In 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 losing a few bidding wars, Conan pivoted to a fixer-upper, used his strong credit to keep PMI low, and leaned on his unicorn team for everything from FaceTime home tours to mold remediation negotiations.

This is a story of speed, strategy, and smart choices, with takeaways for buyers who need to move fast, stay flexible, and win in today’s market.

Quote:

“Even after going through a divorce and a money drain, I was still able to buy a home three months later. That just shows—anyone can do this.” — Conan

Highlights:

1. How did a divorced dad living out of state buy a home in 60 days?
2. Can 5% down with PMI really be smarter than putting 20% down?
3. What made Conan pivot back to a fixer-upper—and why it paid off.
4. Why FaceTime tours and a “no-pressure” realtor changed everything.
5. What’s it like to buy in a Chicago bidding war bloodbath—and still come out ahead?
6. How did his unicorn team negotiate mold remediation and pest cleanup before closing?
7. What makes condo living with a low HOA fee a smart first step toward ownership?

Referenced Episodes:

• Episode 94 – Real Estate Terms & Definitions
• Episodes 175–177 – How to Win a Bidding War
• Episode 328 – 10 Real Action Steps for First-Time Buyers
• Episode 330 – From Renter to Homeowner With a Home Business

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!