Part 2 of the 2026 essential checklist shows first time homebuyers how to research neighborhoods, tour homes strategically, and protect themselves while shopping in today’s weird housing market. 

This episode jumps from planning into the “fun stuff”: a practical checklist for researching neighborhoods and shopping for homes like a pro instead of a scrolling-Zillow zombie. You’ll learn how to use tools like Google Maps, Street View, WalkScore, crime maps, school ratings, zoning plans, and even old-school paper maps to understand a community before you ever step inside a house. David then walks through smart touring strategy—bundling showings, ranking your top three, watching for surveillance cameras, checking commute times and internet service, and touring midweek to beat the weekend crowds. Finally, he explains how to avoid traps with open houses and new construction, why list prices are “garbage,” how to spot opportunity in “back on market” and badly photographed listings, and why your realtor’s most valuable job is negotiating and protecting you once you’ve found a home.

“I’m going to give you the checklist for home shopping.” - David Sidoni 

Highlights

• How can you use online tools and maps to spot the right neighborhoods before you ever book a showing? 
• What should you look for when driving neighborhoods at different times of day to really understand daily life there? 
• How do you protect yourself at open houses and new construction sites so you don’t accidentally give up your right to representation or overpay? 
• Why are list prices “garbage,” and how can back-on-market homes, ugly photos, and current market conditions actually work to your advantage?  

Referenced Episodes

• 444 – February 2026 is a Buyers Market - What First Time Homebuyers Need to Know
• 367 – Why Financial Advisors Can’t Help You Buy a Home - INTERVIEW
• 368 – The Truth About Renting: What You’re Really Paying For - INTERVIEW
• 370 – The Truth About Tax Breaks for First-Time Buyers - INTERVIEW
• 408 – How to Buy a Home - Step 8: Using the Internet to Buy a Home
• 392 – New Construction vs. Resale: Which Home Is Right for First-Time Buyers?
• 440 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 1): Rent Replacement Strategy
• 441 – First Time Homebuyer Playbook (Part 2): The Last Lease Ever

Check out our updated 2026 First Time Homebuyer's Episode Guide - Over 100 of our BEST Episodes of Detailed Homebuying Knowledge, Interviews, and MORE!

Connect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHome

Instagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcast

Tik Tok @HowToBuyAHome

Visit our Resource Center to "Ask David" AND get your FREE Home Buying Starter Kit!

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.

Subscribe for regular market updates, and leave a review to help us reach more people. Ready for an honest, informed home-buying experience? Viva la Unicorn Revolution - join us!