Episodes

  • First Time Homebuyers: Buying a 5 Bedroom Under 600k with 3% Down - and Twins On the Way! (INTERVIEW)

    First Time Homebuyers: Buying a 5 Bedroom Under 600k with 3% Down - and Twins On the Way! (INTERVIEW)
    Feb 20 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 @HowToBuyaHome



    Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

    Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome


    Visit 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    57 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 4 - Closing and Beyond

    First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 4 - Closing and Beyond
    Feb 18 2026

    Learn the essential “last-mile” steps that prevent closing-day surprises—and how to use your first home as the foundation for smarter next-move planning.


    This final installment of the 2026 first-time homebuyer checklist breaks down what really happens between offer acceptance and getting your keys—especially the details that tend to blindside buyers in the last week before closing. You’ll learn why the closing date should be treated as a moving target, what to handle early (like utilities and mail), and how to protect yourself when wiring your funds. The episode also zooms out beyond closing day to explain how first-time buyers can build options for “house #2” without automatically selling the first one.


    “The actual closing date is fluid.” - David Sidoni

    Highlights

    • Why is your closing date more of a “target” than a guarantee—and how should you plan around that?
    • What do most buyers forget to set up before closing that can create immediate headaches (and fees) after they get the keys?
    • How can you avoid wire fraud when sending the biggest wire of your life?
    • What’s the “first 48 hours” checklist after acceptance that keeps your deal moving forward?
    • If homeowners insurance feels impossible right now, what’s real—and what’s overhyped pessimism?
    • How do you start thinking beyond this purchase—so your first home becomes a step toward long-term flexibility, not a financial trap?

    Referenced Episodes

    • Episode 400 – Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)
    • Episode 199 – Boomer’s Homes Were CHEAPER – Plus Credit Pull Myths!
    • Episode 392 – New Construction vs. Resale: Which Home Is Right for First-Time Buyers?
    • Episode 438 – How Much Are Closing Costs? First Time Homebuyer FAQ


    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 @HowToBuyaHome



    Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

    Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome


    Visit 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    35 mins
  • First Time Homebuyers: How Emily and Patrick Bought an $830,000 Southern California Townhome (Interview)

    First Time Homebuyers: How Emily and Patrick Bought an $830,000 Southern California Townhome (Interview)
    Feb 16 2026

    Emily and Patrick share how they went from a cramped $2,400/month one-bedroom rental to owning a 1,400 sq ft Southern California townhome by trusting the numbers, timing the market, and staying organized through the entire process.

    After renting for years and assuming Southern California homeownership would be out of reach, Emily and Patrick learned their buying power by working through their numbers with a lender and adjusting their price bracket strategically. They toured roughly a dozen homes, hit a rare slower moment in the local 2025 market, and ended up being the only offer on a townhome that needed mostly cosmetic updates. Emily practiced the future mortgage payment in advance using a spreadsheet budget and shifted savings into safer accounts once they began seriously shopping. From inspection through closing, they describe the process as surprisingly smooth—largely because they stayed document-ready and followed each step quickly online.

    “It was surprisingly smooth. Everything was really easy because I just, I had all my documents ready and then everything’s with the internet and everything being, you can submit all the forms and sign all the documents online. It made it so easy.” - Emily

    Highlights

    • How do you decide it’s worth paying more than your rent to own—especially in an expensive market like Southern California?
    • What’s the fastest way to get clarity on what you can actually afford before you fall in love with the wrong price range?
    • How can touring “enough” homes help you recognize the right one—and avoid panic when the search starts to feel hopeless?
    • What can first-time buyers do to make closing feel “surprisingly smooth,” even with big numbers and lots of paperwork?


    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 @HowToBuyaHome



    Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

    Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome


    Visit 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    34 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 3 - Negotiations & Home Inspections

    First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 3 - Negotiations & Home Inspections
    Feb 13 2026
    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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    39 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 2 - Shopping for a Home

    First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 2 - Shopping for a Home
    Feb 11 2026
    Part 2 of the 2026 essential checklist shows first time homebuyers how to research neighborhoods, tour homes strategically, and protect themselves while shopping in today’s weird housing market. This episode jumps from planning into the “fun stuff”: a practical checklist for researching neighborhoods and shopping for homes like a pro instead of a scrolling-Zillow zombie. You’ll learn how to use tools like Google Maps, Street View, WalkScore, crime maps, school ratings, zoning plans, and even old-school paper maps to understand a community before you ever step inside a house. David then walks through smart touring strategy—bundling showings, ranking your top three, watching for surveillance cameras, checking commute times and internet service, and touring midweek to beat the weekend crowds. Finally, he explains how to avoid traps with open houses and new construction, why list prices are “garbage,” how to spot opportunity in “back on market” and badly photographed listings, and why your realtor’s most valuable job is negotiating and protecting you once you’ve found a home.“I’m going to give you the checklist for home shopping.” - David Sidoni Highlights How can you use online tools and maps to spot the right neighborhoods before you ever book a showing? What should you look for when driving neighborhoods at different times of day to really understand daily life there? How do you protect yourself at open houses and new construction sites so you don’t accidentally give up your right to representation or overpay? Why are list prices “garbage,” and how can back-on-market homes, ugly photos, and current market conditions actually work to your advantage? Referenced Episodes444 – February 2026 is a Buyers Market - What First Time Homebuyers Need to Know367 – Why Financial Advisors Can’t Help You Buy a Home - INTERVIEW368 – The Truth About Renting: What You’re Really Paying For - INTERVIEW370 – The Truth About Tax Breaks for First-Time Buyers - INTERVIEW408 – How to Buy a Home - Step 8: Using the Internet to Buy a Home392 – New Construction vs. Resale: Which Home Is Right for First-Time Buyers?440 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement Strategy441 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease EverCheck 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    30 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer: Buying in California with Three People (Interview)

    First Time Homebuyer: Buying in California with Three People (Interview)
    Feb 9 2026

    A first-time buyer shares how early planning, relocating for affordability, and buying with a family member helped three roommates become homeowners in California.

