Nearly 80% of FHA buyers qualify for down payment assistance, yet under 17% actually use it. This episode shows first-time homebuyers how to slash big expenses, explore DPA programs, and rethink what they truly need to save.

You'll learn why cutting large expenses beats skipping lattes, how self-employed and 1099 buyers can qualify with the right lending team, and why over 2,700 down payment assistance programs go unused every year. David breaks down the myths keeping first-time homebuyers from free money and shares real interview examples of buyers who closed for under $5,000 total.

"Most buyers eliminate themselves before they ever talk to a professional."

Highlights

Can self-employed or 1099 workers actually get approved for a home loan?
Is down payment assistance really only for low-income buyers?
Do you have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for DPA programs?
Do you really need $35K, $50K, or $100K saved to buy a home?

Referenced Episodes

447 – First-Time Homebuyer Tax Strategy to Qualify for a Better Mortgage (Interview w/ Dan Mullens, CPA)
227 – Using The Internet To Research Your First Home
426 – Lowering Your Down Payment – Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Home – Pt. 7
460 – Rent vs Buy in 2026: Are First Time Homebuyers Crazy?
440 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement Strategy
340 – Down Payment Assistance, Discovery Calls & Lending Myths (INTERVIEW)
441 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease Ever
421 – Down Payment Strategy in 2025: Assistance, Savings, and Family Support
424 – First Time Home Buyers: Chloe & Eduardo Close on a Home (INTERVIEW)
425 – First Time Home Buyer: How a Single Mom Bought with a ZERO Down Payment USDA Loan (INTERVIEW)
399 – The Real Value of Buying: What Nick Gained Beyond a Mortgage
378 – INTERVIEW: How Bhavik & Suhani Bought in a High-Cost Market

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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.

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