Your Personal Homebuying Education
How to Buy a Home has been helping first time homebuyers since 2019, and the podcast now has more than 500 free episodes covering every stage of buying your first home. That’s a lot to dig through, so this guide does the sorting for you.
Pick the topic that matches where you are right now. Most episodes link to a full written breakdown, so you can read, listen, or both.
How to Get the Right Support Team
Where to Start as a First Time Homebuyer
The essential first steps and foundational knowledge you need before beginning your home search.
The 10-Step Series is the best place to start. It walks you through the whole process in order, from deciding to buy and choosing your guides to improving your credit, managing debt, saving, and understanding the current market.
The Playbook for First Time Homebuyers
The core How to Buy a Home philosophies that have helped thousands of renters buy with confidence.
2026 Housing Predictions for Buyers
Expert insights and market updates to help you navigate the current and future housing landscape.
What’s Happening in Housing Right Now? – September 2026 First Time Homebuyer Market Update (527)
See 1 More Episode
Top Hits of 2026 from the How to Buy a Home Podcast
The most popular and impactful episodes of the year, covering essential questions and hard truths.
Check out the Top Hits of 2026
- Preparing for the Next 5 Months…. (Finding Affordable Options for You) (532)
- What Happens if You Skip a Home Inspection? (530)
- The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist (and When to Walk Away) (531)
- Beat the Rates: 9 Tips to Make High Interest Rates Affordable in Late 2026 (529)
- The Housing Market Sucks: Should You Wait to Buy a Home? (526)
- Rent vs. Buy in 2027? (525)
- Real Estate Terms First Time Homebuyers Need in 2026 (496)
- First Time Home Buyer Terms And Definitions From A-Z…Well, Just A Actually (94)
48 Insider Tips for First Time Homebuyer Success (534)
Loans & Lending Options Financing a House
Navigating the mortgage world, debunking interest rate myths, and finding the right professionals for your first purchase.
You’re Screwed: How the Real Estate Industry Traps First Time Homebuyers (536)
Mortgage Planning Tips for First Time Homebuyers (533)
See 7 More Episodes
- Beat the Rates: 9 Tips to Make High Interest Rates Affordable in Late 2026 (529)
- Mortgage Calculators are Lying to You (First Time Homebuyers Beware) (495)
- Top 10 Mortgage Questions Every First Time Homebuyer Needs Answered (483)
- Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW) (340)
- Don’t Get Pre-Qualified—Get a Plan (INTERVIEW) (339)
- INTERVIEW: Tips from Expert (Unicorn) Realtor & Lending Team – VA First Time Home Buyer (247)
- 10 (MORE) Listener Questions ANSWERED: How to Buy Your First Home Pt 2 (242)
Credit Tips for First Time Homebuyers
Fixing your credit score and understanding the FICO hacks necessary to qualify for a first-time home loan.
First Time Homebuyer Step #3: Credit Score (503)
See 3 More Episodes
- Credit Score Solutions for First-Time Buyers (INTERVIEW) (349)
- Interview: From ZERO Credit Score to Homeowner (182)
- Credit Repair For 300-669 – “Bad” Or “Fair” Credit Scores (90)
Down Payment & Closing Costs for First Time Homebuyers
Breaking down the true costs of homeownership, from saving strategies to the final signatures on closing day.
Make this Your Last Lease Ever – Stop Renting, Start Earning Equity (524)
See 2 More Episodes
- Low Down Payment Strategies – First Time Homebuyer Options in This Economy (522)
- How Much Are Closing Costs? First Time Homebuyer FAQ (438)
New Construction vs. Resale for First Time Homebuyers
Exploring the differences between buying an existing home and working with builders to secure new inventory and incentives.
First Time Homebuyer Pros & Cons: New Build vs. Resale (490)
Breaking Your Lease as a First Time Homebuyer
Handling the transition from renting to owning without the stress of overlapping payments.
Breaking Your Lease (Is It Necessary?) (412)
Student Loan Debt as a First Time Homebuyer
Understanding how debt-to-income ratios work and how to navigate significant student loan balances while qualifying for a mortgage.
Student Loans Aren’t Stopping You From Buying a House | 2026 Financial Prep Series – Part 5 (519)
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) for First Time Homebuyers
Demystifying the common fears around PMI and learning why it can actually be a useful tool for getting into a home sooner.
This ONE Myth is Killing First Time Homebuyers in 2026 (464)
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Home Inspections for First Time Homebuyers
Protecting your investment by learning what to look for during a walkthrough and when a red flag means you should walk away.
