How to Buy a Home: The #1 First Time Home Buyer Podcast

David Sidoni
  • 4.8 (890)
  • How To
  • Updated Semiweekly

Trying to buy your first house in 2026? Start at Episode 500 to start the trusted 10 Steps for Buying Your First Home. This system has helped thousands of renters across the United States say goodbye to their landlords and navigate the 2026 housing market. How to Buy a Home is proud to be the #1 Podcast for First Time Homebuyers across the nation since 2019. Hosted by veteran realtor and 20 year consumer advocate for first time home buyers, David Sidoni, this podcast features expert insights, up to date real estate forecasts, and hundreds of interviews with real first time homebuyers so you can learn from real success stories. If you're trying to buy your first home, you probably have questions like: Can I actually buy a house? 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. How to Buy a Home has helped thousands of 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.

  1. How to Invest in Yourself with Zach Foust (@zachary.loft) INTERVIEW

    8h ago

    How to Invest in Yourself with Zach Foust (@zachary.loft) INTERVIEW

    Learn how investing in yourself, building assets, and thinking long-term can help first-time homebuyers create stability and wealth in today’s economy. Many first-time homebuyers feel like they’re falling behind as housing costs, inflation, and everyday expenses continue to rise. In this episode, Zach Foust joins David Sidoni to discuss why the traditional path to financial success no longer works for many Americans and what can be done instead. From homeownership and land ownership to self-sufficiency and intentional spending, Zach shares practical ways to invest in yourself rather than constantly consume. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on building financial security and creating opportunities in a rapidly changing economy.   “You can’t do it the old boomer way where you just go to work, punch in and put your money aside and you’re going to be fine.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights What does it really mean to invest in yourself in today’s economy?Why are homeownership and asset-building still powerful wealth-building tools?How can land ownership and self-sufficiency create greater financial stability?What mindset shifts can help first-time buyers thrive despite inflation and economic uncertainty? Zachary Foust - Instagram | Podcast | YouTube 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!

    47 min
  2. 8 Things Every First Time Homebuyers Should Do THIS Month - 498

    2d ago

    8 Things Every First Time Homebuyers Should Do THIS Month - 498

    Feeling overwhelmed by buying a home? These eight practical action steps will help you build a plan, improve your buying power, and avoid costly mistakes before you start house hunting. Most first-time homebuyers focus on finding homes before creating a strategy, which often leads to stress, confusion, and expensive mistakes. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down eight specific actions buyers can take in the next 30 days to improve affordability, strengthen their financial position, and gain confidence in the process. Topics include calculating your debt-to-income ratio, creating a realistic wish list, improving your credit score, automating savings, researching neighborhoods, organizing mortgage documents, and exploring down payment assistance programs. The episode concludes with a step-by-step framework for building a homebuying plan that helps buyers avoid the panic and overwhelm of “the scramble.”   “The biggest mistake is scramble. Build your team first, your plan second, and then go home shopping.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights What is your true homebuying budget, and how can calculating your DTI help you understand it before speaking with a lender? How can a no-regrets wish list help you balance must-haves, affordability, and future goals when searching for a home? Are you overlooking down payment assistance programs that could significantly reduce the amount you need to save? Why do so many first-time buyers end up in “the scramble,” and how can building a plan now help you avoid it?   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!

    31 min
  3. First Time Homebuyer - How a 24-Year-Old Bought a Home in Just 8 Weeks (Interview) - 497

    5d ago

    First Time Homebuyer - How a 24-Year-Old Bought a Home in Just 8 Weeks (Interview) - 497

    At just 24 years old, Jeremiah shares how he went from believing homeownership was years away to buying a $501,000 home in eight weeks by staying open-minded, building the right team, and taking advantage of opportunities he never knew existed. Like many first-time buyers, Jeremiah assumed homeownership was still years away. After connecting with the right real estate team, he discovered he was already in a position to buy and closed on a $501,000 home just eight weeks later. In this episode, he shares how a low down payment, seller credits, an interest rate buydown, and realistic expectations helped him become a homeowner at age 24. He also explains how bringing in a trusted housemate created financial flexibility and why keeping an open mind throughout the process made all the difference. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to buy a house. And then they’re like, ‘Oh, actually, you’re good to go.’” — Jeremiah, First Time Homebuyer 2026 Highlights What happens when you stop assuming you need years of preparation before talking to a real estate team?How did Jeremiah and his wife buy a $501,000 home with a low down payment while keeping their savings intact?Why did they walk away from a house they could technically afford and choose a smaller home instead?How can a simple house-hacking strategy create extra financial breathing room after 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 @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!

