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

David Sidoni
  • 4.8 (891)
  • How To
  • Updated Semiweekly

Trying to buy your first house in 2026? Start at Episode 400 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. Housing Market Update - June 2026 Data for First Time Home Buyers

    23h ago

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

    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
  2. Buying a Forever Home as a First Time Homebuyer (INTERVIEW)

    3d ago

    Buying a Forever Home as a First Time Homebuyer (INTERVIEW)

    A first-time buyer shares how knowing his numbers, building the right team, and staying flexible helped him buy a long-term home faster than expected. Many first-time buyers assume they need years of preparation before they can purchase a home, but Dorian’s story shows how education and planning can accelerate the process. After discovering the How to Buy a Home podcast, he built a strategy around his budget, long-term goals, and a trusted real estate team. Along the way, he navigated rising interest rates, a competitive offer situation, and a low appraisal without losing the home he wanted. This episode highlights how understanding your finances, leaning on expert guidance, and focusing on facts instead of fear can create opportunities even in a challenging market. “Knowing my numbers gave me the confidence to make decisions when things changed during the process.” — Dorian, First-Time Homebuyer (2026) Highlights How do you decide whether to buy a starter home or wait for a long-term home that better fits your future goals?What can a low appraisal teach buyers about negotiation leverage and protecting themselves from overpaying?How do strong realtors and lenders help first-time buyers navigate bidding wars, rising interest rates, and unexpected challenges?Why is understanding your budget and monthly payment flexibility one of the most important steps before shopping for homes? 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!

    32 min
  3. First Time Homebuyer Pros & Cons: New Build vs. Resale - 490

    5d ago

    First Time Homebuyer Pros & Cons: New Build vs. Resale - 490

    Trying to decide between a new construction home and a resale property? This episode breaks down the real pros, cons, hidden costs, and negotiation strategies that can help first-time buyers make the right decision. Many first-time homebuyers assume there is a clear winner between new construction and resale homes, but the right choice depends on personal goals, budget, lifestyle, and market conditions. This episode explores the advantages of new builds, including lower maintenance, energy efficiency, and builder incentives, while exposing common traps like upgrade costs, builder lender pressure, and misleading pricing. It also examines the benefits of resale homes, such as established neighborhoods, larger lots, and stronger location options, along with the risks of repairs and maintenance. Most importantly, buyers learn how to compare homes based on total value, not just price, so they can build a strategy that supports both their short-term needs and long-term financial goals.    “Strategy beats emotion every single time.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights Should first-time homebuyers choose a new build or resale home?Are builder incentives actually saving buyers money?What hidden costs can make new construction more expensive than expected?How can buyers compare homes based on total value instead of 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 @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
  4. 2026 Housing Affordability Update for Renters and First Time Homebuyers - 489

    Jun 1

    2026 Housing Affordability Update for Renters and First Time Homebuyers - 489

    Feeling priced out of homeownership in 2026? This episode breaks down why affordability may actually be improving for first-time buyers. Rising home prices and mortgage rates have convinced many renters that buying a home is impossible, but the real math tells a different story. This episode explains why 2026 is more affordable than 2023 and how lower interest rates are quietly creating better opportunities for first-time buyers. Listeners learn how credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, savings, and income requirements affect mortgage approval in today’s market. The episode also exposes the danger of outdated advice and shows how education and strategy can help buyers move forward with confidence instead of fear. “It’s time to once again bring you hope and possibilities with my favorite friends. Math and data.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coac Highlights Is buying a home in 2026 actually more affordable than it was three years ago?How much do lower mortgage rates change your monthly payment and buying power?What do credit scores, debt, savings, and income really mean for mortgage approval today?Why are so many first-time buyers getting bad advice about the housing market and affordability? 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!