What Happens if You Skip a Home Inspection? (530)
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Online Research Tools for First Time Homebuyers
How to effectively use the internet and modern sites to research properties, neighborhoods, and market terms.
First Time Homebuyer Step #8: Online Research (508)
Out of State Buying as a First Time Homebuyer
Strategies for relocating, transferring jobs, and purchasing a home in a completely different state.
From Out-of-State to Chicago Homeowner (INTERVIEW) (333)
See 5 More Episodes
- INTERVIEW Buying Your First Home in 7 Weeks WITH A NEW JOB! (257)
- Interview With First-Time Home Buyers – Shopping In Seattle And Buying In Tennessee (235)
- Interview With Real 1st Time Buyers – How They Relocated States, Transferred Jobs, And NEVER Rented In The New City (120)
- Briana Interview – AMAZING HTBH Real Buyer Story (119)
- How To Move To Another State – Real First Time Buyer Story (55)
Bidding War Tips for First Time Homebuyers
Proven tactics to help your offer stand out and win in a highly competitive sellers’ market.
How to Win a Bidding War as a First Time Homebuyer – 50 Expert Tips (Spring 2026) (462)
House Hacking for First Time Homebuyers
Using your primary residence as an investment vehicle to reduce your living expenses and build equity faster.
Is Real Estate a Good Investment? – Dave Meyer, Bigger Pockets Interview (314)
See 4 More Episodes
- Airbnb & Vrbo – Are Short Term Rental Properties a Good Idea? (379)
- INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K (358)
- House Hacking May Be Your Tool to Affordability (188)
- How To House Hack Buying Your First Home (52)
First Time Homebuyer FAQ’s Answered
Direct answers to the most common questions sent in by listeners navigating their first purchase.
Real Answers to the Most Asked Homebuying Questions (Part 1) (352)
See 6 More Episodes
- Real Answers Pt 2: Mortgage Myths, Interest Rates & Buying Timing (353)
- Real Answers Pt 3: PMI Panic, Bad Advice & David Unleashed (354)
- Real Answers Pt 4: Should I Rent or Buy in 2025? (355)
- Real Answers Pt. 5: What You Must Know Before Making Your First Offer (356)
- Real Answers Pt 6: How to Handle Homeownership Costs Without Fear (357)
- Real Answers Pt 7: Condos, HOAs, Realtors & Timing (359)
401K for Primary Home Purchase as a First Time Homebuyer
How a 401(k) loan really works, and the risks and rewards of using retirement savings to fund your first home.
401(k) Loans are Not That Scary | 2026 Financial Prep Series – Part 6 (520)
Warnings for First Time Homebuyers
Essential red flags and expert advice to protect you from common pitfalls in the current market.
How to Read a Zillow Listing Like a Pro (537)
See 5 More Episodes
- What Happens if You Skip a Home Inspection? (530)
- WARNING: “Step by Step” Lists for First Time Homebuyers — Can You Trust Them? (Zillow, Best Money, NerdWallet…etc.) (474)
- Tips and Warnings (397)
- What to Know About FSBO and Zillow Before You Buy (Replay) (323)
- Why Zillow is a SCAM (Mostly) (259)
Tax Related Info for First Time Homebuyers
How homeowner tax savings and smart tax planning can change your mortgage math and help you qualify.
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Strategy to Qualify for a Better Mortgage (Interview w/ Dan Mullens, CPA) (447)
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Unicorns & Disclosures for First Time Homebuyers
Defining the high-level real estate professional standard and what you need to know about industry transparency.
Why Every First Time Homebuyer Needs a Unicorn Realtor (545)
The Truth About the #1 Resource for First-Time Homebuyers (511)
JT Episodes: Perspectives for the First Time Homebuyer
Behind-the-scenes looks and personal reflections on the struggles and successes of modern homebuying.
- Three Things I Wish I Did Sooner to Buy a Home (GUEST HOSTED) (342)
- The Housing Podcast Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Needs) (299)
- Wait…My Producer Can’t Buy a Home? Here’s Why… (274)
Moving & Packing Tips for First Time Homebuyers
How to manage the logistics of your move while avoiding predatory scams and unnecessary stress.
- Moving Scams: How to Avoid the Moving Mafia & Being Robbed (INTERVIEW) (337)
- Moving & Packing Tips – How to Reduce Stress When Moving (INTERVIEW) (336)
First Time Homebuyer Interviews
First Time Homebuyer Success Stories: Top Interviews
In-depth conversations with real people who moved from wondering if they could buy to holding the keys to their first home.
