Real Answers Pt 7: Condos, HOAs, Realtors & Timing

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 your agent? And should you wait to buy?

With clarity, empathy, and strategic insight, David unpacks each question using real buyer stories — like Melissa’s bold move into a condo with an HOA in pricey Southern California — and explains why the biggest cost you face might be waiting too long. He also breaks down how commissions work after the 2024 legal changes, and why building your homebuying team early is not just smart — it could save you thousands. If you're serious about buying but still wrestling with doubts, this episode is your crash course in cutting through the noise and making informed, confident choices.

"You wouldn’t do surgery without a doctor. Why try to buy a home without a pro?" - David Sidoni

Highlights:

• Should you buy a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Depends on your long-term plan — not your dream aesthetic.
• Real buyer story: Melissa chooses a condo with a $450 HOA fee and still saves money versus renting.
• HOAs aren’t evil: 80% of new homes include them, and rejecting them limits your housing options.
• You don’t pay your buyer’s agent. Even post-lawsuit, most fees are still seller-paid.
• Why hiring your real estate team early (not just a lender!) makes all the difference.
• Waiting for the "right time" can cost you more — it’s about time in the market, not timing the market.

Referenced Episodes:

• 154, 319 – Condo vs. SFR
• 324 – Melissa
• 322, 75, 110, 220 – Inspection
• 175, 176, 177 – Bidding wars
• 229, 275 – Unicorn and disclosures

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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 resourc