Before credit checks, down payments, or Zillow searches — the first step is deciding. In this kickoff to the 10-step Homebuying 101 series, David Sidoni breaks down the mindset every first-time homebuyer must have before any of the practical steps even matter. If you’ve been stuck renting, overwhelmed by myths, or waiting for “the right time,” this episode will change how you see yourself — and your ability to buy a home.

Synopsis

Most people think the first step to buying a home is financial — checking credit, saving money, or finding a realtor. But that’s not where it starts. The first step is mental: deciding you’re ready to take control of your future.

David Sidoni, founder of How to Buy a Home, reveals why every first-time homebuyer’s journey begins with a decision — a mindset shift that transforms fear into action. He exposes the biggest myths keeping renters stuck, from “you need 20% down” to “you can’t buy with student loans,” and replaces them with real numbers, data, and proof from thousands of successful buyers.

Listeners learn that education is the antidote to fear. Sidoni shows that understanding the process, not having perfect finances, is what separates dreamers from doers. Backed by six years of data, he proves that 72% of people who thought they were a year away from buying discovered they were ready far sooner — once they made the decision to start.

By the end, this isn’t just about houses or mortgages — it’s about finally believing you can stop renting forever.

Quote

“Step one is decide — because none of the other nine steps mean a damn thing if you don’t make that choice first.”— David Sidoni, How to Buy a Home Podcast

Highlights

• The true first step isn’t financial — it’s mental. Deciding to move forward changes everything.
• Myth-busting the biggest fears: You don’t need 20% down, a six-figure income, or perfect credit to buy.
• Mindset = momentum. Confidence comes from education, not from already knowing everything.
• Proven data: 72% of buyers who thought they were a year away discovered they could buy much sooner.
• Clarity before chaos. The 10 steps give you a system so you can stop guessing and start planning.
• Empathy and empowerment. David helps first-time buyers understand that fear isn’t failure — it’s just lack of information.

Referenced Episodes

• 388 - The Playbook VOL. 1 - The Rent Replacement Strategy
• 389 - The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease Ever
• 382 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 1: Rates
• 383 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 2: Sales, Inventory & Affordability
• 384 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 3: Rent Math & Buying Power
• 98 - Time for A New Game Plan To Buy Your First Home – My Story
• 355 - Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?

OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDE

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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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