How to Buy a Home

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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.

Recent Episodes
  • Real Answers Pt 2: Mortgage Myths, Interest Rates & Buying Timing
    Jun 12, 2025 – 36:44
  • Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1) - 352
    Jun 10, 2025 – 28:37
  • How a Drama Teacher Bought a Home Solo (INTERVIEW) - 351
    Jun 7, 2025 – 44:36
  • From ‘Years Away’ to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever - 350
    Jun 4, 2025 – 26:37
  • Credit Score Solutions for First-Time Buyers (INTERVIEW) - 349
    Jun 2, 2025 – 48:37
  • How Much Do You Really Need for Closing Day? - 348
    May 28, 2025 – 35:44
  • She Fired Her Realtor—and Bought the Right Home in 3 Days (INTERVIEW) - 347
    May 23, 2025 – 48:57
  • How to Build the Perfect Mortgage Plan (Before You Apply) - 346
    May 21, 2025 – 47:49
  • Why You’re Asking the WRONG Question About Interest Rates - 345
    May 19, 2025 – 45:19
  • May 2025 Market Shifts: Data That Gives First-Time Buyers an Edge - 344
    May 16, 2025 – 21:01
  • $60K Income to Homeowner: Jessica’s Journey (INTERVIEW) - 343
    May 14, 2025 – 38:45
  • Three Things I Wish I Did Sooner to Buy a Home (GUEST HOSTED) - 342
    May 8, 2025 – 23:00
  • Prices, Rates & Confusion - May 2025 Housing Market Update - 341
    May 5, 2025 – 22:57
  • Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW) - 340
    May 2, 2025 – 46:46
  • Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW) - 339
    Apr 29, 2025 – 37:35
  • Battling Mold, Bad Advice, and Moving Mayhem in Pittsburgh, PA (INTERVIEW) - 338
    Apr 28, 2025 – 58:41
  • Moving Scams: How to Avoid the Moving Mafia & Being Robbed (INTERVIEW) - 337
    Apr 25, 2025 – 39:14
  • Moving & Packing Tips - How to Reduce Stress When Moving (INTERVIEW) - 336
    Apr 23, 2025 – 39:36
  • VA Loan, Self-Employed, Military Spouse—Jessica Did It (INTERVIEW) - 335
    Apr 21, 2025 – 01:05:46
  • April Tariff Panic: What It Means for Homebuyers - 334
    Apr 16, 2025 – 16:35
  • From Out-of-State to Chicago Homeowner (INTERVIEW) - 333
    Apr 14, 2025 – 38:40
  • Home Inspections: What’s Normal vs Red Flag? - 332
    Apr 9, 2025 – 37:35
  • April 2025 Housing Market Update – Stocks, Rate Drops, & Opportunities - 331
    Apr 7, 2025 – 19:27
  • From Renter to Homeowner with a Home Business – Christina’s Story (INTERVIEW) - 330
    Apr 4, 2025 – 36:38
  • In a Homebuying Purchase, Details Matter (REPLAY+UPDATE) - 329
    Apr 2, 2025 – 34:50
  • 2025 Homebuying Action Steps - 10 Real Estate Pro Tips - 328
    Mar 31, 2025 – 39:59
  • From “Maybe Next Year” to Homeowner in 4 Months – Elizabeth’s Story (INTERVIEW) - 327
    Mar 28, 2025 – 27:01
  • Unlocking 2-3% Interest Rates with Assumable Mortgages (INTERVIEW) - 326
    Mar 26, 2025 – 48:22
  • Can an AI Chatbot Talk Homebuying? My Interview with Maya (INTERVIEW) - 325
    Mar 24, 2025 – 19:18
  • How a Unicorn Realtor Helped Melissa Win Her Dream Condo (INTERVIEW) - 324
    Mar 21, 2025 – 35:46
  • What to Know About FSBO and Zillow Before You Buy (Replay) - 323
    Mar 19, 2025 – 30:23
  • Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask - 322
    Mar 17, 2025 – 24:56
  • Buying in a High-Cost Area – Long Island, NY (INTERVIEW) - 321
    Mar 15, 2025 – 32:57
  • Rebuilding After Loss – Stories from the LA Fire Survivors (INTERVIEW) - 320
    Mar 12, 2025 – 40:12
  • Condo vs. Townhome vs. House – Which One is Right for You? - 319
    Mar 10, 2025 – 22:32
  • Speeding Up the Homebuying Process with Research - INTERVIEW - 318
    Mar 7, 2025 – 27:26
  • Raising Real Estate Standards – An Interview with the Mann Brothers - 317
    Mar 5, 2025 – 43:14
  • March 3rd, 2025 - Changing Housing Market Update - 316
    Mar 3, 2025 – 29:38
  • How a 20-Year-Old Outsmarted the Market—And How You Can Too UNICORN INTERVIEW - 315
    Feb 28, 2025 – 34:23
  • Is Real Estate a Good Investment? - Dave Meyer, Bigger Pockets Interview - 314
    Feb 26, 2025 – 42:36
  • Critical Facts and Data Update for the 2025 Market - 313
    Feb 24, 2025 – 29:32
  • Rich People Only? Declan & Bailey’s 3% Down Victory INTERVIEW - 312
    Feb 20, 2025 – 40:12
  • Will You Miss the Best Time to Buy a Home? Spring 2025 Update - 311
    Feb 18, 2025 – 22:05
  • HOMEBUYING 101: Understanding Today's Market | STEP 10 - 310
    Feb 14, 2025 – 30:09
  • Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage | STEP 9 | HOMEBUYING 101 - 309
    Feb 12, 2025 – 14:16
  • DIY Education & Online Research: Homebuying 101 - Step 7 & 8
    Feb 10, 2025 – 16:24
  • Choosing House Must-Haves: Homebuying 101 - Step 6
