This is more than a replay—it’s a full-circle moment. Back in Episode 244, David answered a listener’s in-depth questions about down payments, credit scores, and monthly payments. Now, in Episode 329, you’ll hear the amazing follow-up—how that same listener used the advice to buy a $650K home, win a bidding war, and walk away with a smarter mortgage strategy than most pros could dream up.

This episode revisits a real listener journey that began with an email and turned into a personalized coaching moment in Episode 244. Now, months later, they’re homeowners—with $90 PMI instead of 20% down, $100K in reserves still invested, and a clear plan to keep building wealth.

From credit moves to appraisal gap strategies, from picking the right lender to planning for a second property down the road, this episode proves that when you stop Googling and start planning, you unlock real results.

Quote:

“Although we had over 20% to put down, we ended up just putting 5% down because the PMI was only $90 per month. We decided to keep our money in investments and watch it grow.” — Listener featured in Episode 329

Highlights:

• How a first-time buyer used Episode 244’s coaching to win a bidding war

• Why they chose terms over rate when picking a lender

• Locked in at 6.3% after starting at 7.25%—and how timing made the difference

• Why they kept 20% in investments instead of using it for a down payment

• $90/month PMI that helped them stay liquid—and why that strategy matters

• How her 720 credit score got fixed in just months

• Planning ahead: Why she stayed off the loan to possibly buy a second property later

Referenced Episodes:

• Episode 244 – Details Matter: On-Air Coaching With a Real Listener

• Episodes 175–177 – How to Win a Bidding War

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

• Episode 198 & 216 – Using PMI Strategically

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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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