
Hosted by David Sidoni · EN
TRYING TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME IN 2026? Start at Episode 500 for the 10 Steps to Buying a Home series, the #1 trusted resource for first-time homebuyers in the USA. Thousands of renters have used this system to say goodbye to their landlord for good.
Visit HowtoBuyaHome.com/10Steps for the insider strategies first-time buyers need in today's market.
2+ MILLION DOWNLOADS. 500+ EPISODES. 125+ REAL BUYER INTERVIEWS. The #1 podcast for first-time homebuyers in the nation since 2019, hosted by David Sidoni: a realtor since 2006 who left traditional brokerage to become a full-time consumer advocate for the buyers his industry ignores. Expert analysis, current market forecasts, and real success stories from renters who were exactly where you are.
OUR MISSION. Can I actually buy a house? How much do I need? Where do I even start? The real estate industry treats first-time buyers as an afterthought, handing them myths, bad advice, and dead ends. We hand you the opposite: real numbers, insider strategies, and proof that it works from people just like you. No hype. No sales pitch. Ever.
Homeownership is closer than you think. Let's get you there.

Not sure where to start with buying a home? This episode answers the three questions every first-time buyer asks—and why most advice is misleading.Buying your first home can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. This episode breaks down the three core questions every first-time buyer asks: where you stand, what to learn, and what to do right now. It explains why most information online creates more confusion than clarity and why that leads to inaction. You’ll also learn why the homebuying journey is not a simple step-by-step path—and what that means for your next move.“Preparing to buy your home is anything but a linear path.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuying Coach HighlightsWhere do you actually stand in the homebuying process right now?What should you be learning before making any decisions?What actions should you be taking today to move forward?Why does most homebuying advice leave you feeling stuck or behind?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!

Think buying a home alone is impossible in today’s market? This episode breaks down real stories from solo buyers who made it happen—using strategies most people (and even some pros) don’t know exist.Buying your first home alone can feel out of reach, especially with today’s prices and confusion around the process. Many buyers assume they need more money, more help, or more time than they actually do. This episode shares real stories of solo buyers who overcame those beliefs using smart strategies and the right guidance. The result is a clear path showing that buying on your own is possible sooner and more affordably than most expect.“As a single woman, I was able to do this on my own.” — Eve HighlightsThink you need a partner to afford your first home?What if your timeline to buy could shrink from years to months?Are you missing out on programs that could lower your upfront costs?How much are you overestimating what it really takes to buy solo?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!

A first-time buyer couple shares how the right team, strategy, and mindset helped them win a home—without the highest offer. Jessica and Matt never expected to buy a home, especially given Matt’s lifelong experience living in church-provided housing. But after connecting with a true first-time homebuyer specialist, their perspective—and timeline—completely changed. This episode breaks down how they navigated different comfort levels as a couple, built confidence through education, and made smart financial decisions to avoid becoming house poor. You’ll also hear how their agent helped them compete strategically in a multiple-offer situation, ultimately winning their home despite not having the top bid. If you’re feeling unsure about when or how to buy, this story shows what’s possible with the right guidance and preparation. “We didn’t think we were going to buy a home until we retired.” — Jessica & Matt HighlightsWhat’s the real difference between a Zillow agent and a true first-time homebuyer advocate?How do you move forward when one partner is ready and the other is hesitant?What financial decisions help you avoid becoming house poor after you buy?How can you win a home in a competitive market without offering the highest price?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!