    31 min
  4. Real Estate Terms First Time Homebuyers Need in 2026 - 496

    Jun 17

    Real Estate Terms First Time Homebuyers Need in 2026 - 496

    First-time buyers need clear definitions, smart planning, and the right team to avoid fear-based mistakes in the 2026 housing market. The 2026 housing market has created a new set of terms that first-time homebuyers need to understand before making decisions. This episode breaks down concepts like the lock-in effect, parallel planning, rate obsession, approval shock, rent reporting, and market brain freeze. Instead of letting headlines, TikTok, Zillow, or outdated advice control the process, buyers are encouraged to build a personalized plan with trusted professionals. The biggest takeaway is that education comes first, but endless research without action can cost buyers time, options, and money. “Math over emotions. Education over outrage.” – David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlight Are scary headlines causing you to miss a real opportunity window?Could parallel planning help you buy sooner than you think?Are you stuck in rate obsession instead of building a full affordability plan?Do you know which real estate terms can change your negotiation power? 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!

    30 min
  5. Mortgage Calculators are Lying to You (First Time Homebuyers Beware) - 495

    Jun 15

    Mortgage Calculators are Lying to You (First Time Homebuyers Beware) - 495

    A mortgage calculator can show numbers, but it cannot tell you whether homeownership is truly possible for your life, goals, and budget. First-time buyers often use mortgage calculators as if they are financial advisors, but those tools only answer a tiny part of the homebuying question. This episode explains why online calculators miss key factors like credit strategy, debt-to-income ratio, down payment assistance, grants, lender credits, local programs, and long-term goals. Buyers learn why comparing rent directly to a mortgage payment can create fear instead of clarity. The real takeaway is to use calculators for education, but build a full homebuying plan with a team that can show your actual starting point.    “You shouldn't be told if you can start. You should be told where to start.” – David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach   Highlights What if your mortgage calculator is missing programs that could lower your cash needed to buy?What if the payment you saw online is not your real affordability picture?What if your debt, credit, job history, or student loans are not the roadblocks you think they are?What if the better question is not “Can I buy?” but “Where should I start?” Referenced Episodes Episode 443 – First Time Homebuyer FAQ: What Can I Actually Afford in 2026?Episode 460 – Rent vs Buy in 2026: Are First Time Homebuyers Crazy?Episode 480 – How to Buy a Home Explained in Under 20 Minutes (First Time Home Buyers) 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!

    25 min
  6. First Time Homebuyer Tip: "Persistence Pays Off" (INTERVIEW) - 494

    Jun 12

    First Time Homebuyer Tip: "Persistence Pays Off" (INTERVIEW) - 494

    A first-time homebuyer shares how patience, smart planning, and trust in his team helped him buy a home after four years of preparation. Buying a home does not always happen on the first offer or even in the first year. Matthew spent four years navigating career growth, changing life circumstances, rising home prices, and multiple failed transactions before purchasing his first home in New Jersey. In this episode, he explains why buying below his maximum approval amount, using a low down payment, and preserving cash for renovations made the most sense for his goals. His story highlights the value of persistence, realistic expectations, and trusting experienced professionals throughout the process. “Just take your time, be persistent, listen to your unicorn team and just get it done.” – Matthew, First Time Homebuyer 2026 Highlights What can first-time buyers learn from a four-year homebuying journey that included multiple setbacks and changing life goals?Why did Matthew choose to buy in the lower third of his budget instead of maximizing his loan approval?How did a 5% down payment help him preserve cash for renovations and future investment opportunities?What made him walk away from several homes during inspections, and how did that lead to a better purchase? 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!

