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How to Buy a Home

How to Buy a Home

By: David Sidoni
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How to Buy a Home is here to change the game for first-time buyers.

Can I really buy a home? How much do I need? Where do I start? The real estate industry overlooks first-time buyers, leaving them with myths, bad advice, and roadblocks. Real estate expert David Sidoni has spent 20 years helping renters become homeowners, coaching thousands across the country. Get real answers, insider strategies, and success stories from buyers just like you.

Homeownership might be closer than you think. Let’s get you there.

© 2019-2025, David Sidoni, All Rights Reserved 20fa8dc0-88fd-11f0-ad4e-8d1f3ba96a99 Economics Personal Finance Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How to Buy a Home - Step 5: Saving to Buy a House

    How to Buy a Home - Step 5: Saving to Buy a House
    Oct 17 2025
    Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In Step 5 of the 10-Step How to Buy a Home System, David Sidoni breaks down how much you really need to save — and how to start now, even if you’re juggling debt.Saving for a home is the step that scares most renters away from ever getting started. In this episode, David busts the biggest myth in homebuying — that you need a massive 20% down payment — and replaces it with a realistic, data-backed plan to get you there faster.You’ll learn the simple formula to estimate your goal: 8% of your home’s price (5% down + 3% closing costs). That’s the true, conservative number for most first-time buyers — and for many, it can be even less.David walks through how real buyers used creative strategies and pro guidance to shrink their out-of-pocket costs to as little as 1–5%. From zero-down loans to grants and seller credits, this episode shows how working with a Unicorn Team early opens doors you didn’t know existed.You’ll also hear real-world examples like Nick (Episode 399), who expected to need tens of thousands for closing — but ended up bringing only $4,000 to the table and even got money back.The key message: Don’t wait until you think you’ve saved “enough.” Waiting costs you time, opportunity, and money. Learn how to plan smart, start early, and move forward with confidence.“If you think you need 20% down, you’re already behind the truth. Most first-time buyers use 3.5% or 5%, and some even less. Waiting to ‘save enough’ could cost you thousands.”HighlightsMyth Busted: Only 8–9% down is typical for first-time buyers — not 20%.Your Real Goal: Start with the 8% formula (5% down + 3% closing costs).Example: $400,000 home = $32,000 total savings target.Start Early: Work with a Unicorn Team before you hit your goal — they’ll help you find options that reduce how much you need.Buyer Story: Nick (Ep. 399) bought with just $4K out-of-pocket — and got a refund check.Options That Work: 3.5% FHA loans, down payment assistance, seller credits, and even 0% down programs.Emotional Truth: Stop assuming homeownership is out of reach. Education and strategy make it possible sooner than you think.Referenced Episodes388 – The Playbook Vol. 1: The Rent Replacement Strategy389 – The Playbook Vol. 2: Your Last Lease Ever348 – How Much Do You Really Need for Closing Day?399 – The Real Value of Buying: What Nick Gained Beyond a Mortgage380 – This Should Have Been Impossible – But Rosie Actually Did It (Interview)189 – VA Loans: Bad for Buyers or a Christmas Miracle?358 – Interview: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K321 – Buying in a High-Cost Area – Long Island, NY (Interview)121 – When to Back Out of the Deal – Interview with a First-Time Buyer113 – Interview with a Single Female First-Time Home Buyer in 202275 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips for 2022 Bidding Wars, and To Wait or Not to Wait?58 – How to Use Your Retirement Savings to Buy Your First Home the Safe Way22 – How to Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Part IV273 – Buying a Home in 11 Days! Single Mom Becomes Atlanta Homeowner (Interview)19 – How to Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Part I371 – Top Budgeting Apps for First-Time Buyers in 2025381 – Saving While in Debt: How Much Do First-Time Buyers Really Need in 2025?194 – Interview – Making the Impossible Purchase Possible169 – Woman Power: This Single Woman Bought Her First Home239 – Interview: Using the VA Loan for Zero Down161 – Achieving the American Dream: An Interview with Sally7 – First-Time Home Buyer – 1, 2, 3Connect 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 con
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    57 mins
  • How to Buy a Home - Step 4: Managing Debt

