How to Buy a Home Podcast

0:00 38:53

Real Answers Pt 7: Condos, HOAs, Realtors & Timing

June 30, 2025

David Sidoni

real estate home buying housing market investment personal finance mortgages property housing trends real estate agents homeownership

The final four questions from the 20 most-asked by first-time buyers including real-life success stories and crucial myths to stop believing now.

In this episode, David Sidoni closes out the 7-part series on the 20 most common questions from first-time homebuyers. Questions 17 through 20 tackle some of the biggest decision points in the journey: What type of property is best for you? Are HOAs really that bad? Who actually pays your agent? And should you wait to buy?

With clarity, empathy, and strategic insight, David unpacks each question using real buyer stories like Melissas bold move into a condo with an HOA in pricey Southern California and explains why the biggest cost you face might be waiting too long. He also breaks down how commissions work after the 2024 legal changes, and why building your homebuying team early is not just smart it could save you thousands. If you're serious about buying but still wrestling with doubts, this episode is your crash course in cutting through the noise and making informed, confident choices.

"You wouldnt do surgery without a doctor. Why try to buy a home without a pro?" - David Sidoni

Highlights:

Should you buy a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Depends on your long-term plan not your dream aesthetic.
Real buyer story: Melissa chooses a condo with a $450 HOA fee and still saves money versus renting.
HOAs arent evil: 80% of new homes include them, and rejecting them limits your housing options.
You dont pay your buyers agent. Even post-lawsuit, most fees are still seller-paid.
Why hiring your real estate team early (not just a lender!) makes all the difference.
Waiting for the "right time" can cost you more its about time in the market, not timing the market.

Referenced Episodes:

154, 319 Condo vs. SFR
324 Melissa
322, 75, 110, 220 Inspection
175, 176, 177 Bidding wars
229, 275 Unicorn and disclosures

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

The final four questions from the 20 most-asked by first-time buyers including real-life success stories and crucial myths to stop believing now.

In this episode, David Sidoni closes out the 7-part series on the 20 most common questions from first-time homebuyers. Questions 17 through 20 tackle some of the biggest decision points in the journey: What type of property is best for you? Are HOAs really that bad? Who actually pays your agent? And should you wait to buy?

With clarity, empathy, and strategic insight, David unpacks each question using real buyer stories like Melissas bold move into a condo with an HOA in pricey Southern California and explains why the biggest cost you face might be waiting too long. He also breaks down how commissions work after the 2024 legal changes, and why building your homebuying team early is not just smart it could save you thousands. If you're serious about buying but still wrestling with doubts, this episode is your crash course in cutting through the noise and making informed, confident choices.

"You wouldnt do surgery without a doctor. Why try to buy a home without a pro?" - David Sidoni

Highlights:

Should you buy a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Depends on your long-term plan not your dream aesthetic.
Real buyer story: Melissa chooses a condo with a $450 HOA fee and still saves money versus renting.
HOAs arent evil: 80% of new homes include them, and rejecting them limits your housing options.
You dont pay your buyers agent. Even post-lawsuit, most fees are still seller-paid.
Why hiring your real estate team early (not just a lender!) makes all the difference.
Waiting for the "right time" can cost you more its about time in the market, not timing the market.

Referenced Episodes:

154, 319 Condo vs. SFR
324 Melissa
322, 75, 110, 220 Inspection
175, 176, 177 Bidding wars
229, 275 Unicorn and disclosures

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

0:00 33:04

INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K

June 27, 2025

Allison Mitchel

homeownership real estate investing personal finance first-time homebuyers financial literacy wealth building real estate mortgages house hacking budgeting

Think you're too young or not ready to buy a home? Meet Allison and Mitchel — 22 and 24 years old — who went from renters to owning a duplex in just six weeks. With only $12,000 in closing costs, their story proves it’s not just possible — it’s smart.

In this inspiring episode, David interviews Allison and Mitchel, a young Ohio couple who defied the odds and bought a duplex at just 22 and 24 years old. With the help of a unicorn realtor and guidance from the podcast, they realized they were ready to buy — even when they didn’t think so. You’ll hear how they navigated the process quickly and confidently, closed on their home with just $12K, and now live in one unit while renting the other. Their total monthly costs are close to — or even less than — what they paid in rent. They share practical advice for new buyers, insights on emotional readiness, and what surprised them most about the homebuying journey.