    Feb 6, 2025 – 35:40
  • Saving To Buy Your Home: Homebuying 101 - Step 5
    Feb 4, 2025 – 55:57
  • Ep. 305 - Debt Management: Homebuying 101 - Step 4
    Jan 29, 2025 – 58:31
  • Improve Your Credit: Homebuying 101 - Step 3
    Jan 24, 2025 – 45:21
Recent Reviews
  • adrinnnnnn
    The hand holding you need!
    Finding David’s podcast was the absolute best way to begin our home buying journey. David turned out to be one of those “too good to be true, but holy cow it’s true!” resources. With just one email he hooked us up with our wonderful realtor Kenny (and our amazing mortgage team)! Continuing to listen to the podcast during our almost year long search kept me motivated (and sane!) during the tough times when I contemplated living life as a renter forever. Thank you David!
  • How to buy a home
    Helpful network!
    David helped link us up with a rock star highly rated realtor in a high cost of living area who worked with us. We were able to buy a home we love in a few months! It was great to be connected to a network of professionals.
  • locinmit
    First time home buyer
    I feel like I am sitting in a master class with this podcast! Thanks for the info!
  • TFEN101
    How to buy a home!
    The podcast is very informational about the steps and process of how to buy a home, whether you are a first time buyer or refreshing your memory on the home buying process. David is super helpful and will respond to your questions and even connect you with a local realtor in your area! Would recommend listening for anyone wanting to get into home ownership.
  • Marvinnn G
    David is awesome and has a great network.
    Buying our first home felt very overwhelming at first, but David’s podcast was extremely informative AND David connected us with an AMAZING dream team!! We were able to complete the process from planning to closing, in about a month. We couldn’t believe not only the speed, but the quality and thoroughness everyone on our team displayed. We are grateful!
  • Neal Schaffer
    David is the real deal
    If you want to learn more about what first-time home buyers need to know, you need a trusted servant. That, my friends, is David. Educational, trustworthy, and unlike many in the real estate industry, not trying to sell you something! A breath of fresh air!
  • Sha-Vaughn Watkins
    How to buy
    11/10!!! Behind this podcast is a great team who provided excellent guidance, showed amazing professionalism and made the ultimate goal of buying a home as simple as possible while being available to help any confusions, questions or roadblocks that stop many people from achieving the dream of homeownership. The only regret you’ll have is not working with them sooner
  • nic_masters
    Helpful AND relatable
    David delivers incredible information for first time home buyers in a way that is informational, funny, and digestible. You can tell that he has a passion for helping first time home buyers and puts a ton of effort into conveying this knowledge in a way that is understandable and actually enjoyable to learn about!
  • Stef With a F
    Fantastic/ Helpful
    Do yourself a favor and listen! David is helpful and encouraging. If you’re ready to start house shopping, reach out to David first. He was able to connect me with the BEST unicorn realtor!
  • JLibreSF
    Loves his voice
    30-40 mins episodes but only about 10 mins worth of helpful information. He repeats himself constantly, and adds a ton of fluff to his podcast…needs to get to the point which you may end up missing because he talks in circles
  • qlac24
    Must Listen for first time home buyers
    This podcast made home buying feel way less stressful than its made out to be. Theres so many things that are important to know before buying a home, but I think even more importantly so much false “conventional wisdom” out there about the process as well. It tackles the facts, and just provides good information for those unfamiliar with the process. I’d personally recommend scrolling through the episodes and finding topics that you’re interested in learning more about. Theres almost certainly an episode for everything you need to know. Its hard to find free, digestible, accessible info out there on this topic. This podcast is that. Listen, and also reach out to David. Its all free, no string attached at all. He was able to connect me with an amazing realtor team that helped me navigate everything and actually cared, even as a first time home buyer. Davids one of the few genuinely good people who wants to help and educate. Cant recommend enough!
