How to Buy a Home is here to change the game for first-time buyers. Can I really buy a home? How much do I need? Where do I start? The real estate industry overlooks first-time buyers, leaving them with myths, bad advice, and roadblocks. Real estate expert David Sidoni has spent 20 years helping renters become homeowners, coaching thousands across the country. Get real answers, insider strategies, and success stories from buyers just like you. Homeownership might be closer than you think. Le ...
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David Sidoni Podcasts

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Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without Fear
43:33
43:33
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43:33Think owning a home will bring surprise expenses that wreck your budget? This episode breaks down exactly what you’ll pay—and why it’s not as scary as you’ve heard. Synopsis: In this myth-busting continuation of the 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions, David Sidoni tackles one of the biggest fears holding renters back: hidden costs. From rising prop…
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Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer
28:47
28:47
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28:47Most 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 fi…
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Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025? - 355
52:26
52:26
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52:26Rent 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 listen…
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Real Answers Pt 3: PMI Panic, Bad Advice & David Unleashed - 354
34:06
34:06
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34:06Think 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” givi…
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Real Answers Pt 2: Mortgage Myths, Interest Rates & Buying Timing - 353
37:07
37:07
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37:07Most 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% mortga…
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Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1) - 352
28:59
28:59
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28:59Confused 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 pr…
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How a Drama Teacher Bought a Home Solo (INTERVIEW) - 351
44:36
44:36
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44:36This 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…
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From ‘Years Away’ to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever - 350
26:37
26:37
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26:37Still 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…
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Credit Score Solutions for First-Time Buyers (INTERVIEW) - 349
48:37
48:37
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48:37Whether 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 actiona…
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How Much Do You Really Need for Closing Day? - 348
35:44
35:44
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35:44You’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 …
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She Fired Her Realtor—and Bought the Right Home in 3 Days (INTERVIEW) - 347
48:57
48:57
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48:57When 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,…
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How to Build the Perfect Mortgage Plan (Before You Apply) - 346
47:49
47:49
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47:49The best lenders reveal why waiting to talk to a pro can cost you thousands—and how early planning unlocks smarter, cheaper options for your first home loan. In this episode, David Sidoni shares insights from 250 top first-time homebuyer lenders on what they wish buyers did months before applying for a mortgage. He explains why relying on Google or…
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Why You’re Asking the WRONG Question About Interest Rates - 345
45:19
45:19
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45:19If you’re hoping to buy a home in 2025, these four foundational steps will give you the strategy, support, and clarity you need to finally make it happen. Most first-time buyers don’t get blocked by credit or income—they get stuck because they’re guessing their way through the process. In this episode, David breaks down the four most important thin…
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May 2025 Market Shifts: Data That Gives First-Time Buyers an Edge - 344
21:01
21:01
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21:01Three major market reports reveal a surprising shift toward buyer advantages like longer days on market, increased seller concessions, and rising inventory—here’s what that means for your first home purchase in 2025. Housing affordability panic is everywhere—from headlines on CNN and CNBC to TikTok meltdowns and uninformed relatives offering bad ad…
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$60K Income to Homeowner: Jessica’s Journey (INTERVIEW) - 343
38:45
38:45
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38:45Think you can’t buy a home on a modest income? This real-life story proves otherwise—and shows exactly how it’s done. In this jaw-dropping interview, Jessica shares her transformation from living in a van to owning a $400K home in Portland—all on a combined household income of around $60,000. With six years of steady saving, grit, and guidance from…
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Three Things I Wish I Did Sooner to Buy a Home (GUEST HOSTED) - 342
23:00
23:00
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23:00Struggling with student loans, self-employment, or just not knowing where to start? JT shares the top three things he wishes he’d done sooner to get closer to buying a home. This episode is hosted by JT, the Creative Director of How to Buy a Home—and an aspiring buyer himself. After editing over 100 episodes, he realized there were a few major step…
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Prices, Rates & Confusion - May 2025 Housing Market Update - 341
22:57
22:57
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22:57Housing prices are rising, inventory’s up, and rates won’t crash—here’s what that actually means if you’re trying to buy your first home in May 2025. The market may feel like a mess, but underneath the whiplash headlines are trends you can actually plan around. This episode breaks down the latest data on home prices, supply, and mortgage rates—incl…
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Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW) - 340
46:46
46:46
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46:46Stackable grants, strategy-based lending, and insider truths about mortgage math—this episode unpacks what really sets unicorn lenders apart in today’s market. In part two of this masterclass with unicorn lender Kelly Cort, David and Kelly go deep on the real numbers behind down payment assistance, adjustable rate mortgages, lender-paid buy-downs, …
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Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW) - 339
37:35
37:35
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37:35Forget pre-quals and online rate shopping—this episode breaks down why discovery calls, custom strategies, and unicorn lender relationships are the real keys to homebuying success. In this first of a two-part conversation, David interviews unicorn lender Kelly Cort, who shares the most misunderstood truths about home loans—and how first-time buyers…
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Battling Mold, Bad Advice, and Moving Mayhem in Pittsburgh, PA (INTERVIEW) - 338
58:41
58:41
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58:41Alex and Tamara faced a long, complicated homebuying journey with unexpected setbacks—but their persistence finally led them to homeownership. Alex and Tamara’s path to owning their first home was full of surprises, setbacks, and last-minute hurdles—from inspection shockers and budgeting surprises to navigating mortgage complexities. Despite numero…
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Moving Scams: How to Avoid the Moving Mafia & Being Robbed (INTERVIEW) - 337
39:14
39:14
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39:14Behind the boxes and bubble wrap lurks a $2.2 million criminal industry—and this episode dives into the chilling real-life story of a moving scam and the five red flags every first-time buyer must know. It sounds like a crime show plot: a young woman hires a moving company, only to be threatened with her belongings being dumped in the Arizona deser…
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Moving & Packing Tips - How to Reduce Stress When Moving (INTERVIEW) - 336
39:36
39:36
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39:36Moving is one of the most stressful parts of homebuying—so before you decide to relocate for affordability, remote work, or a dream lifestyle, this episode helps you figure out if you’re really ready. David sits down with Mariette Frye, host of the Moving Tips & Tricks podcast, who has moved 20 times in 24 years and developed a practical and emotio…
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VA Loan, Self-Employed, Military Spouse—Jessica Did It (INTERVIEW) - 335
1:05:46
1:05:46
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1:05:46VA loan myths, self-employment hurdles, and relocating with a toddler—Jessica’s story proves that even with obstacles, a smart plan and the right team make homeownership possible. Jessica is a military spouse, a self-employed business owner, and a mom—three factors that many people assume make buying a home impossible. In this episode, she shares e…
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April Tariff Panic: What It Means for Homebuyers - 334
16:35
16:35
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16:35Stock market swings, Fed pivots, and tariff chaos all hit in April—here’s how it’s really impacting mortgage rates, builder incentives, and your buying plan. A surprise tariff announcement in early April caused the largest single-day stock drop since 2022—but does that mean the housing market is crashing? Not even close. In this episode, you’ll hea…
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From Out-of-State to Chicago Homeowner (INTERVIEW) - 333
38:40
38:40
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38:40In just two months, Conan went from renting in Michigan to owning a condo in Chicago—with a unicorn team, 5% down, and a plan built around his daughter and his goals. Buying from out of state? Recently divorced? Facing a competitive market? Conan tackled all of that and more—without overbidding, overpaying, or compromising on what mattered. After l…
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