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)

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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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