David Sidoni answers the three biggest first-time homebuyer questions and explains how the Triangle of Success can help you make smarter home shopping decisions. When are you ready to buy, how much can you afford, and where should you start? In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the answers to the three biggest questions every first-time homebuyer asks. He also explains the Triangle of Success, a simple framework for balancing price, style, and location when shopping for a home. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed by misinformation, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to move forward. “The math isn’t being taught. There is so much more hope and so many more possibilities than whatever you’ve heard.” - David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights• Are you financially closer to buying a home than you think?• How much home can you actually afford in today’s market?• Where should you start if you want to buy your first home?• Can you really get the right price, style, and location all at once? Referenced Episodes• 167 - Interview: Buying a $300K Home With Only $18k? Yes!• 170 - Interview: 1st Time Home Buyers Find Compromise & the Triangle of Success• 189 - INTERVIEW - VA Loans: Bad for Buyers or a Christmas Miracle?• 194 - Interview - Making the Impossible Purchase Possible• 217 - Interview With Millie - How To Buy Your First Home Before Turning 30• 224 - Interview With Pedro – Bought With Zero Down, And NOT A VA loan, At 59 Years Old• 239 - INTERVIEW: Using the VA Loan for Zero Down, and Monthly Payment is Only $100 More a Month• 249 - INTERVIEW: First Generation Home Buyers (Mortgage $200 LESS Than Rent!)• 312 - Rich People Only? Declan & Bailey’s 3% Down Victory INTERVIEW• 343 - $60K Income to Homeowner: Jessica’s Journey (INTERVIEW)• 369 - INTERVIEW: From Fear to First Home: How Regina Bought Solo in Her 40s• 372 - Brittany & Fred’s 3% Down Success Story - INTERVIEW• 380 - This Should Have Been Impossible - But Rosie Actually Did It (INTERVIEW)• 396 - INTERVIEW: Apartment to 2-Acre Homestead: Samantha’s First-Time Buyer Story• 399 - The Real Value of Buying: What Nick Gained Beyond a Mortgage• 425 - First Time Home Buyer: How a Single Mom Bought with a ZERO Down Payment USDA Loan (INTERVIEW)• 440 - First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement Strategy• 441 - First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease Ever• 443 - First Time Homebuyer FAQ: What Can I Actually Afford in 2026?• 469 - Putting a Plan into Action - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 2026• 470 - Effective Solutions to Get UNSTUCK - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 2026Check 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!

A first-time homebuyer and architect shares how she and her husband overcame student debt fears, aligned financially, and bought a $562,500 home faster than they thought possible.Arlenne believed student debt and limited savings would keep her from buying a home. After speaking with a lender, she learned her debt-to-income ratio mattered more than her total debt balance. She and her husband worked through different money mindsets and created a plan together. In this episode, she shares how the right lender, Realtor, and financial clarity helped them buy their first home in Florida.“Call the lender right away and start talking numbers because you have no idea where you actually are and your buying capability.” — Arlenne HighlightsThink student debt is stopping you from buying a home?How much house can you actually afford right now?What happens when couples have different money styles?What does a professional architect look for in 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! 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!

Sergio and Ali thought they were years away from buying a home, but this replay episode reveals how fear, misinformation, and the right guidance changed everything.Think you’re not ready to buy a home in today’s market? Sergio and Ali felt the same way, despite having strong savings and solid finances. In this replay episode, David revisits their story and shows how emotional barriers—not financial ones—were holding them back. Learn how education, a clear plan, and the right “unicorn realtor” helped them buy remotely during a cross-country move. “You need a unicorn realtor. You need a unicorn realtor that understands everything, but is also like a marriage counselor.” — SergioHighlightsWhy did Sergio and Ali think they weren’t ready to buy a home?What did David see that they didn’t about their finances?How did a clear budget and timeline change everything?Why is the right realtor so important during a remote move?Referenced EpisodesEpisode 274 — Wait…My Producer Can’t Buy a Home? Here’s Why…Episode 275 — Market Update & Unicorn DisclosuresEpisode 276 — Breaking Down Home Buyer Questions - Bob & BobbetteEpisode 315 — How a 20-Year-Old Outsmarted the Market—And How You Can Too (UNICORN INTERVIEW)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!

Most step-by-step homebuying lists from major platforms are designed to guide you toward services—not help you make the right decisions.First-time buyers are told to follow step-by-step lists, but most are built with hidden priorities. This episode breaks down how Zillow, Best Money, and NerdWallet structure their advice—and why the order cane often be flawed. Each list pushes buyers toward financial actions early, often before they understand their own goals. The fix is simple but critical: start by deciding your “why,” then build a strategy around your life, not their funnel. “The deal is they’re designed to attract your attention, not educate.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Consumer AdvocateHighlights Are step-by-step homebuying lists actually built to help you—or to sell to you?Why do platforms push pre-approval and credit steps before personal planning?What happens when you follow a list that’s in the wrong order?How do you build a homebuying plan that fits your life instead of a generic checklist?_________________________________________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!