Quote:

"You're probably ready to buy a house even if you don't think you are." – Allison, age 22

Highlights:

How did a 22- and 24-year-old close on a duplex with just $12K in six weeks?
What is a unicorn realtor, and how did one transform their buying journey?
Why can trying to learn everything online actually make homebuying harder?
How did they get a mortgage close to the rent they were paying?
What is house hacking, and how did it help them build wealth fast?
How can emotional readiness shift once you hear real success stories?

Referenced Episodes:

Step 1: Deciding Your Goals
Step 2: Choosing a Realtor and Lender
Step 5: Saving to Buy Your Home
Step 9: Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage

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!

Think you're too young or not ready to buy a home? Meet Allison and Mitchel — 22 and 24 years old — who went from renters to owning a duplex in just six weeks. With only $12,000 in closing costs, their story proves it’s not just possible — it’s smart.

In this inspiring episode, David interviews Allison and Mitchel, a young Ohio couple who defied the odds and bought a duplex at just 22 and 24 years old. With the help of a unicorn realtor and guidance from the podcast, they realized they were ready to buy — even when they didn’t think so. You’ll hear how they navigated the process quickly and confidently, closed on their home with just $12K, and now live in one unit while renting the other. Their total monthly costs are close to — or even less than — what they paid in rent. They share practical advice for new buyers, insights on emotional readiness, and what surprised them most about the homebuying journey.

Quote:

"You're probably ready to buy a house even if you don't think you are." – Allison, age 22

Highlights:

How did a 22- and 24-year-old close on a duplex with just $12K in six weeks?
What is a unicorn realtor, and how did one transform their buying journey?
Why can trying to learn everything online actually make homebuying harder?
How did they get a mortgage close to the rent they were paying?
What is house hacking, and how did it help them build wealth fast?
How can emotional readiness shift once you hear real success stories?

Referenced Episodes:

Step 1: Deciding Your Goals
Step 2: Choosing a Realtor and Lender
Step 5: Saving to Buy Your Home
Step 9: Stop Fearing Your Future Mortgage

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!

0:00 43:33

Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without Fear - 357

June 25, 2025

David Sidoni

homeownership real estate financial planning budgeting property taxes home insurance home repairs HOA fees first-time homebuyers renting vs buying

Think owning a home will bring surprise expenses that wreck your budget? This episode breaks down exactly what you’ll pay—and why it’s not as scary as you’ve heard.

Synopsis:

In this myth-busting continuation of the 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions, David Sidoni tackles one of the biggest fears holding renters back: hidden costs. From rising property taxes and insurance to repairs and HOAs, David exposes the truth behind these so-called “surprises” and shows how proper planning makes them predictable. If you’ve been scared off by online horror stories or clickbait headlines, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to stop renting and start planning. You’ll walk away with real numbers, smart strategies, and a clear-eyed understanding of how homeownership costs actually work.

Promise Delivered:

You’ll learn how to predict and plan for every cost of homeownership—so nothing feels “hidden” or unexpected. This episode replaces fear with facts and shows that a well-built budget can make homeownership not only possible, but powerful.

Quote:

“The taxes and insurance are not surprises—they’re scheduled and predictable. And if they go up? They go up in rent too. You’re just not paying attention.”

Highlights:

Why most “hidden” costs are just poorly explained (and how to plan for them)
How PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) gives you a complete budget view
Why rising property taxes and insurance aren’t deal breakers
The renter’s blind spot: you’re already paying these increases—just for someone else’s benefit
How to estimate and plan for HOAs, repairs, and future costs with confidence
When fear is valid—and when it’s just misinformation
The biggest budgeting mindset shift every buyer needs

Referenced Episodes:

9 – How Much Money Do I Need To Make To Buy My First Home?
75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?
110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers
162 – How Much Home Can You Afford With Your Salary?
174 – How much Income do I need to make to Buy? DETAILS
186 – INTERVIEW: Buying a Home with 300K of Student Debt
219 – How Much Money Do You Need To Make To Buy A Home - For REALS!
220 – Interview With Clarisse - Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal
280 – Don’t think you can buy a home? - Financial Planning 101
322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
339 – Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)
340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)
350 – From ‘Years Away’ to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Think owning a home will bring surprise expenses that wreck your budget? This episode breaks down exactly what you’ll pay—and why it’s not as scary as you’ve heard.

