How to Buy a Home – Details, episodes & analysis

Is Zillow actually a helpful tool for first time homebuyers? Let's pull back the curtain on Zillow's deceptive business practices and reveals how they're more interested in profits than helping you find your dream home.

Quote: "Zillow is a wolf in a beautifully designed website sheep’s outfit, and if you fall for it, you could get eaten up."

Highlights:

• Zillow's Dirty Little Secret: How do they really make money? (Hint: it's not from ads)
• The Zestimate Scam: Why Zillow’s home valuations are wildly inaccurate and how they can cost you thousands
• The New CEO’s “Profit Plan”: Zillow's latest scheme to squeeze even more money out of homebuyers and realtors
• The Real Estate Industry’s Dirty Truth: Why 90% of agents are failing and how to find the 10% who can actually help you
• The How to Buy a Home Revolution: David Sidoni’s solution for navigating the rigged real estate system and finding your unicorn support team

General Notes:

David Sidoni delivers a scathing critique of Zillow, exposing their predatory practices and highlighting the dangers of relying on their platform for home buying advice. He emphasizes the importance of finding a trustworthy real estate team who will prioritize your needs over corporate profits. With his signature blend of humor and tough love, David empowers listeners to take control of their home buying journey and avoid the pitfalls of the real estate industry.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

"Last Lease Ever" - Start your custom 12-month action plan to replace your rent with the savings of home equity, at no cost to you. Message David NOW to assemble YOUR Unicorn team ASAP!

Nika, a young woman driven by the American dream instilled by her immigrant parents, embarks on a solo home-buying journey, armed with spreadsheets and the "How to Buy a Home" podcast. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and negotiations as Nika navigates a bidding war, a challenging inspection process, and the complexities of securing a mortgage. It's a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and a little unicorn magic.

Quote:

"It felt like the SpongeBob Sweet Victory song... everything that I started with and then finding this podcast and being connected to my team, like all of the pieces fit together so well." - Nika

Highlights:

• Overcoming the Odds: How did a first-generation homebuyer with no family experience navigate the complex world of real estate?
• Unicorn Squad to the Rescue: What role did the podcast and Nika's "unicorn" realtor and lender play in her success?
• Spreadsheet Savvy: Can meticulous planning and research truly lead to finding your dream home on the first day?
• Inspection Anxieties: What hidden challenges did Nika uncover during the inspection process, and how did she handle the negotiations?
• The Emotional Rollercoaster: How did Nika cope with the uncertainty and stress of a drawn-out closing process?

Referenced Episodes:

• Episode 55: Moving from LA to Portland
• Episode 109: Bingeing the podcast and buying a home in weeks
• Episode 119: Buying a home while stationed in Germany
• Episode 187: Out-of-state move
• Episode 233: Buying a home with $200k in student debt
• Episode 161: Self-employed with student loan debt and still bought a home
• Episode 167: How Dave Ramsey’s plan was crushing home buying dreams
• Episode 235: Finding immediate peace in the home buying process

General Notes:

Nika's story is a powerful reminder that the dream of homeownership is attainable, even in the face of daunting challenges. It underscores the importance of:

• Preparation and Education: Equip yourself with knowledge about the home-buying process before jumping in.
• Building a Strong Team: Surround yourself with trustworthy professionals who have your best interests at heart.
• Leveraging Community: Tap into your network for support, advice, and even furniture deals.
• Perseverance and Patience: The road to homeownership can be bumpy, but don't give up on your dream.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

Additional Insights:

This episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world examples, making it valuable for anyone considering buying a home. Nika’s candidness about the emotional highs and lows adds a relatable human touch to the narrative. David’s emphasis on finding the right support team echoes throughout the episode, underscoring that even the most organized and prepared buyers need expert guidance.

Remember:

The journey to homeownership is unique for everyone. Nika's story serves as an inspiration, not a guarantee. Take the first step, educate yourself, build your team, and stay persistent. You can do this!

David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with over 18 years 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

"Last Lease Ever" - Start your custom 12-month action plan to replace your rent with the savings of home equity, at no cost to you. Message David NOW to assemble YOUR Unicorn team ASAP!

Buying a home for LESS than your rent AND with NO MONEY DOWN? DeShawn did it, and he's sharing all the secrets to his success, including how he scored a sweet deal with a little help from his "unicorn team" and the ever elusive First Time home buyer grant!

Highlights:

• "1800 bucks a month is a lot of money… $5,000 down payment and you pay $200 less a month. Amen, brother." Can buying a home actually COST LESS than renting? DeShawn shares how he did it, even with a modest down payment.
• "Unicorns are in it for your win." What's a "unicorn team" and how did they make DeShawn a homebuying "rockstar"?
• "Loose lips sink ships. We're not saying a word." DeShawn reveals an insider appraisal tip that scored him instant equity.
• "Everything I have, I have blood, sweat, and tears in." From pen and paper budgeting to a $200,000 home: DeShawn's inspiring "rags to real estate" story.
• "When your credit score is on point, it will go full circle for you." Is your credit score holding you back? DeShawn explains how awesome credit led to unexpected perks and a stress-free closing.
• "The Last Lease Ever Program" Thinking of buying in 2-3 years? You might be closer than you think! Find out how free personalized guidance could change everything for you.

