Podcast
Closing the Deal
Hosted by Sam Enright & Zach Dickson · EN
Closing the Deal is the ultimate podcast for first-time homebuyers, sellers, and anyone looking to navigate the real estate market with confidence. Hosted by Sam Enright and Zach Dickson, real estate experts and investors based in Central Ohio, this podcast breaks down the complexities of buying and selling homes into simple, actionable steps. Each episode offers valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice tailored to help you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, planning to sell, or just exploring your options, Closing the Deal is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in and let’s make your real estate dreams a reality!
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
OHFA Program Revisit | Closing the Deal Ep. 74
2w ago00:28:55Tap to summarizeOHFA just made major changes — and this episode is worth revisiting.With recent updates to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) program, we’re bringing back one of our most valuable episodes to help buyers understand what these changes could mean for them. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, short on down payment funds, or simply trying to find a more affordable path to homeownership, this episode breaks down the programs, benefits, and key qualifications you need to know.In this episode, Sam explains:🏡 What OHFA is and who it helps💰 Down payment assistance options📉 How interest rate changes can impact affordability👨⚕️ Ohio Heroes benefits for healthcare workers, teachers, first responders & more📊 Mortgage Tax Credits (MTC) and how they can help buyers qualify⚠️ Income limits, credit score requirements, debt-to-income guidelines & important caveatsWith today’s market still creating affordability challenges, revisiting programs like OHFA could be the difference between continuing to wait and finally buying your home.📲 Have questions about buying in Ohio or whether you qualify? Reach out — we’d love to help.🎧 Closing the Deal — helping you close the deal 🏡Chapters00:00 Why We’re Revisiting This Episode00:17 What is OHFA? (Ohio Housing Finance Agency Explained)02:42 Recent OHFA Program Changes & Why They Matter04:15 OHFA Unassisted Program (Lower Interest Rates)07:10 Down Payment Assistance Explained09:26 Mortgage Tax Credit (MTC) Benefits11:18 Ohio Heroes Program Explained13:08 OHFA Credit Score & Debt-to-Income Requirements16:00 Income Limits & Qualification Guidelines18:07 Purchase Price & Property Requirements20:35 How Much Down Payment Assistance Can You Get?22:00 Why OHFA Changes Improved Affordability24:25 Costs, Fees & Important Caveats26:00 The 7-Year Forgiveness Rule Explained27:35 Why This Program Matters in Today’s Market29:00 Final Thoughts & How to Get HelpReposted due to recent OHFA program developments and renewed relevance for Ohio homebuyers.
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What If Things Don’t Go As Planned After You Buy? | Closing The Deal Ep. 73
3w ago00:32:37Tap to summarizeWhat happens if things don’t go as planned after you buy a home? 🤔In this episode of Closing the Deal, we tackle some of the biggest “what if” fears that stop buyers from moving forward — and what actually happens if those fears become reality.🏡 What if rates drop after you buy?📉 What if home prices fall?🔧 What if something breaks right after closing?🏠 What if your first home isn’t your forever home?We break down realistic scenarios buyers worry about, explain what options you actually have, and help you separate fear from fact when it comes to homeownership. If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking the “what ifs” of buying a house, this episode is for you.🎙️ Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already in the process, this conversation will help you feel more confident about the road ahead.👇 Let us know: What’s the biggest “what if” on your mind when it comes to buying a home?Chapters00:00 – The Biggest “What If” Fears Buyers Have01:24 – Why Buyers Overthink the Home Buying Process02:01 – What If Mortgage Rates Drop After You Buy?04:50 – Can You Change Your Rate After Closing? (Refinancing Explained)08:14 – Why Rate Drops Aren’t Something to Panic About09:01 – What If Home Prices Drop After You Buy?11:02 – Why Real Estate Is a Long-Term Investment13:22 – Comparing Home Values to the Stock Market15:38 – What If Something Breaks After You Move In?17:10 – Why Home Inspections Matter (But Aren’t Perfect)20:25 – Unexpected Repairs & Taking Responsibility as a Homeowner23:54 – What If This Isn’t Your Forever Home?25:00 – Why Your First Home Is Usually a Stepping Stone28:21 – Turning Your First Home Into an Investment Property30:02 – Embracing Change After Buying a Home31:08 – Wrapping Up + What’s Coming Next on Closing the Deal