Think you’ll lose your home if you change jobs during the buying process? This real buyer story breaks down what actually happens—and when it’s okay.One of the most common fears for first-time homebuyers is making a mistake that could kill their deal. Changing jobs during escrow is often seen as one of the biggest risks—and for good reason. Lenders rely heavily on stable income to approve your loan. In this episode, a buyer shares what happened when they were promoted and switched to a new full-time job while already under contract. The timing couldn’t have been tighter—their first paycheck from the new role came just days before closing. Despite the stress, the deal still went through. Why? Because the job change stayed within the same field, the income remained consistent, and—most importantly—the lender was informed and able to adjust the loan in time. “You can change jobs… I don’t recommend you do it a couple days before you close.” – David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer CoachHighlightsWhat really happens if you change jobs during escrow?Can a promotion actually help your loan approval instead of hurting it?How much does staying in the same field matter to your lender?What should you do immediately if your income situation changes before closing?_____________________________________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!

Online real estate platforms may seem helpful, but many are designed to sell your data — not protect your homebuying journey.Buying your first home often starts online, but most platforms are built to generate leads, not guide buyers. Your personal information is often sold to agents and lenders, turning your search into a sales funnel.This episode breaks down how large real estate companies prioritize volume and profit over quality service. High turnover and low experience levels mean many buyers are left without the guidance they need.It also challenges the assumption that a licensed agent is automatically qualified. Many professionals are undertrained or lack the experience needed for such a major financial decision.Most importantly, this episode gives first-time buyers the awareness and mindset needed to protect themselves, avoid common traps, and take control of their homebuying process.“The real estate industry is one big con game.” - David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer AdvocateHighlightsAre real estate websites selling your data instead of helping you buy a home?Why do so many agents and loan officers lack the experience buyers expect?Does having a license actually mean someone is qualified to guide you?Are corporate real estate platforms putting profits ahead of your success?Referenced Episodes 339 - Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)400 - Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)415 - Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home 2.0 - Pt. 1426 - Lowering Your Down Payment – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Pt. 7440 - First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement Strategy441 - First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease Ever443 - First Time Homebuyer FAQ: What Can I Actually Afford in 2026?460 - Rent vs Buy in 2026: Are First Time Homebuyers Crazy?462 - How to Win a Bidding War as a First Time Homebuyer - 50 Expert Tips (Spring 2026)469 - Putting a Plan into Action - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 2026470 - Effective Solutions to Get UNSTUCK - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!

The latest 2026 housing data reveals something most buyers aren’t hearing—opportunity is back. In this episode, David breaks down what’s actually happening in today’s market, why first-time buyers are gaining leverage, and how to take advantage of it before conditions shift again. The first quarter of 2026 is in—and despite global uncertainty, rising costs, and economic noise, the housing market is showing signs of opportunity for first-time buyers. This episode breaks down the latest data and explains why buyers may finally have more control than they think. David highlights a major shift: renters are no longer sitting on the sidelines. More listeners are taking action—seeking guidance, starting pre-planning, and connecting with trusted professionals. This signals a growing awareness that waiting may no longer be the best strategy.“You’re not stuck… you’re just missing the right information to see your opportunity.” Highlights What if waiting is actually costing you more than buying right now?Why are more first-time buyers taking action during uncertainty instead of avoiding it?Where is the real leverage in today’s market—and how do you spot it?What steps can you take right now to turn confusion into a clear buying plan? Referenced Episodes 471 - NEW 2026 Housing Market Update for First-Time Home Buyers (The Data No One Is Explaining Correctly)470 - Effective Solutions to Get UNSTUCK - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 2026400 - Introduction: How to Buy a Home Starter Series (START HERE)443 - First Time Homebuyer FAQ: What Can I Actually Afford in 2026?457 - First Time Homebuyers: Buy or Wait in 2026? (March Housing Market Update)464 - This ONE Myth is Killing First Time Homebuyers in 2026469 - Putting a Plan into Action - First Time Homebuyers vs. High Cost of Living 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, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!