This episode explains why a rare January buyer’s market is creating real affordability opportunities for first-time homebuyers right now, without waiting on government “fixes.”

Synopsis

With sellers outnumbering buyers by 47%—including 631,000 more sellers than buyers in January 2026—the episode breaks down why leverage has quietly shifted back to homebuyers. It outlines practical ways buyers are getting affordability through negotiations, seller credits, and builder incentives—plus rate buy-downs and closing cost help.

It also explains why headline-driven policy talk doesn’t solve the real issue (inventory) and why affordability wins often come from local and market-based opportunities instead.

Finally, it spotlights emerging state and local ideas that could reduce monthly payments—like property tax caps/exemptions and stacked grants—while encouraging first-time buyers to get proactive before spring competition returns.

Highlights

• How does a first-time homebuyer actually use a “47% more sellers than buyers” market to negotiate better terms and prices?
• What affordability tools are working right now—seller credits, rate buy-downs, and builder incentives—and how do buyers stack them?
• Which markets are being labeled more buyer-friendly, and what signals should first-time buyers look for in their own area?
• What local policy changes (like property tax relief and expanded grant programs) could reduce your monthly payment without needing rates or prices to crash?

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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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