  • MichaelYoungRealtor
    Great content with real time updates
    David is very gifted at delivering information and making it entertaining and fun while listening. I am a Realtor and even I still get great nuggets of information for on the show. It is a must listen if you’re even thinking about buying a home. The listeners I have worked with have also been the most knowledgeable buyers I have ever worked with.
  • Patama Gomutbutra MD
    Disappointed - another FOMO calling realtor
    The first couple of episodes are good for education. I unfollow suddenly see the episode “prepare for bidding war”. It is definitely another FOMO without address the affordability in reality :(
  • NatterLiz
    You can be a HOMiE
    David is a REALTOR® with lots of practical advice for folks who don’t know how to buy a home. If you listen regularly, you’ll learn practical advice (not just pie in the sky info or things that only make sense to “experienced” folks). There are key “Dos” and “Donts” that can shorten the time it takes to be ready to buy. YOU CAN DO THIS!
  • JJ Danielson
    First place to go if you want to buy a home
    David’s podcast is so helpful and informative. His 10 step series (starting at episode 201) breaks everything down into understandable chunks and is an incredible guidebook for starting out. His “unicorn” realtors are the real deal! The realtor he recommended to me spent 2 hours in our first meeting explaining every step and document. The ones I found on my own only talked to me for about 30 minutes and had no understanding of how the industry was changing. Highly recommend the podcast, and if you need a realtor, connecting with a unicorn through David.
  • Hechoenjapan
    Instills a level of confidence!
    There are so many gems that David gives for FREE in his podcasts! He’s so relatable and breaks things down in a way that anyone can understand. I sometimes feel like I’m just having a phone conversation with an extremely intelligent friend or relative. The home buying process is so overwhelming and there isn’t a one size fits all experience. However, with David’s help the process has become clearer than ever. Buying your first home is not impossible and with this podcast I’ve realize it’s attainable than than I ever thought!
  • KC RE Pros
    Truth without being pitched.
    This is THE place to get fundamental advice on the difficult path to secure a home especially if you are new to the game. Dave has a passion few have to properly explain the huge opportunity that awaits with home ownership especially if done correctly. This is one podcast to share with anyone you love who wants to unlock to the tools to give YOU the advantage in a highly competitive real estate market.
  • KimT NHMA
    The BEST and most informative Podcast out there
    I have to say I am constantly sharing David’s podcast with all of my buyers even if they are not first timers. The information is timely and honest. It’s exactly what I would and am telling all of my buyers and I love that David and everyone who is interviewed shares the same opinion and stories from clear across the country! Nothing prepares you for homeownership better than the steps outlined in the podcast. Also last lease ever !!! Awesome step by step process to get yourself ready to stop paying someone else’s mortgage and pay your own. Home ownership may feel far away but with this plan it’s so much closer than you may think! I am so honored to work as a Unicorn Realtor and have an incredible team who have helped many first time buyers realize their dream of home ownership. Thank you David for all you do!!!
  • HeartAndSoles
    Tips, Tricks, And Honest Information
    Ready to buy a home and don’t know where to start? This podcast has you covered! Practical preparation and the information you need to take on a home purchase confidently!
  • Bob S ATL
    Episode 251 Last Lease Ever
    Great content with advice and a defined series of steps over 12 months (or less or more if appropriate) to put into action your rent replacement strategy and to start building wealth by purchasing your first home.
  • Tyler’s Take
    David Sidoni Rocks!
    I have to hand it to David. With each new potential buyer he sends my way, they’re more and more prepared to buy. These folks are eager and fun to work with, too.😀 I’ve been a Realtor for 22 years, and there’s nothing more gratifying than helping a first-time buyer get their first home - nothing! Thank you, David, for all that you do. You continue to educate and inform through your amazing podcasts. It’s an honor to serve alongside you as one of your trusted unicorns. Tyler Potter, Realtor, San Francisco Bay Area
  • DannyForReal
    When someone knows their purpose…
    Thank you for being real David and telling it like it is. If you are considering following this show… It won’t take you long to realize the podcast is real, authentic, and fun! Just like David. He provides to his “homies” on the Podcast extremely valuable, considerate and helpful information. If you are a first time home buyers… you just struck gold! 🙌❤️🙏
  • benjambb
    A must listen for any home buyer
    Being in the industry as an investor and Realtor for 17 years now, there is nobody giving you more raw truth than this podcast.
