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First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 3 - Negotiations & Home Inspections

First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 3 - Negotiations & Home Inspections

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 Learn how to negotiate smarter by using flexibility, contract timelines, and inspection strategy—without giving up the protections first-time buyers need.This episode breaks down what actually drives real estate negotiations (and why preparation months ahead protects your leverage). You’ll learn how earnest money, contingency timelines, seller disclosures, and home inspections shape both your risk and your negotiating power. It also covers why asking for credits can be cleaner than repair requests—and closes with a practical credit score “nugget” to help you avoid last-minute financing surprises.“It all comes down to two simple concepts. Real estate is all about time and money.”HighlightsHow does flexibility on timing help you negotiate a better price without feeling “desperate”?What do earnest money and contingency deadlines really protect—and what happens if you miss them?Which seller disclosure details should make you slow down, ask questions, or renegotiate?Why is waiving a home inspection usually a risky move for first-time buyers—even in a competitive market?When should you ask for a seller credit instead of repairs to avoid last-minute closing chaos?What’s the fastest way to improve your mortgage-ready credit score if you waited too long to start?Referenced EpisodesEpisode 175 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 marketEpisode 176 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in 2023 – Part 2Episode 177 – How to win in BIDDING WARS in 2023 – Part 3Episode 332 – Home Inspections: What’s Normal vs Red Flag? (110 Replay)Episode 340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)Episode 400 – Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)Episode 403 – How to Buy a Home - Step 3: Improving Your Credit Score (16 Pro Tips)Episode 412 – Breaking Your Lease (Is It Necessary?)Episode 415 – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home 2.0 - Pt. 1Episode 416 – The Best Budgeting Apps - Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home - 2.0 Pt. 2 - (Replay of Ep. 371)Episode 417 – 8 Critical Tips – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home 2.0 - Pt. 3Episode 419 – Cut Big Costs - Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home 2.0 - Pt. 4Episode 420 – Managing Student Debt - Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home - Pt. 5Episode 423 – Using Your 401(k) - Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home - Pt. 6Episode 426 – Lowering Your Down Payment – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Pt. 7Episode 437 – What Is a Unicorn Realtor? First Time Homebuyer FAQ:Episode 440 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement StrategyEpisode 441 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease EverEpisode 443 – First Time Homebuyer FAQ: What Can I Actually Afford in 2026?Check out our updated 2026 First Time Homebuyer's Episode Guide - Over 100 of our BEST Episodes of Detailed Homebuying Knowledge, Interviews, and MORE! Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!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. Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, info
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