    How to Buy a Home - Step 4: Managing Debt
    Oct 15 2025
    You don’t need to be debt-free to buy a home—this episode shows you how to work smarter with your debt, not fear it.In today’s housing market, waiting to eliminate all your debt before buying a home might actually hurt your long-term financial stability. In this must-listen episode of the How to Buy a Home podcast, we tackle the misunderstood middle child of the Big Three—debt—and explain why managing it strategically can often lead to faster, more affordable homeownership. David Sidoni breaks down the difference between good, bad, and workable debt, clears up damaging debt myths, and shares real success stories of buyers who used modern tactics to qualify for a home loan despite carrying credit cards, car payments, and even $300,000 in student loans.Whether you’ve followed traditional advice (like Dave Ramsey’s) or are just starting your journey, this episode gives you up-to-date guidance for navigating debt in 2025 and beyond. Learn how to balance budgeting, reduce stress, and take smart steps toward buying—even with debt still on the books.“You don’t have to be debt free. You don’t even have to be nearly debt free to buy a home. That’s a fact.”Highlights:Why the “debt-free before buying” rule is outdatedThe three types of debt: good, bad, and workableHow your monthly debt matters more than your total debtSuccess stories: Buying a home with credit in the toilet, medical debt, or $300K in student loansWhy DTI (Debt-to-Income ratio) matters—and how to work with itTips for using budgeting apps, simulators, and custom plans to balance saving and debt reductionWhat to do with a windfall: Should you save it or pay off debt?The truth about student loans, consolidation, and PMIHow working with the right team unlocks real optionsReferenced Episodes:167 – Christina & Sean: First in Their Family to Buy a Home187 – Dr. Kendall: Psychologist Turned First-Time Buyer186 – John & Richard: Buying With $300K in Student Loans388 – The Playbook VOL. 1 – The Rent Replacement Strategy389 – The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease Ever394 – The American Dream Is Dead371 – The Best Budgeting Apps for Homebuyers198 – PMI Is a Privilege216 – PMI Is Still a Privilege And Still Not The DevilOFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect 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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    50 mins
  • How to Buy a Home - Step 3: Improving Your Credit Score (16 Pro Tips)

    How to Buy a Home - Step 3: Improving Your Credit Score (16 Pro Tips)
    Oct 13 2025
    Credit scores can make or break your first-home dream — but most of what you’ve heard about them is wrong. In this essential step of the How to Buy a Home system, David Sidoni cuts through the myths and reveals how to build the kind of credit that actually gets you approved. Whether your score is 820 or 520, this episode shows you exactly how to work with — not against — the credit system so you can buy smarter and sooner.Your credit score isn’t a judgment of character — it’s a math formula that lenders use to decide how much you’ll pay for your mortgage.In this episode, David breaks down how that number really works and why time is your most powerful tool for improving it. From insider tips shared by national credit experts to easy-to-follow habits that raise your score month by month, this is the complete roadmap for turning your credit from a roadblock into a launchpad.Listeners will learn:Why the credit system moves slowly — and how to use that delay to your advantageThe “Big Three” pillars (credit, debt, and savings) that work together to boost buying powerHow early planning — two to three years before you buy — creates the best loan optionsWhy even small positive steps add up to big results over timeThe real truth about FICO, credit pulls, and what lenders actually seeIf you’ve ever worried that your credit isn’t “good enough,” this episode gives you proof — and a plan — that it can be.“Negative changes happen fast, but positive changes happen slowly — and that’s exactly why time is your biggest advantage.”HighlightsCredit myths, busted: What’s real, what’s internet noise, and what actually affects your score.The Big Three explained: How credit, debt, and savings combine to shape your buying power.Start early: The 2-to-3-year rule for maximizing your credit results before you apply.Beat the bureaus’ delay: Learn why patience and consistency win the credit game.No quick fixes: Why there’s no magic wand — just smart steps and time.Confidence over fear: Even low scores can rise; the key is knowing where to start and sticking with it.Referenced Episodes349 – Credit Score Solutions for First-Time Buyers (INTERVIEW)304 – Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 – Step 3199 – Boomer’s Homes Were CHEAPER – Plus Credit Pull Myths!90 – Credit Repair for 300-669 – “Bad” or “Fair” Credit Scores64 – Credit Tips for First-Time Home Buyers from Jeanne Kelly, National FICO Expert61 – More FICO Fun – Some Good News (For Once) About Credit Scores & Hacks56 – The Advanced Hack to Raise Your Credit Score and Get Extra Cash for Your Down Payment8 – Quick Credit Tips for First-Time Home Buyers3 – What Do You Need to Know About Credit182 – Interview: From ZERO Credit Score to Homeowner198 – PMI Is a Privilege216 – PMI Is Still a Privilege and Still Not the DevilOFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDEConnect 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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    40 mins
All stars
Most relevant
If you are a go-getter who wants to put in the work to get the home you want and do it right, this podcast is for you. David is fun to listen to and delivers massive value in every episode. His website has so many free resources, and you can actually get in touch with him to find your unicorn team! There are no ads, so you get pure knowledge sessions, and I'm blown away in this day and age that someone is offering such necessary knowledge for free out of the goodness of his heart. Thank you, David, for all you do!

A must listen for anyone buying a house!

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I love his level of passion and his down to earth approach. I’m looking at being in a place to buy a home come 2023 and I had no idea where to go. This was a great place to start! Thank you Sidoni!

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