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 into her process—from budgeting and saving to navigating inspections, utilizing down payment assistance, and finding the right home. Claudia’s story proves that time, planning, and the right guidance can turn even the most daunting dreams into reality.
Quote
“So I’m 30 years old and the only thing on my credit report is defaulted student loans.” - Claudia
Highlights
- What it’s really like to start your homebuying journey with a $0 credit score and no savings?
- How Claudia planned over three years to hit her homeownership goal
- Smart strategies for saving money on a low income—without sacrificing everything
- What she learned about efficient home touring and spotting red flags during inspections
- How down payment assistance and grants helped make it all possible
- Why working with a real estate pro made the difference in navigating offers and negotiations
- Her #1 piece of advice for anyone who thinks homeownership isn’t an option for them
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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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