Can your 401(k) help you stop renting and buy a home sooner?

This episode unpacks a controversial—but often misunderstood—strategy for first-time homebuyers: using your 401(k) to fund your down payment. David Sidoni breaks down how this can be done safely, why it may actually support your retirement, and how smart planning can help you enter the market sooner without sacrificing your future.

“When done right, this move strengthens both your now and your future.”

Highlights:

• Why using your 401(k) isn’t necessarily “robbing your future”
• How 401(k) loans work—and why lenders often don’t count them against you
• The rent replacement strategy and how it supports long-term wealth
• Why entering the market sooner could be smarter than waiting

Referenced Episodes

• 400 - Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)
• 388 - The Playbook VOL. 1 - The Rent Replacement Strategy
• 355 - Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?
• 198 - PMI Is a Privilege
• 216 - PMI Is Still A Privilege And Still Not The Devil

401K Interviews

• 369 - INTERVIEW: From Fear to First Home: How Regina Bought Solo in Her 40s
• 273 - Buying a Home in 11 Days! Single Mom Becomes Atlanta Homeowner (Interview)
• 163 - Let’s Hear From Another REAL Home Buyer: Amber’s Story
• 161 - Achieving The American Dream: An Interview With Sally
• 135 - Interview With First Timers In One Of The Most Expensive Areas - Buying Without 20% Down Payment
• 113 - Interview With A Single, Female First-Time Home Buyer In 2022

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!

The final 2025 How to Buy a Home Episode Guide is here. Specifically curated for first time home buyers. Use your holiday downtime to get ahead on your homebuying journey. This curated playlist of the best How to Buy a Home episodes is your shortcut to clarity, confidence, and real progress.

📘 Start your binge with the full episode guide → https://howtobuyahome.com/episodeguide2025/

Whether you’re stuck in traffic, lounging on the couch, or hiding from your relatives, this episode gives you a hand-picked list of bingeable episodes tailored to whatever stage of the homebuying process you’re in. Host David Sidoni serves up the best listener stories, financial hacks, mindset resets, and real talk about today’s market to help you make the most of your weekend — and your future home purchase.

“This is your personal education course — not just a podcast. Save this list and build your homebuying brain.”

Highlights

• How real first-time buyers overcame fear, doubt, and bad advice to finally buy their homes
• What you really need to know about credit scores, debt, and down payments
• Insider tips for timing the market — and why “waiting for prices to drop” can backfire
• Why picking your Realtor and lender first could save you thousands
• The 10 Steps Starter Kit that breaks down the entire process from Day 1 to move-in day

Referenced Episodes

👉 Visit howtobuyahome.com/episodeguide2025 for a full list of all referenced episodes

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!

Brief: Two paths, one principle: treat homebuying as a long-term financial strategy, not a short-term hurdle.

Synopsis: This holiday episode is less about quick fixes and more about reframing your mindset. David Sidoni uses the season of spending and reflection to challenge renters to think long-term. Whether you’re considering formal assistance, planning to save aggressively, or exploring the option of family help, this episode presents the big picture. Sidoni explains how budgeting now — even during the holidays — can align you with a strategy to turn your lease into a mortgage. He explores how mindset, planning, and consistency are more powerful than credit score hacks or waiting for perfect market timing. While down payment assistance is addressed, so is the reality that some buyers may rely on gift funds — and the importance of being honest about what’s possible and what’s privileged.

Quote: “Fear can be your ally. Informed consumers always outperform emotional ones.”

Highlights:

• Why mindset matters more than market timing when planning your purchase
• How to use your current lease as a timeline for ownership
• Holiday habits that can kickstart your 2025 savings goals
• How to approach family support or assistance with clarity and confidence

Referenced Episodes:

• 388 – The Playbook Vol. 1: The Rent Replacement Strategy
• 389 – The Playbook Vol. 2: Your Last Lease Ever
• 314 – Is Real Estate a Good Investment? - Dave Meyer, Bigger Pockets Interview
• 188 – House Hacking May Be Your Tool to Affordability
• 52 – How To House Hack Buying Your First Home
• 273 – Buying a Home in 11 Days! Single Mom Becomes Atlanta Homeowner (Interview)
• 163 – Let’s Hear From Another REAL Home Buyer: Amber’s Story
• 161 – Achieving The American Dream: An Interview With Sally
• 135 – Interview With First Timers In One Of The Most Expensive Areas - Buying Without 20% Down Payment
• 113 – Interview With A Single, Female First-Time Home Buyer In 2022
• 198 – PMI Is a Privilege
• 216 – PMI Is Still A Privilege And Still Not The Devil

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!