    34 min
  7. Special Episode: Selling Smart to Buy Your Forever Home - 493

    Jun 10

    Special Episode: Selling Smart to Buy Your Forever Home - 493

    A homeowner shares how strategic planning, temporary renting, and a trusted real estate team helped transform a stressful sell-and-buy process into a successful move into a long-term home. Most How to Buy a Home stories focus on first-time buyers, but this special episode explores a challenge many homeowners eventually face: selling one home while searching for the next. Isaac shares how an eight-month home sale tested his patience, confidence, and financial planning. Instead of rushing into a purchase, his family created flexibility by renting temporarily, preparing months in advance, and relying on a trusted team of professionals. The result was a seven-week buying process that landed them in a home designed to meet both their current needs and future retirement goals.   “Our whole plan was about reducing the stress and time pressure on ourselves so that we didn’t feel like we were forced to settle for something that was less than what we were doing this whole thing to get in the first place.” — Isaac Guerrero   Highlights Thinking about selling before buying? What can homeowners learn from creating flexibility before entering the market?How did an eight-month wait to sell ultimately help create a faster and more confident home purchase?Why can trusting experienced professionals lead to better decisions during pricing, negotiations, inspections, and closing?What strategies helped Isaac identify the right home, avoid settling, and move into a property built for long-term living? 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!

    46 min
  8. Housing Market Update - June 2026 Data for First Time Home Buyers - 492

    Jun 8

    Housing Market Update - June 2026 Data for First Time Home Buyers - 492

    The June 2026 housing market update reveals why waiting for a dramatic market shift may be keeping first-time homebuyers from opportunities available right now. Many first-time homebuyers are still waiting for mortgage rates to fall or home prices to drop, but the 2026 housing market continues to show only gradual changes. While prices, rates, and demand remain relatively stable, seller concessions, price reductions, and increased inventory are creating new opportunities for prepared buyers. This episode breaks down the latest housing data, explains why low inventory remains the biggest factor affecting affordability, and highlights practical strategies buyers are using to purchase homes despite today’s challenges. Learn why education, planning, and understanding your options may be more valuable than trying to perfectly time the market. “The biggest mistake I see is almost never somebody buying a home at the wrong time. It’s almost always people waiting too long to start learning about their options.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights Are mortgage rates and home prices really changing enough to justify waiting for a better market?Why are seller concessions, price reductions, and new construction creating opportunities for first-time homebuyers in 2026?How are FHA and VA buyers finding affordable paths to homeownership despite higher interest rates?What strategies are helping informed buyers move forward while others remain stuck on the sidelines? Referenced Episodes 426 – 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?457 – First Time Homebuyers: Buy or Wait in 2026? (March Housing Market Update)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)464 – This ONE Myth is Killing First Time Homebuyers in 2026468 – Scouting Home Listings Like a Pro - First Time Homebuyers Guide (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 2026474 – WARNING: “Step by Step” Lists for First Time Homebuyers – Can You Trust Them? (Zillow, Best Money, NerdWallet…etc.)479 – Can You Buy Your First House Solo? (Women Are Taking the Lead)483 – Top 10 Mortgage Questions Every First Time Homebuyer Needs Answered485 – Timing the Market as a First Time Homebuyer488 – 8 First Time Homebuyer Tips to Beat High Interest Rates489 – 2026 Housing Affordability Update for First Time Homebuyers 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, in

    34 min
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4.8
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Trying to buy your first house in 2026? Start at Episode 500 to start the trusted 10 Steps for Buying Your First Home. This system has helped thousands of renters across the United States say goodbye to their landlords and navigate the 2026 housing market. How to Buy a Home is proud to be the #1 Podcast for First Time Homebuyers across the nation since 2019. Hosted by veteran realtor and 20 year consumer advocate for first time home buyers, David Sidoni, this podcast features expert insights, up to date real estate forecasts, and hundreds of interviews with real first time homebuyers so you can learn from real success stories. If you're trying to buy your first home, you probably have questions like: Can I actually buy a house? 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. How to Buy a Home has helped thousands of 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.

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