INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K

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 realtor and guidance from the podcast, they realized they were ready to buy — even when they didn’t think so. You’ll hear how they navigated the process quickly and confidently, closed on their home with just $12K, and now live in one unit while renting the other. Their total monthly costs are close to — or even less than — what they paid in rent. They share practical advice for new buyers, insights on emotional readiness, and what surprised them most about the homebuying journey.

Quote:

"You're probably ready to buy a house even if you don't think you are." – Allison, age 22

Highlights:

• How did a 22- and 24-year-old close on a duplex with just $12K in six weeks?
• What is a unicorn realtor, and how did one transform their buying journey?
• Why can trying to learn everything online actually make homebuying harder?
• How did they get a mortgage close to the rent they were paying?
• What is house hacking, and how did it help them build wealth fast?
• How can emotional readiness shift once you hear real success stories?

Referenced Episodes:

• Step 1: Deciding Your Goals
• Step 2: Choosing a Realtor and Lender
• Step 5: Saving to Buy Your Home
• Step 9: Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage

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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 budge