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Why Buying A Home Feels Like Waiting All The Time | Closing The Deal Ep. 72
4w ago00:34:14Tap to summarizeBuying a home sounds exciting — and it is — but what nobody really talks about is just how much waiting is involved in the process. From getting pre-approved, waiting for the right home to hit the market, submitting offers, inspections, appraisals, underwriting, and finally getting the keys… buying a home often feels like short bursts of excitement followed by long periods of waiting.In today’s episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down why the home buying process can feel so slow, why that waiting can feel emotionally exhausting, and how buyers can better manage expectations throughout the journey. If you’ve ever wondered “Why is this taking so long?” during the home buying process — this episode is for you.You’ll learn:🏡 Why waiting starts earlier than most buyers expect⏳ The hidden downtime in the home search and contract process📋 What’s actually happening behind the scenes during inspections, appraisals, underwriting, and title work🧠 Why waiting feels emotionally heavy for buyers📞 How communication from your lender and realtor can make the process feel smoother✅ Why waiting doesn’t always mean something is wrongWhether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just trying to better understand the process, this episode will help set realistic expectations and hopefully make the journey feel a little less overwhelming.🎧 New episodes every Friday at 12 PM EST on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify.Chapters00:00 – Why Buying a Home Feels Like Waiting01:33 – Why Buyers Underestimate the Waiting Process04:17 – Waiting Starts Earlier Than You Think06:58 – The Pre-Approval Waiting Game08:45 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Waiting11:15 – Anxiety After Submitting an Offer15:45 – The Waiting That Happens During Contract16:35 – Inspections, Appraisals & Title Work Explained22:04 – Why Communication Matters During Waiting25:54 – Why Waiting Feels So Heavy Emotionally29:28 – How Buyers Can Better Handle the Waiting Process31:02 – Final Thoughts: The Journey Is Part of the Process
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The Moment Buyers Mentally Move Into The House | Closing The Deal Ep. 71
May 1500:27:21Tap to summarizeMost buyers don’t actually move into the house on closing day — they move in mentally weeks before that. 🏡In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down the exact moment home buying starts to feel real for buyers and why emotional attachment can be both exciting and dangerous during the process.From imagining where your furniture will go to mentally planning renovations before you even own the home, many buyers emotionally commit long before closing day. But what happens when inspections, appraisals, financing, or unexpected issues threaten the deal?We discuss:✅ Why buyers mentally move in before closing✅ The emotional side of buying a home✅ When excitement can become risky✅ Why buying furniture too early can hurt your loan✅ Real-life examples of deals falling apart at the finish line✅ How to stay excited without getting too emotionally investedBuying a home is one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions you’ll ever make — and finding the right balance can save you stress, money, and disappointment.🎧 Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have purchased before, this episode will help you navigate the emotional side of the process with a clearer mindset.👇 Have you ever mentally moved into a house before you actually owned it? Let us know in the comments.00:00 – Buyers Move In Mentally Before Closing00:44 – Why This Topic Matters for Buyers02:21 – The Moment the Process Starts Feeling Real04:22 – Finding the Right Emotional Balance05:01 – When Buyers Start Mentally Living in the Home07:42 – Why Buyers Get So Emotionally Invested10:22 – Where Excitement Can Become Stressful11:05 – Buying Furniture Before Closing: A Costly Mistake12:04 – Starting Renovations Before You Own the Home14:07 – Why You Shouldn’t Treat the House Like It’s Already Yours15:28 – The Risk of Getting Too Attached17:25 – Real Stories of Deals Falling Apart Late18:59 – Why Emotionally Committing Early Is Normal21:16 – How to Stay Excited Without Losing Perspective22:47 – The Best Mindset During the Home Buying Process24:58 – Don’t Rush the Process26:05 – Final Advice for Homebuyers & Outro
