Afraid buying a home will leave you broke? Learn how low down payments, seller credits, and practicing your payment can help you plan.

High prices and mortgage rates are real challenges, but they don't tell you everything about what you can afford. Explore how smaller down payments, seller contributions toward closing costs, and early credit preparation can change your homebuying math. Real buyer stories show how different those numbers can look with a personalized plan. Then learn how to "practice the payment" before buying so you can test your budget while building savings.

"This is how you avoid being house poor. Get your numbers and practice the new payment. That's it." - David Sidoni, Nationwide First Time Homebuying Coach

Highlights

Could saving for 20% down be hiding other homebuying options from you?
Why should high mortgage rates get you planning earlier instead of putting everything on hold?
How can seller contributions change the cash you need at closing?
What helped a buyer close with $6,500 while her friends brought $60,000 for a similar home?
Could down payment assistance be worth checking even if you think you earn too much?
How can you test a future mortgage payment before committing to it?

Referenced Episodes & Resources

503 - First Time Homebuyer Step #3: Credit Score
529 - Beat the Rates: 9 Tips to Make High Interest Rates Affordable in Late 2026
533 - Mortgage Planning Tips for First Time Homebuyers
546 - Why Every First Time Homebuyer Needs a Unicorn Realtor
456 - First Time Homebuyer: Louisville, KY Homeowner in Under 5 Months
428 - First-Time Home Buyer: Single Mom Buys $530K Home with Just $17K (INTERVIEW)
547 - Housing Market is Changing and It Won't Last Long... Mortgage Rates, Affordability, Expert Predictions from October 2026
500 - 10 Step First Time Homebuyer Plan the Industry Won't Teach You
522 - Low Down Payment Strategies - First Time Homebuyer Options in This Economy
523 - Your Rent Payment Is Already 79% of a Mortgage (Here's What You're Missing)
524 - Make this Your Last Lease Ever - Stop Renting, Start Earning Equity
525 - Rent vs. Buy in 2027?
526 - The Housing Market Sucks: Should You Wait to Buy a Home?
532 - Preparing for the Next 5 Months.... (Finding Affordable Options for You)
539 - Seller Concessions: How to Lower Your Cash to Close
544 - Seller Panic Is Boosting First Time Homebuyer Affordability

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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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