A couple turns a rent hike into a homeownership strategy, navigating relocation, pregnancy, and smart financial planning to land a 1923 farmhouse in Maryland.

Chris and Niki’s journey from Manhattan renters to first-time homeowners shows how strategy, timing, and teamwork can overcome the high costs of living in expensive markets. After learning their $2,900 Manhattan rent was set to jump to $3,800, they began planning to redirect that money into equity. A relocation to Silver Spring, Maryland, brought lower rent and proximity to work, but it was Niki’s pregnancy that accelerated their timeline. With $300,000 saved, they split funds between a $150,000 down payment and $150,000 for renovations, ultimately purchasing a 1923 farmhouse for $675,000—$100,000 below asking. Smart lease planning, family carpentry help, and a unicorn real estate team made the process smoother and more affordable.

“Get a unicorn team, rely on them, ask questions. They will point you in the right direction.” - Chris

Highlights

• How a rent jump from $2,900 to $3,800 sparked a rent replacement strategy.
• Why the perfect home doesn’t exist—and how to prioritize what matters most.
• The benefits of open houses for clarifying wants versus needs.
• What it’s like to accelerate homebuying while expecting a baby.
• How $300,000 in savings was split between down payment and renovations.
• A unique negotiation strategy that reduced the final purchase price by $100,000.
• The role family expertise played in making an older home purchase feasible.
• Why a unicorn team was key to their success.

Referenced Episodes

• 350 - From ‘Years Away’ to Homeowner: Your Last Lease Ever
• 382 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 1: Rates
• 383 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 2: Sales, Inventory & Affordability
• 384 - 2025 Crucial Housing Market Shift Pt 3: Rent Math & Buying Power

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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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