- First Time Homebuyers: Buying Without Feeling House Poor (INTERVIEW) (414)
- The Real Value of Buying: What Nick Gained Beyond a Mortgage (399)
- INTERVIEW: Apartment to 2-Acre Homestead: Samantha’s First-Time Buyer Story (396)
- Buying a Home Right Out of College without 2 Years on the Job – INTERVIEW (363)
- $60K Income to Homeowner: Jessica’s Journey (INTERVIEW) (343)
- INTERVIEW: First Generation Home Buyers (Mortgage $200 LESS Than Rent!) (249)
- INTERVIEW: Using the VA Loan for Zero Down, and Monthly Payment is Only $100 More a Month (239)
- INTERVIEW: 2019 OG Listener/Buyer Uses Equity to Upgrade 2024 Dream Home Purchase (238)
- INTERVIEW: Buying a Home with 300K of Student Debt? (186)
- Interview: Buying a $300K Home With Only $18k? Yes! (167)
- Achieving The American Dream: An Interview With Sally (161)
- Briana Interview – AMAZING HTBH Real Buyer Story (119)
- Brian and Diana – 4 months, From Wondering About Buying their 1st home to Getting the Keys (109)
High Cost of Living Areas for First Time Homebuyers
Strategies and stories from buyers who successfully navigated the nation’s most expensive and competitive housing markets.
- From Rent Hike to Homeowners: Chris & Niki’s Homebuying Win (INTERVIEW) (386)
- INTERVIEW: How Bhavik & Suhani Bought in a High-Cost Market (378)
- “Not Ready” to Homeowners: Sergio & Ali’s Journey Past Imposter Syndrome – INTERVIEW (366)
- Buying in a High-Cost Area – Long Island, NY (INTERVIEW) (321)
- INTERVIEW Surviving the Washington DC Housing Market – First Time Home Buyers (253)
- Interview With First Timers In One Of The Most Expensive Areas – Buying Without 20% Down Payment (135)
- First Time Buyer Couple Interview – Making The Move From Apartment To Condo (128)
- Interview With First Time Home Buyers – Planning For Expensive Cities (118)
- Interview With First-Time Home Buyers Whose Rent Went Up 90% In One Year BAILED On Renting! (116)
Buying Under 25 as a First Time Homebuyer
Proof that age is just a number when it comes to homeownership, featuring buyers who started their journey early.
- Buying a Home Right Out of College without 2 Years on the Job – INTERVIEW (363)
- INTERVIEW: How to Buy a Duplex at 22 with $12K (358)
- Interview With Yadi and Victor – Dreamed Of Homeownership And Found A Way (234)
- Dude Is 19 Years Old And Bought A House, And Only Had A Job For 5 Months! (85)
- Interview With Randy, A New Homeowner, Unemployed With Zero Credit A Year Ago Who Just Closed On His $200,000 Home (71)
- Real Story From A Real First-Time Homebuyer – Madison’s Story (53)
First Time Homebuyers Over Age 38
Challenging the average homebuying age with stories of those starting their homeownership journey later in life.
- Interview With Pedro – Bought With Zero Down, And NOT A VA loan, At 59 Years Old (224)
- Interview With A Single, Female First-Time Home Buyer In 2022 (113)
- Fun Facts – Random Listener Questions For First Time Home Buyers At All Levels (59)
Women Who Bought Their First Home
Real success stories from women who bought their first home, many of them solo or as single moms.
- First Time Homebuyer: Louisville, KY Homeowner in Under 5 Months (456)
- First Time Homebuyer: Escaping $3K/Month Crushing Rent With Just $12K Down (INTERVIEW) (430)
- First-Time Home Buyer: Single Mom Buys $530K Home with Just $17K (INTERVIEW) (428)
- First-Time Homebuyer at 36: Eve’s Story of Timing and Trust (Interview) (427)
- First Time Home Buyer: How a Single Mom Bought with a ZERO Down Payment USDA Loan (INTERVIEW) (425)
- INTERVIEW: Apartment to 2-Acre Homestead: Samantha’s First-Time Buyer Story (396)
- This Should Have Been Impossible – But Rosie Actually Did It (INTERVIEW) (380)
- INTERVIEW: From Fear to First Home: How Regina Bought Solo in Her 40s (369)
- How a Single Millennial Bought a $400K Home with Just $12K (INTERVIEW) (362)
- How a Drama Teacher Bought a Home Solo (INTERVIEW) (351)
- She Fired Her Realtor—and Bought the Right Home in 3 Days (INTERVIEW) (347)
- How a Unicorn Realtor Helped Melissa Win Her Dream Condo (INTERVIEW) (324)
- Bought a Home in 48 Hours! First Time Buyer INTERVIEW (285)
- Buying a Home in 11 Days! Single Mom Becomes Atlanta Homeowner (Interview) (273)
- INTERVIEW: Single Mom Buys First House in Queens, New York (265)
- INTERVIEW: Buying a House at 26 – BY YOURSELF! (258)
- INTERVIEW Therapist Tips on Buying Your First House (252)
- INTERVIEW: 2019 OG Listener/Buyer Uses Equity to Upgrade 2024 Dream Home Purchase (238)
- Interview With Clarisse – Home Inspections: When And How To Walk Away From The Deal (220)
- Interview with Margaryta – Single lady with a goal to buy her first home by 30 (178)
- Woman Power: This Single Woman Bought Her First Home (169)
- Let’s Hear From Another REAL Home Buyer: Amber’s Story (163)
- Interview With A Single, Female First-Time Home Buyer Who Closed In 2022, Trying Since 2019 (104)
Deep Researchers & Risk Averse First Time Homebuyers
For those who like to double-check the data before making a move; how methodical planning pays off.