Synopsis:

In this myth-busting continuation of the 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions, David Sidoni tackles one of the biggest fears holding renters back: hidden costs. From rising property taxes and insurance to repairs and HOAs, David exposes the truth behind these so-called “surprises” and shows how proper planning makes them predictable. If you’ve been scared off by online horror stories or clickbait headlines, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to stop renting and start planning. You’ll walk away with real numbers, smart strategies, and a clear-eyed understanding of how homeownership costs actually work.

Promise Delivered:

You’ll learn how to predict and plan for every cost of homeownership—so nothing feels “hidden” or unexpected. This episode replaces fear with facts and shows that a well-built budget can make homeownership not only possible, but powerful.

Quote:

“The taxes and insurance are not surprises—they’re scheduled and predictable. And if they go up? They go up in rent too. You’re just not paying attention.”

Highlights:

Why most “hidden” costs are just poorly explained (and how to plan for them)
How PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) gives you a complete budget view
Why rising property taxes and insurance aren’t deal breakers
The renter’s blind spot: you’re already paying these increases—just for someone else’s benefit
How to estimate and plan for HOAs, repairs, and future costs with confidence
When fear is valid—and when it’s just misinformation
The biggest budgeting mindset shift every buyer needs

Referenced Episodes:

9 – How Much Money Do I Need To Make To Buy My First Home?
75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?
110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers
162 – How Much Home Can You Afford With Your Salary?
174 – How much Income do I need to make to Buy? DETAILS
186 – INTERVIEW: Buying a Home with 300K of Student Debt
219 – How Much Money Do You Need To Make To Buy A Home - For REALS!
220 – Interview With Clarisse - Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal
280 – Don’t think you can buy a home? - Financial Planning 101
322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
339 – Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW)
340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)
350 – From ‘Years Away’ to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

0:00 28:47

Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer - 356

June 23, 2025

first-time home buyers making an offer offer-ready contingencies timelines communication strategies complete offer package rookie mistakes winning a home home buying process

Most first-time buyers lose out because they’re not ready to act—this episode shows you exactly how to prepare before the home even hits your inbox.Too many buyers start shopping before they’re ready to offer—and it costs them. In Part 5 of the Real Answers series, you’ll learn what it really means to be “offer-ready” and how to prepare for your first purchase with confidence and clarity. From contingencies and timelines to communication strategies with your agent, this episode is a playbook for writing a smart, complete offer the moment the right home appears. If you want to avoid rookie mistakes and actually win the home you fall in love with, this is your must-hear guide.

Quote

“If you’re not ready to make an offer before you start looking, you’re just a shopper, not a buyer.”

Highlights

Why most first-timers delay too long—and how to avoid their biggest regret
The critical difference between “liking a home” and being ready to offer
What makes a complete offer package (and what most buyers miss)
How fast timelines move once you find the one
Contingency truths: which ones protect you vs. kill your deal
Why prepping before you tour is your biggest advantage

Referenced Episodes

Inspections:

Ep. 75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?
Ep. 110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers
Ep. 322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
Ep. 220 – Interview With Clarisse – Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal

Bidding Wars:

Ep. 175 – How to Win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 Market

Down Payment Assistance:

Ep. 250 – Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)
Ep. 340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Most first-time buyers lose out because they’re not ready to act—this episode shows you exactly how to prepare before the home even hits your inbox.Too many buyers start shopping before they’re ready to offer—and it costs them. In Part 5 of the Real Answers series, you’ll learn what it really means to be “offer-ready” and how to prepare for your first purchase with confidence and clarity. From contingencies and timelines to communication strategies with your agent, this episode is a playbook for writing a smart, complete offer the moment the right home appears. If you want to avoid rookie mistakes and actually win the home you fall in love with, this is your must-hear guide.

Quote

“If you’re not ready to make an offer before you start looking, you’re just a shopper, not a buyer.”

