowners could derail your 2025 house hunt - and shows you exactly where to find the current market insights you actually need.

Quote: "Your best play is more time in the market, not trying to time the market." - David Sidoni

• What if everything you've heard about buying a home from friends and family is based on an entirely different market reality than today's?
• Could your dream of homeownership be closer than you think, especially with new 2025 down payment assistance programs?
• Is it possible that waiting for the "perfect time" to buy is actually costing you money in today's low-inventory market?
• What makes location, timing, and timing (not location, location, location) the true mantra for first-time homebuyers?
• How can you take advantage of current market conditions that change weekly, sometimes even daily?
• Could you be missing out on massive opportunities, like the new Southern California grant offering $20,000-$50,000 to first-time buyers?

• Episode 164: The Chutes and Ladders Episode
• Multiple episodes on topics including:
• Down payment assistance programs
• House hacking
• FHA and VA loans
• Self-employed buyer myths
• Dave Ramsey misconceptions
• And many more in the podcast catalog

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!

Worried about feeling house-poor after buying your first home? Learn how to practice homeownership before taking the plunge, removing anxiety from this life-changing purchase through smart preparation and mindset shifts.

Quote: "You don't have to just dream about lavish things that you hope to have someday. We can freaking paint our someday, put it in a spreadsheet, and know exactly when it's going to happen."

Highlights:

• What if the dreaded B-word (budget) isn't about deprivation, but a lifestyle change that lets you indulge guilt-free in your dream purchases?
• Could practicing your future mortgage payment while renting be the secret to never feeling house-poor?
• What if understanding that your home feels most expensive in just the first three years could change your entire perspective?
• How might switching from rising rents to a fixed mortgage payment transform your financial future?
• Could planning future gatherings in your new home - from karaoke nights to holiday parties - motivate you through the buying process?

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!

Feeling lost in the sea of real estate jargon and online research? Episodes 7 and 8 of the ten essential steps reveal how to master real estate vocabulary and effectively use online resources without getting overwhelmed.

Quote: "When you have the confidence in this material... fear, it'll dissolve away."

Summary: David Sidoni breaks down two crucial steps: understanding real estate terminology and conducting smart online research. Rather than drowning in internet searches, he guides listeners to build knowledge alongside their professional team.

Highlights:

• Did you know the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved could make or break your home purchase?
• Could mastering real estate terms like "escrow" and "contingency" actually save you money?
• What if the best time to research neighborhoods isn't when you think it is?
• Is it possible to use online tools effectively without falling into common traps?
• How can you avoid the avalanche of spam from real estate websites while still benefiting from their resources?

Referenced Episodes:

• Episode 94: Start of A-Z Terms & Definitions
• Episode 10: Molly's Story (Homebuying While Pregnant)
• Episode 227: Complete Guide to Online Research

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!