How to Buy a Home: The #1 First Time Home Buyer Podcast
David Sidoni
Podcast
Episodes
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How to Buy a Home - Step 4: Managing Debt - 404
You don’t need to be debt-free to buy a home—this episode shows you how to work smarter with your debt, not fear it. In today’s housing market, waiting to eliminate all your debt before buying a home might actually hurt your long-term financial stability. In this must-listen episode of the How to Buy a Home podcast, we tackle the misunderstood middle child of the Big Three—debt—and explain why managing it strategically can often lead to faster, more affordable homeownership. David Sidoni breaks down the difference between good, bad, and workable debt, clears up damaging debt myths, and shares real success stories of buyers who used modern tactics to qualify for a home loan despite carrying credit cards, car payments, and even $300,000 in student loans. Whether you’ve followed traditional advice (like Dave Ramsey’s) or are just starting your journey, this episode gives you up-to-date guidance for navigating debt in 2025 and beyond. Learn how to balance budgeting, reduce stress, and take smart steps toward buying—even with debt still on the books. “You don’t have to be debt free. You don’t even have to be nearly debt free to buy a home. That’s a fact.” Highlights: Why the “debt-free before buying” rule is outdatedThe three types of debt: good, bad, and workableHow your monthly debt matters more than your total debtSuccess stories: Buying a home with credit in the toilet, medical debt, or $300K in student loansWhy DTI (Debt-to-Income ratio) matters—and how to work with itTips for using budgeting apps, simulators, and custom plans to balance saving and debt reductionWhat to do with a windfall: Should you save it or pay off debt?The truth about student loans, consolidation, and PMIHow working with the right team unlocks real options Referenced Episodes: 167 – Christina & Sean: First in Their Family to Buy a Home187 – Dr. Kendall: Psychologist Turned First-Time Buyer186 – John & Richard: Buying With $300K in Student Loans388 – The Playbook VOL. 1 – The Rent Replacement Strategy389 – The Playbook VOL. 2: Your Last Lease Ever394 – The American Dream Is Dead371 – The Best Budgeting Apps for Homebuyers198 – PMI Is a Privilege216 – PMI Is Still a Privilege And Still Not The Devil OFFICIAL 2025 EPISODE GUIDE 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!
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