  • H Gaynor
    This show is for everyone!
    Everyone should listen to this show. A first time home buyer, a second or third time homebuyer…even sellers. Lots of personality in this show to give you a good chuckle while getting such good advise. Conversations you should be having with your lender or agent or your team in general should not be a “yes or a no.” Have conversations and make sure you know your goals and values and that everyone on your team knows them as well. Highly recommend this show to everyone!
  • POPP PG
    How to Buy a Home Podcast 251 - Last Lease Ever!
    What a great simple explanation of the steps renters can take - with support - to get them ready to buy their first home. Especially loved the discussion around the “Big 3” measures of credit improvement, debt reduction, and increasing savings! David Sidoni is positive and encouraging. The show has episodes on virtually every topic a homebuyer could want to know. Start your journey today because the best time to buy a home was yesterday!
  • Linda C 092912
    Buy a home at 26 years old in New York?
    This episode is so genuine! A first time buyer is actually able to put everything in place and buy a home at 26 years old. She’s the first person in her family to be able to own a home on her own. This will make you so excited for your journey. Yes the price range is high because it’s New York, but she did it. You can do it too listen to this podcast and all the others and then reach out to David because he can help.
  • Last Lease Rent
    How to stop renting: make this your last lease ever
    Episode 251 is amazing and a must have tool. It’s finally here for our first time homebuyers.. When you have both Unicorn real estate agent and the Unicorn lender lender teaming to partner and work with a first time homebuyer to buy a home with these strategies it is powerful!! in the real estate industry, we know the pillars for buying a home is credit score, debt, and savings. Along with that obviously is income. It’s a very simple process to set goals with the Buyer using these three pillars, track each goal monthly, until the prospective buyer has hit their goals then it is time to buy. The seller will know that this is a solid homebuyer because all pillars have been met. The consumer will be well educated! Awesome tool thank you David Sidoni!!
  • Unicorn Agent Petaluma
    Great advice, Knowledge is Key
    Great history of the economy, David! Excellent reminder on how we got to where we are today. Knowledge is Keefer understanding how to buy your first home.
  • LCA515
    Buying your first home? This podcast is a must!
    David provides information with a natural and no b.s. approach. You will feel like you are having an actual conversation with him. Learn the process from start to finish and the value of a real estate support team to guide you. There really is no other podcast providing this type of education.
  • Byoshimura
    Last Lease Ever!
    I absolutely love this episode! The desire to get educated on the home buying process before making those big decisions is the best thing a first time home buyer can do! David’s straightforward approach is refreshing! Being a unicorn Realtor or Lender is rare, but we are out there!
  • Meshuggeneh Kep
    Chock Full of Crucial Information!
    Wow! These podcasts are real game changers for 1st time homebuyers. A lot of vital information provided in a fun and easy to follow format. I enjoy the real life stories about the experiences of real 1st time home buyers. The podcasts provided “How To’s”
  • fddgdvdgHdsghsrghdfj
    This is GOLD!
    David breaks it down so that it feels so possible (because it is!!!) to be a homeowner. Practical advice in an entertaining way. Love it!!
  • Evelyn91730
    Zillow
    Wow! David thanks for all the insight and info about Zillow. Talk about the Wolf in sheep’s clothing
  • appJedi
    Practical advice for First Time Buyers!
    Buyers are starving for wisdom and drowning in information- most of which is bad advice or sorely outdated. David brings real world front line experience and shares it with genuine authenticity.
  • Scubachick.kelly
    OMG - Brilliant Advice
    David helps empower his listeners to take steps toward homebuyer readiness. David gives great hacks on how to improve your credit score, a rent replacement strategy as well as getting ready before you’re ready to buy a home. David’s extensive network of unicorn agents and lenders across the country hold themselves to incredibly high standards. Thank you, David for bringing real talk to first time homebuyers!
  • Ginny in PA
    Listen to this guy!!
    David Sidoni knows his stuff and is so very helpful to first time buyers. He will show you the ropes and make this process understandable. Follow his podcasts.
  • Tara Orlando Realtor
    A must listen for first time homebuyers!
