First Time Home Buyer: From Daunted to Done—Elizabeth’s Ohio Story (INTERVIEW)

Elizabeth turned fear into confidence, buying her first home at 26 in Ohio with smart strategy, a DIY mindset, and just 5% down.

 

When Elizabeth first reached out, she described the homebuying process as "daunting" and didn’t want to get screwed. But just a few months later, she and her husband closed on a $164K home in Ohio — fully prepped, budget-savvy, and calm under pressure. In this episode, she walks through every step: from tackling a floor renovation herself to choosing an ARM loan and why she only put 5% down, even with 20% in savings. If you’re a first-time buyer wondering whether you’re ready — Elizabeth’s story proves you probably are.

 

"You're already there. If you're listening to this podcast, you're already on your way to feeling better about all the decisions you have to make." — Elizabeth, first-time homebuyer in Ohio

 

Highlights

• How Elizabeth and her husband bought below budget and under market value
• Why they opted for a 5% down payment instead of 20%, even with the cash on hand
• The real math on PMI, ARM loans, and what their monthly payments turned out to be
• Renovating their floors DIY-style and planning projects before moving in
• What she learned about choosing layout, neighborhood, and long-term flexibility

 

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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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