Check out Saly's full first time home buyer journey on HowtoBuyaHome.com. Saly became a first time home buyer in 2022, an unprecedented and crazy time in the housing market. Now, 3 years after Saly's premier on the How to Buy a Home podcast, she's returned to shed light on the big question: Was buying her first house worth it??

Hear how homeownership changed her life — and what she wishes she knew going in.

Three years ago, Saly took a leap — breaking her lease and pulling from her 401k to buy a home in Florida with just 3% down. In this candid conversation, she reunites with David Sidoni to reflect on the real impact of that decision. Did the market timing work out? Was the stress worth it? Did she ever regret it?

Spoiler: not for a second.

Saly shares how homeownership brought more than equity. It gave her freedom, pride, and stability she’d never felt before. From her spreadsheet budget to her Christmas Polaroid wall, every part of her life grew. And now? She’s planning to rent this home and buy another in 10–15 years. Tune in for real numbers, real lessons, and a powerful reminder of why first-time buyers shouldn’t wait for “perfect timing.”

“Buying this house unlocked everything. I feel like we’re capable of anything now.” – Saly

Highlights

• Why she broke her lease to buy — and doesn’t regret it
• Used a 3% down payment (yes, with 401k funds)
• Insurance shakeups and HOA surprises she didn’t expect
• Built long-term equity, confidence, and new family traditions
• Her budgeting mindset now vs. then — and why she tracks everything
• Future goals: turn this home into a rental and buy again

Check out the whole interview on YouTube

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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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