How to Buy a Home

The final four questions from the 20 most-asked by first-time buyers — including real-life success stories and crucial myths to stop believing now.

In this episode, David Sidoni closes out the 7-part series on the 20 most common questions from first-time homebuyers. Questions 17 through 20 tackle some of the biggest decision points in the journey: What type of property is best for you? Are HOAs really that bad? Who actually pays...

Think you're too young or not ready to buy a home? Meet Allison and Mitchel — 22 and 24 years old — who went from renters to owning a duplex in just six weeks. With only $12,000 in closing costs, their story proves it’s not just possible — it’s smart.

In this inspiring episode, David interviews Allison and Mitchel, a young Ohio couple who defied the odds and bought a duplex at just 22 and 24 years old. With the help of a unicorn...

Think 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 property taxes and insurance to repairs and HOAs, David exposes the truth behind these ...

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 communi...

Rent 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 listeners through the overlooked math that makes homeownership a long-term wealth builder—e...

Think 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” giving bad advice and explaining why this outdated thinking is hurting renters. There’s n...

Most 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% mortgage rates will return and explains why waiting could backfire. You’ll hear why “timing...

Confused 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 pros. He explains why different sources offer wildly different answers—and how that noi...

This 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, Claudia mapped out a three-year plan and stuck to it. She shares honest insights in...

Still 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 “Last Lease Ever” plan, a proven strategy designed for renters who feel stuck, unsur...

Whether 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 actionable insights that go far beyond generic internet advice. With over 25 years of experi...

You’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 surprises that can derail your timeline, your budget, and your sanity. In this myth-b...

When 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, rodents, and a roof issue revealed by a failed inspection. Instead of settling, Ashl...

The 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 AI can backfire, and how professional advice early on can tailor your loan for bette...

If 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 things you need to focus on right now to become a homeowner in 2025. From how to plan you...

Three 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 advice. From TikTok meltdowns to uninformed relatives offering bad advice. In this epis...

Think 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 the HBH system, she and her partner navigated setbacks (including a violent attack!)...

Struggling 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 steps he should’ve started years ago. Whether you’re a renter with debt, inconsistent inc...

Housing 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—including insights from Florida, Wisconsin, and the East Coast—to help you figure out how...