Referenced Episodes: Episode 36

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

If you want to become a First Time Home Buying expert in just 7 days, Sign Up for the FREE Home Buying Starter Kit VIDEO SERIES

A good work ethic is a timeless principle, but the all-work-no-play mentality of the Boomer and Gen X generations is going out of style. Millennials and Gen Z find more value in a healthy work/life balance that prioritizes mental health and personal values.

Well, David Sidoni did some research (as he loves to do) and found studies that highlight the best places to live if you’re looking for a balanced and happy life in 2023. 

Looking at mental health, income, remote working prevalence, commute times, and health insurance, Midwest cities DOMINATED the lists for the best balances of these factors. Also, these cities had more affordable housing options for first-time buyers. Hmm… definitely worth thinking about. The top 10 cities had some of the shortest commute times, best air quality, best insurance coverages, a variety of recreation options, great affordability scores, and high mental health rankings.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.zillow.com/research/10-best-metros-first-time-home-buyers-31855/ 

https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.rismedia.com/2023/01/23/top-cities-work-life-balance/ 

You thought that the last episode was the last one in David Sidoni’s 2023 housing market predictions series. PSYCHE. In this BONUS episode, he gives you some insight on how a recession could totally upend all the other predictions we’ve talked about so far. 

So, buckle your seatbelts because it’s going to be a wild ride. 

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2022/12/15/housing-market-six-experts-2023-real-estate-industry/10881757002/ 

https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.newsweek.com/will-house-prices-drop-2023-real-estate-experts-predictions-1761338 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/house-prices-will-fall-in-2023-but-affordability-will-be-at-its-worst-since-1985-says-capital-economics-11668530061 

https://www.yahoo.com/now/heres-where-morgan-stanley-bets-154429100.html 

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ 

https://www.housingwire.com/articles/the-red-hot-housing-market/ 

https://www.inman.com/2022/12/28/the-2023-housing-market-a-real-estate-reckoning-is-at-hand/

Here it is at long last: the final installment of David Sidoni’s 2023 housing market projection series. You’ve been waiting for it for a long time and now you don’t have to wait any longer. This episode is about PRICES. FINALLY! 

As usual, David is taking a look at the data and listening to the pros to give you his expert opinion on what you can expect in 2023 as a first-time home buyer. It’s time to take this series all the way home.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2022/12/15/housing-market-six-experts-2023-real-estate-industry/10881757002/ 

https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.newsweek.com/will-house-prices-drop-2023-real-estate-experts-predictions-1761338 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/house-prices-will-fall-in-2023-but-affordability-will-be-at-its-worst-since-1985-says-capital-economics-11668530061 

https://www.yahoo.com/now/heres-where-morgan-stanley-bets-154429100.html 

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ 

https://www.housingwire.com/articles/the-red-hot-housing-market/ 

https://www.inman.com/2022/12/28/the-2023-housing-market-a-real-estate-reckoning-is-at-hand/

David Sidoni is back for part three in his 2023 housing predictions series. What’s on the menu for this episode? INVENTORY. Jump in and listen to David as he discusses how construction, prices, and supply & demand are all playing a role in this year’s outlook. Expert opinions, hard data, surveys… it’s all there and David leaves no stone unturned.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2022/12/15/housing-market-six-experts-2023-real-estate-industry/10881757002/ 

https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

 https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ 

https://www.inman.com/2022/12/28/the-2023-housing-market-a-real-estate-reckoning-is-at-hand/ 

https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

In 2022, everyone was SHOCKED when mortgage rates leapt from 3% to 7% in just half a year. The sudden increase left a lot of people scared, so the market began screeching to a halt by the end of 2022. Now, mortgage rates are still at 7%, but they may not stay there for long. 

In the second part of his multi-episode series, David Sidoni analyzes data and reports from industry experts to drop some truth bombs about mortgage rates in 2023. There’s a lot of opinions floating around out there about where mortgage rates could be by the end of this year, but David gives it to you straight. The bottom line? If you’re ready to buy a home, get prepared NOW.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2022/12/15/housing-market-six-experts-2023-real-estate-industry

Headlines are saying that this will be the year of the housing market crash. But are they saying that because it’s true, or just because they want you to read their content? 

In the first part of his multi-episode series, David Sidoni analyzes data and reports from industry experts to give you the real scoop on what 2023 holds for home buyers. Taking a look at rent, mortgage rates, home sales, prices and more, David bypasses the pessimism of the newspapers to tell you the truth: this year, the market will be getting back to normal instead of spiraling toward disaster.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ 

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ 

https://www.inman.com/2022/12/28/the-2023-housing-market-a-real-estate-reckoning-is-at-hand/

A lot of people want to buy a house instead of a condo because they have always thought that condos depreciate. But did you know that condos are now selling faster than single-family homes? 

In this episode, David Sidoni is dropping some truth bombs and crushing the confusion around buying a condo vs. a house. The housing market is getting turned upside-down and things are happening in a way that we've never seen before. And whether you’re looking to buy a condo or a single-family house, remember, the goal is to stop renting as soon as possible. Hopefully, this episode will help you in making your plans for 2023.

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

This podcast was created for YOU - to cut through the confusion and empower you to buy your first home. Let's change how the real estate industry treats first-timers, one buyer at a time- starting with YOU!

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 over 18 years 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!

Resources Mentioned:

Ep 98 - Time for A New Game Plan To Buy Your First Home – My Story

https://www.moneyunder30.com/