    If you’re diving into the world of home buying, you definitely need to check out David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy." With over 18 years of experience under his belt, he’s not just a seasoned real estate pro; he’s a true consumer advocate who’s passionate about helping first-time homebuyers. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a goldmine of information. David has this incredible knack for breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces. Whether you're unsure about budgeting, financing, or even how to make an offer, he covers it all in a way that feels approachable and relatable. What I love most are the inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers he shares. They’re not just informative; they’re truly motivating and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. If you're looking for expert advice and actionable tips, David Sidoni is your go-to guy. His approach makes the home-buying process feel so much more accessible and understandable. Highly recommend giving his podcast a listen!
  • Kiltjie
    Excellent Advice
    Such excellent advice and solid facts delivered to help the first time buyer navigate the waters of buying their home and making it a great experience by surrounding them with a great team.
  • Full Service Unicorn
    Dropping truth BOMBS!!!
    Just finished listening to the latest episode, “Why Zillow is a Scam (Mostly). I really appreciate that David is upfront and reveals some truths that were not even considered by most using the website. While it’s a tool on the internet showing the pretty pictures of homes they are an really trying to sell you to a real estate professional or lender that may not be the best qualified to help a buyer with their home purchase.
  • may u know jclovesyou
    Outstanding content with a fun presenter
    Dave really cares about his listeners & is passionate about helping people achieve all of the benefits of homeownership… he truly gets that this is life changing, and he offers excellent direction to his listeners, which makes is easy & fun to achieve the amazing goal of owning a home. He’s also funny and charming so that listening to him is addictive & you truly feel like he’s your buddy. Additionally he clearly deep dives into his research and then makes it very accessible for everyone who’s interested in real estate & homeownership! Happy listening!
  • Skliesen
    Great Info
    The info in this podcast is so easy to understand and helps break down complicated topics in an easy to follow way. HOMIES!!!
  • Pdxrunnergirl
    Last Lease Ever Program
    I had never thought about breaking down the goal of home buying into a 12 month plan. It definitely makes the whole process seem more feasible. Plus, it would give me time to adjust to the idea of being a “home owner.” Cool!
  • this is nor so great
    Absolutely essential information
    First-time, second-time and even third-time buyers can gain valuable insight from David. Give yourself the upper hand in the housing market and listen to David’s how to buy a home.
  • Azalea D
    Unexpected extras
    From the first conversation till after you’re closed, David and his team are dedicated to ensuring each listener—fondly referred to as ‘homies’—enjoys an exceptional experience. They go above and beyond by facilitating top-tier connections nationwide. Tune in to discover just how powerful this podcast truly is!
  • JanelleFromDel
    David is the Man
    This podcast is a breath of fresh air! I love David’s approach to empower and educate the first time home buyer to make a complex situation less stressful and more enjoyable. The work starts way before you are ready to buy and this pod shows you how to build a support network (with top tier professional, local, thoughtful agents and lenders) to help you archive your real estate goals. I’m happy to be a Unicorn helping out all our homies!
  • Tracey Dedee
    Spot on!
    Cold hard facts combined with a plan to succeed and delivered with candor and humor. Must listen to Podcast series for Home Buyers.
  • cphightower
    BEST REAL ESTATE PODCAST EVER!!!
    I have been a Realtor for 24 years and this is by far the best content for 1st Time Home Buyers I have ever heard! Hands down, it’s not even close people. Listen to this podcast. If you follow the steps and strategies you will buy a home and it will likely be sooner than you think. And, quite honestly, you don’t need to be a 1st Time Home Buyer to benefit from the podcast, there is something here for everyone. Even if you are a real estate professional and have been in business for years you will learn incredible information that most Broker’s just don’t teach their agents. The podcast has incredible reach and resources to help you buy a home and all the information provided by the podcast is free!
  • Noelle Banks
    David cares about the first time buyer and breaks the process down into simple steps
    David has a passion for the first time home buyer to make home ownership a reality. He provides a much needed education about the home buying process and breaks it down into simple steps so that buyers can make educated decisions with their largest financial investment - a home. I am a Realtor and personally know David. I highly recommend to all of our first time buyers to listen to David’s podcast to gain the valuable education that he provides.
  • Darby Middleton
    Love the content!
    Being a real estate agent I enjoy listening to this show for the deep dive into the first time home buyers! This show provides insight from the buyer’s perspective which brings an entire different view on the process and how to handle it. This is a great way to learn more! Thank you!!
  • RealtorMJ
    Fort Lauderdale Agent
    David brings a genuine and honest perspective on the home buying experience. He truly wants support the first time homebuyer by providing them with a step by step process on how to get this accomplished. In addition, he has recruited expert agents like myself from around the country that have the same empathy as he does for the first time homebuyer. Agents who also know how to guide them every step of the way not only until we hand them the keys to their first home but what comes after.
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