- Homeowner in 90 Days: Tyler & Erin’s New Jersey Journey (Interview) (387)
- Brittany & Fred’s 3% Down Success Story – INTERVIEW (372)
- From “Maybe Next Year” to Homeowner in 4 Months – Elizabeth’s Story (INTERVIEW) (327)
- Speeding Up the Homebuying Process with Research – INTERVIEW (318)
- Interview with First Time Home Buyer Navigating High Interest Rates + (mini) 2024 Housing Market Update! (236)
- Interview – Balancing Saving and Paying off debt to find IMMEDIATE PEACE (187)
- When To Back Out Of The Deal – Interview With A First Time Home Buyer (121)
- Interview With Methodical First Time Home Buyers (107)
Breaking the Lease & Finding a Way: First Time Homebuyer Situations
From lease-breaking hurdles to medical student loan debt, these buyers found a path through specific obstacles.
- INTERVIEW: Forced Out Twice, Tim & Vanessa’s Dire Path to Owning (390)
- INTERVIEW – Multiple Offers Rejected, Bought Dream Home (263)
- Interview With Stephanie Who Had 200K In Student Loans, And STILL Bought A Home! (233)
- INTERVIEW – Myths of Medical Student Loan Fears (195)
- Interview: 1st Time Home Buyers Find Compromise & the Triangle of Success (170)
- Interview With A Baltimore Area First Time Home Buyer Couple – How They Did It (152)
New Builds and Unique Scenarios for First Time Homebuyers
Exploring the world of new construction and miscellaneous success stories including VA loans and home businesses.
- INTERVIEW: “I Should Have Done This Sooner…” – Isaac, the Homebuyer (393)
- VA Loan, Self-Employed, Military Spouse—Jessica Did It (INTERVIEW) (335)
- From Renter to Homeowner with a Home Business – Christina’s Story (INTERVIEW) (330)
- INTERVIEW – Crazy LOW Interest Rate on New Build Home (260)
- INTERVIEW: Navigating High Interest Rates & Scoring Big with Builder Incentives (256)
- Interview With Aaron And Devany – Planned For A Year And Bought A New Build Home (226)
- INTERVIEW – VA Loans: Bad for Buyers or a Christmas Miracle? (189)
- INTERVIEW: From Renter to New Build Homeowner in 5 WEEKS (185)
- Interview With VA First-Time Home Buyers – How They Bought In BANANAS 2022! (82)
How We Verify Our First-Time Homebuyer Data
How to Buy a Home is built on real-time, real-world data collected from thousands of first-time homebuyer transactions and hundreds of real estate experts across the USA.
- 20+ Years of First-Time Homebuyer Data: Tracking and refining strategies through every market shift since 2006.
- Local Insights from the Pro's: Daily, boots-on-the-ground updates from active, vetted real estate pros across North America.
- Real First-Time Homebuyer Success Stories: A playbook continuously updated using lessons from thousands of successful first-time buyers since 2019.
- Actual Strategies: Advice that adjusts in real-time to changing interest rates, local inventory, and new loan programs.
Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
Buying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you are ready to make a move today or just starting your research, we have the resources to help:
- Need a local pro? Find a vetted real estate expert to help you navigate inspections, negotiations, and escrow with confidence.
- Have a specific question? Ask David directly and get personalized advice for your unique situation.
- Want to learn at your own pace? Access our free first-time homebuyer course and explore the process step-by-step.