First-Time Home Buyer: Closing on a New Build in Under 30 Days (INTERVIEW) - 431

Millicent and Milo thought buying a home would take months—until they listened to Millicent’s mom. With a lease ending and low expectations, they closed on their first home in under 30 days thanks to prep work, a unicorn team, and the confidence to act fast. What started as a casual conversation turned into a life-changing decision for Millicent and Milo. Encouraged by Millicent’s mom—an avid How to Buy a Home listener—they reached out with just weeks left on their lease. The result: they closed on a new construction home in under 30 days. In this interview, they walk through the entire process: from discovering they were more prepared than they thought, to negotiating with builders who claimed there were “no incentives,” to how their unicorn team saved them thousands in closing costs and helped them avoid costly pitfalls. They also share practical tips for other first-time buyers—like how to handle earnest money, what radon testing revealed in a brand-new home, and why measuring your laundry space before buying appliances is non-negotiable. This episode is a real-world example of what’s possible when preparation meets the right support system—and yes, it all started with listening to mom.  “After talking to the unicorn lender, we realized—we were actually ready. That gave us the confidence to go for it.” – Millicent   HIGHLIGHTS Why you should never sign in at a builder’s office without representationHow they got $10K in seller credits and avoided paying full closing costsWorking with the builder’s lender vs. the unicorn lenderWhat radon testing revealed (and why you should always do it)How they managed the buying and moving process in under 30 daysThe importance of not spending any money before closing—even on appliancesWhat they’re doing now to prepare for their next home (and investment property)How having a unicorn team made all the difference—even with a builder purchaseConnect with me to find a trusted realtor in your area or to answer your burning questions!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @HowToBuyaHomeInstagram @HowtoBuyAHomePodcastTik Tok @HowToBuyAHomeVisit 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!