Think you can’t buy a home on a modest income? This real-life story proves otherwise—and shows exactly how it’s done. In this jaw-dropping interview, Jessica shares her transformation from living in a van to owning a $400K home in Portland—all on a combined household income of around $60,000. With six years of steady saving, grit, and guidance from the HBH system, she and her partner navigated setbacks (including a violent attack!) and overcame massive doubts to secure their dream home. This episode is a real-world reminder that your circumstances today don’t define your homebuying potential tomorrow. Hear the full emotional ride, including how she convinced a hesitant partner and handled the search like a pro.

Quote

“I make sculptures for a living… I didn’t think I was going to be able to buy a house, but I guess I did—because I’m sitting on the porch right now.” – Jessica

Highlights

• How Jessica turned years of renting and low income into real homeownership
• What she saved (and how long it took) to buy a $400K home
• The moment her skeptical partner became a full-on homebuying believer
• How trauma and unexpected events pushed their timeline forward
• What Jessica wanted in a home—and how she found it without settling
• The one tip she swears every low-income buyer should know
• Why mindset, not money, may be your biggest barrier to buying

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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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