    24 min
  5. 8 First Time Homebuyer Tips to Beat High Interest Rates - 488

    May 28

    8 First Time Homebuyer Tips to Beat High Interest Rates - 488

    High mortgage rates don’t automatically make homeownership impossible, and this episode explains the real strategies buyers are using to still make the math work. You probably think today’s housing market is impossible without family money or a huge down payment? This episode breaks down the biggest myths surrounding high interest rates and first-time homebuyer affordability. Learn why buyers were still purchasing homes during even less affordable years, how low down payment and rent replacement strategies work, and why obsessing over tiny rate differences can actually distract from better long-term decisions. This episode also challenges fear-based real estate content and explains how education, planning, and strategy can create opportunities even in a difficult market. “People are lying to you. One of the big lies about your ability to buy a home is that high interest rates make it impossible to find affordable options.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights What if high interest rates are not the real reason buyers feel locked out of the market?Why are some first-time buyers still purchasing homes successfully with low down payment options?Could focusing too much on finding the absolute lowest rate actually hurt your long-term strategy?What affordability myths are keeping renters stuck on the sidelines longer than necessary?  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!

    37 min
  6. 4 Foundations of First-Time Homebuyer Affordability in 2026 - 487

    May 26

    4 Foundations of First-Time Homebuyer Affordability in 2026 - 487

    Think buying a home in 2026 is impossible? The math says otherwise, and this episode breaks down why affordability has quietly improved for first-time homebuyers. Housing affordability headlines are creating fear, but the actual numbers tell a different story. This episode explains why 2026 is mathematically more affordable than 2023, even after years of rising home prices and higher mortgage rates. Listeners learn how credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, savings, and income requirements affect mortgage options today and why many first-time buyers still have more paths forward than they realize. The episode also breaks down the danger of outdated advice and shows how education, planning, and understanding the current market can help buyers move forward with confidence. “It’s time to once again bring you hope and possibilities with my favorite friends. Math and data.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach  Highlights Why was 2023 actually less affordable than 2026 for first-time homebuyers?How do lower interest rates change affordability even when prices stay high?What do credit scores, debt, savings, and income really mean for mortgage approval today?Why are so many buyers getting outdated or misleading homebuying advice online and from industry professionals? 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
  7. Home Inspections - 17 Red Flags for First Time Homebuyers - 486

    May 21

    Home Inspections - 17 Red Flags for First Time Homebuyers - 486

    Learn how to read a home inspection report without panic, spot serious red flags, and use inspections to protect yourself during the homebuying process. Home inspections can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers seeing pages of defects and warnings for the first time. This episode breaks down why inspection reports always look scary and explains how inspectors protect themselves through exhaustive reporting. Buyers will learn which issues are true red flags, which problems are normal maintenance concerns, and how inspections can strengthen negotiations instead of killing deals. The episode also covers why waiving inspections in competitive markets can be risky and how choosing the right inspector can protect buyers from expensive mistakes later. “You can then turn that inspection into one of your strongest tools in the negotiations.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights What should first-time buyers actually worry about in a home inspection report?Why do inspection reports make almost every house look terrible?When is waiving a home inspection too risky in a competitive market?How can buyers use inspection findings to negotiate repairs or credits? 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!

    38 min
  8. Timing the Market as a First Time Homebuyer - 485

    May 18

    Timing the Market as a First Time Homebuyer - 485

    Everyone says timing matters in real estate. But what if waiting for the “perfect” market is actually putting first-time buyers further behind? Most first-time buyers spend years waiting for lower rates, lower prices, more inventory, or some magical signal that says, “Now is the time.” But is that really a good idea? This episode breaks down the hidden realities of housing market timing, why different seasons completely change the buyer experience, and how competition shifts throughout the year. Buyers will also learn why some people seem to succeed in almost any market while others stay stuck waiting on the sidelines for conditions that may never come. “Timing the housing market can not only take a lot of stress out of the process, but it can also save you big dollars and gain you massive leverage in your own custom home buying process.” — David Sidoni, First Time Homebuyer Coach Highlights Is waiting for the “perfect” housing market actually costing buyers more?Why do some seasons create massive competition while others create opportunity?What hidden market patterns do experienced buyers already understand?Why do some first-time buyers move forward confidently while others stay frozen for years? 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!

    23 min
See All (494)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
891 Ratings

About

Trying to buy your first house in 2026? Start at Episode 400 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.

Information

You Might Also Like