    Eric, his partner, and their cousin Alex were priced out of San Jose and chose to explore Bakersfield after realizing it fit their budget and lifestyle goals. They spent time learning the city firsthand (including a smart Uber/Lyft approach that doubled as income and neighborhood research) while working through job changes and loan qualification. Eric explains how pre-planning with a mortgage pro reduced last-minute stress, and how they protected themselves by backing out of an escrow when a solar loan complication became too costly. The story ends with their team finding a better home quickly—one that met their must-haves—and a reminder that the process can be a stop-and-go emotional rollercoaster.

    “My biggest tip was pro. It’s like starts as early as possible. Even if you don’t think you’re quite ready yet.” - Eric

    Highlights

    • How early should a first-time homebuyer talk to a mortgage broker and realtor to avoid last-minute stress?
    • What’s the smartest way to “learn a new city” before buying—while also earning extra income?
    • How can two people qualify for a mortgage even when a third household member isn’t ready to be on the loan yet?
    • When should a buyer walk away from a deal in escrow—and how do you do it without losing your deposit?



    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 @HowToBuyaHome



    Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

    Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome


    Visit 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    31 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer Tax Strategy to Qualify for a Better Mortgage (Interview w/ Dan Mullen, CPA)

    First Time Homebuyer Tax Strategy to Qualify for a Better Mortgage (Interview w/ Dan Mullen, CPA)
    Feb 6 2026
    This interview breaks down how self-employed first-time homebuyers can use intentional tax strategy to improve mortgage qualification and avoid higher-cost loan options. In this interview, CPA and licensed loan professional Dan Mullen explains why many self-employed first-time homebuyers are incorrectly told they cannot qualify for a mortgage. He breaks down the critical difference between taxable income and mortgage-qualifying income, showing how common write-offs can unintentionally reduce buying power if planned poorly. The discussion walks through legal tax strategies—such as depreciation, mileage, and asset treatment—that can preserve lender-approved income while remaining compliant with tax law. The episode also explains why bank statement loans are more expensive and why early coordination between a CPA and lender can dramatically change a buyer’s outcome. Check out Dan's book Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning on Amazon “Buying a home is the financial foundation of virtually every American out there.”– Dan Mullen, CPA Highlights How can self-employed buyers legally qualify for a conventional mortgage without paying more in taxes?Why does writing off everything on your tax return often hurt mortgage approval?When does a bank statement loan make sense—and why is it usually the most expensive option?How early should freelancers and business owners involve a CPA if they want to buy a home?Check out our updated 2026 First Time Homebuyer's Episode Guide - Over 100 of our BEST Episodes of Detailed Homebuying Knowledge, Interviews, and MORE! Referenced Episodes:444 - February 2026 is a Buyers Market - What First Time Homebuyers Need to Know367 - Why Financial Advisors Can’t Help You Buy a Home - INTERVIEW368 - The Truth About Renting: What You’re Really Paying For - INTERVIEW370 - The Truth About Tax Breaks for First-Time Buyers - INTERVIEW408 - How to Buy a Home - Step 8: Using the Internet to Buy a Home392 – New Construction vs. Resale: Which Home Is Right for First-Time Buyers?437 - What Is a Unicorn Realtor? First Time Homebuyer FAQ:340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)426 - Lowering Your Down Payment – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Pt. 7332 – Home Inspections: What’s Normal vs Red Flag? (110 Replay)400 - Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    44 mins
  • First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 1 - Getting Started

    First Time Homebuyer's 2026 Essential Checklist Pt. 1 - Getting Started
    Feb 5 2026
    Part 1 of the 2026 essential checklist walks first-time homebuyers through the smartest way to start—by building a financing plan, avoiding common internet myths, and getting a real pre-approval early. This episode kicks off a multi-part “essential checklist” with a focus on financing and loan strategy, including a rapid-fire myth bust around “deal” listings like short sales and tax lien properties. It explains why the 20% down payment belief is outdated for most first-time buyers, and outlines today’s common low-down-payment paths (including FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA where eligible). It also breaks down why “pre-qualification” is mostly marketing noise, why APR matters alongside the interest rate, and why buyers should prioritize finding the right people (a specialist realtor + lender team) over chasing a single number. Finally, it flags that down payment assistance programs and grants change frequently, so buyers should always ask about current options and stacking possibilities. "I’m going to go rapid fire with coaching and tips on the best ways to work your financing, as well as your loan when you’re trying to buy your first home.”HighlightsWhat “too good to be true” home deals (short sales, tax liens, foreclosures) are not realistic for most first-time buyers in 2026—and why? How can first-time buyers stop chasing the “best rate” and start comparing loans using APR and total cost instead? Why is “get pre-qualified first” often the wrong first step—and what does a real pre-approval actually do for your plan? What’s the smartest order for building your team so your realtor and lender work together (and you don’t lose money or lose the house)? Referenced EpisodesEpisode 400 — Starting point / 10-step system Episode 425 — Buyer story referenced in the new listener question segment Episode 426 — Low down payment options + more on down payment assistance Episode 437 — More on the “unicorn team” concept Episode 440 — More on the “20% down” myth For more, 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!
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    31 mins