She broke her lease. Bought fast. And now? Life looks very different.
Watch Sally’s 3-Year Check-In
Before Buying
Saly was renting a home back in 2022 when she stumbled across the How to Buy a Home podcast. Here’s where she started:
- Renting when she started listening to the podcast
- Thought it wasn’t the right time because she had JUST signed a new lease
- Concerned about market conditions, interest rates, and timing
- Connected with a Unicorn team through the podcast and began the process
Financing Her Home
- Used her 401(k) as a loan (not withdrawal), which she emphasized is paid back to herself
- Was cautious but saw it as a smart, low-interest way to fund her down payment
🎧 Want the full story?
Listen to Saly’s original first time homebuyer journey on the How to Buy a Home Podcast.
After the Purchase (3 Years Later)
- Still in the same home, with no regrets
- No rent increases—one of the biggest financial wins
- Feels secure in her payment and her ability to travel and plan
- Mentally and emotionally at peace: she talks about being calmer, more confident, and happier
- Grateful she acted when she did—even though she almost waited
- Painted her home office green, made upgrades with her husband (custom bookshelf)
- Already planning her next move: possibly renting this home and buying again
🎧 Curious how it all turned out?
Hear Saly reflect on her journey—3 years after buying.
Watch Sally’s Full Interview
What Changed Everything
- Connected with a local, expert “Unicorn” team who explained the process clearly
- Used her 401(k) as a strategic down payment solution
- Got honest, scenario-based support from her lender
- Broke her lease because the plan finally made sense
Saly Answered the 401(k) Question
Wondering if you should use your 401(k) to buy a home?
Saly explains how she made it work, and why it wasn’t as scary as it sounds.
A lot of people get nervous when they hear “Use your 401(k) to buy a house.” Saly was too—until she understood how it actually works.
- It’s a loan, not a withdrawal. That means she’s borrowing from herself, not cashing out her retirement.
- She’s paying it back to herself. With interest—but that interest goes right back into her own account.
- It gave her peace of mind. She didn’t have to drain savings or take on a high-interest loan.
- She’s almost done paying it off. No stress. No regrets.
Saly’s not saying you should do it. But if you’re sitting on a 401(k) and wondering if it’s even allowed? It is. And it just might be the tool that gets you into your first home.
Plus, it helped her diversify. Instead of having all her investments in one place, she shifted a portion into real estate—gaining both stability and long-term growth potential.
Talk to your lender. Talk to your financial planner. Ask the questions Saly asked—and then decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor or tax professional before making decisions about your 401(k) or home financing options.
Find Your Personal Homebuying Education – An In-Depth Guide
How to Buy a Home has been helping first time homebuyers since 2019, with hundreds of free resources designed to help anyone at any stage of homebuying. As a result, we’ve gathered quite the library of content. If you’re looking for a shortcut through the all the episodes, then look no further!
Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
If you’re planning to buy your first home — especially during uncertain economic times — having the right team makes all the difference.
Find a trusted real estate expert here to help you navigate inspections, negotiations, and escrow with confidence.
Have specific questions about your situation? Ask David your homebuying question and get personalized advice.
Prefer to explore more at your own pace? Access our free first-time homebuyer resources here.