Highlights

Why most first-timers delay too long—and how to avoid their biggest regret
The critical difference between “liking a home” and being ready to offer
What makes a complete offer package (and what most buyers miss)
How fast timelines move once you find the one
Contingency truths: which ones protect you vs. kill your deal
Why prepping before you tour is your biggest advantage

Referenced Episodes

Inspections:

Ep. 75 – Inspection Red Flags, New Tips For 2022 Bidding Wars, And…To Wait, Or Not to Wait?
Ep. 110 – Home Inspections For First-Time Home Buyers
Ep. 322 – Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
Ep. 220 – Interview With Clarisse – Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal

Bidding Wars:

Ep. 175 – How to Win in BIDDING WARS in the 2023 Market

Down Payment Assistance:

Ep. 250 – Down Payment Assistance is BACK (Save Major $$$ Buying a House)
Ep. 340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

0:00 52:26

Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025? - 355

June 20, 2025

rent vs. buy homeownership financial planning market cycles mortgage calculations wealth building real estate

Rent feels safer—but in 2025, skipping the full math could cost you more than you think. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the timeless rent vs. buy debate with a 2025 twist, delivering a deep-dive into the full financial picture first-time buyers need to make smart choices. While renting may seem cheaper at first glance, David walks listeners through the overlooked math that makes homeownership a long-term wealth builder—even when mortgage payments are higher than rent. Using real numbers and multiple market scenarios, he explains why simple online calculators don’t tell the full story. Whether you’re unsure about affording a home or think you’ve missed your chance, this episode gives you clarity with facts, not fear.

Quote:

“You’re comparing rent to a mortgage payment and making a huge decision based on just one of 10 to 20 variables—don’t cheat yourself with bad math.”

Highlights

Why comparing rent to mortgage payments is dangerously incomplete
How most people misinterpret mortgage calculators
What really matters: long-term financial outcomes vs. short-term expenses
A behind-the-scenes look at how homeownership builds wealth—even in “bad” markets
2025 case studies: renting vs. buying across five market cycles
What sellers, banks, and influencers don’t tell you (but should)
How to make your decision based on your future—not just today’s prices

Referenced Episodes

Ep. 225 - Renting Versus Buying For 2024
Ep. 322 - Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
Ep. 233 - Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home!
Ep. 187 - Interview - Balancing Saving and Paying off debt to find IMMEDIATE PEACE
Ep. 102 - First Time Home Buyer Terms And Definitions From A-Z – “F”

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

Rent feels safer—but in 2025, skipping the full math could cost you more than you think. In this episode, David Sidoni breaks down the timeless rent vs. buy debate with a 2025 twist, delivering a deep-dive into the full financial picture first-time buyers need to make smart choices. While renting may seem cheaper at first glance, David walks listeners through the overlooked math that makes homeownership a long-term wealth builder—even when mortgage payments are higher than rent. Using real numbers and multiple market scenarios, he explains why simple online calculators don’t tell the full story. Whether you’re unsure about affording a home or think you’ve missed your chance, this episode gives you clarity with facts, not fear.

Quote:

“You’re comparing rent to a mortgage payment and making a huge decision based on just one of 10 to 20 variables—don’t cheat yourself with bad math.”

Highlights

Why comparing rent to mortgage payments is dangerously incomplete
How most people misinterpret mortgage calculators
What really matters: long-term financial outcomes vs. short-term expenses
A behind-the-scenes look at how homeownership builds wealth—even in “bad” markets
2025 case studies: renting vs. buying across five market cycles
What sellers, banks, and influencers don’t tell you (but should)
How to make your decision based on your future—not just today’s prices

Referenced Episodes

Ep. 225 - Renting Versus Buying For 2024
Ep. 322 - Am I Ready to Buy a Home? The 5 Questions You Must Ask
Ep. 233 - Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home!
Ep. 187 - Interview - Balancing Saving and Paying off debt to find IMMEDIATE PEACE
Ep. 102 - First Time Home Buyer Terms And Definitions From A-Z – “F”

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!

Visit the Podcast library to check out the rest of this series.

How to Buy a Home Podcast

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Episodes

Real Answers Pt 7: Condos, HOAs, Realtors & Timing

INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K

Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without Fear - 357

Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer - 356

Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025? - 355

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USA

Australia

Canada

UK

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Singapore

South Africa