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Why Comparing Homes Is Making Your Decision Harder | Closing The Deal Ep. 70
May 800:22:00Tap to summarizeMost buyers think seeing more homes will make the decision easier… but a lot of times it actually does the opposite.In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down why constantly comparing homes can create information overload, decision fatigue, and unrealistic expectations during the home buying process. They discuss why buyers get stuck chasing the “perfect” house, how social media and endless listings contribute to comparison paralysis, and what successful buyers do differently to move forward confidently.If you’re a first-time homebuyer or currently house hunting, this episode will help you simplify the process, focus on what truly matters, and avoid getting trapped in the endless comparison cycle.🎙️ Topics Covered:Why comparing too many homes becomes overwhelmingHow “perfect home syndrome” hurts buyersThe difference between wants vs. needsWhy successful buyers have a clear visionHow to avoid decision fatigue during your home searchWhy the right home matters more than the perfect homeNew episodes of Closing the Deal drop every Friday at Noon Eastern.Chapters00:00 – Why Comparing Homes Makes Buying Harder01:05 – Information Overload During the Home Search02:46 – The “Too Many Options” Problem04:34 – Why Comparing Feels Like the Smart Move06:54 – Zillow, Realtor.com & Endless Scrolling08:20 – Wants vs. Needs During the Home Search09:47 – When Buyers Need to Take a Step Back10:52 – The Hidden Problem: Chasing Perfection13:24 – What Successful Buyers Do Differently16:24 – Even Custom Homes Aren’t Perfect18:48 – Why Imperfect Action Beats No Action20:00 – The Goal Isn’t Perfection — It’s the Right Fit20:32 – Final Thoughts & Buyer Mindset Advice
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Buying A Home Is More Than Just A House | Closing The Deal Ep. 69
May 100:27:16Tap to summarizeBuying a home isn’t just about numbers, interest rates, or getting an offer accepted—it’s about what happens after the keys are in your hand.In this episode of Closing the Deal, we take a step back from the technical side of real estate and dive into the bigger picture: the emotional, personal, and long-term impact of homeownership. From the pride of owning something that’s truly yours, to the stability it creates in your life, to the opportunities that come from building equity—buying a home is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make.We share real client experiences, personal insights, and the often-overlooked benefits that go far beyond the closing table. If you’ve been focused on the stress of the process, this episode will remind you why it’s all worth it.00:00 – Why Buying a Home Is More Than Just a Financial Decision01:00 – Shifting From Preparation to the Excitement of Ownership02:00 – Why the Buying Process Is Only a Small Part of the Journey04:00 – The Bigger Picture Beyond Rates, Down Payments, and Offers06:30 – The Power of Pride in Homeownership08:30 – Making a House Your Own: Upgrades, Customization & Sweat Equity10:30 – Stability: The Key Difference Between Owning vs. Renting12:30 – The Emotional Side of Homeownership14:30 – “Best Decision I Ever Made”: What Buyers Say After Purchasing17:00 – Loving Where You Live & Creating Your Space18:30 – Sharing Your Home With Friends & Family20:30 – The Financial Ripple Effect of Buying a Home22:00 – How Equity Creates Future Opportunities23:30 – Why Most Buyers Don’t Think Long-Term (But Should)24:30 – Using Homeownership to Build Wealth & Invest26:00 – Final Thoughts: Looking Beyond the Numbers
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What Happens When Buyers Rush Into Decisions | Closing The Deal Ep. 68
Apr 2400:33:44Tap to summarizeMost buyers think the biggest risk in real estate is moving too slow—but the truth is, rushing into the wrong decision can cost you even more.In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down why buyers rush, what it looks like in real life, and the long-term consequences that often follow. From fear of missing out (FOMO) to tight timelines and competitive markets, we dive into the emotional and practical factors that push buyers into decisions they may regret.We also walk through real examples of what rushing looks like during the home buying process, including skipping due diligence, stretching your budget, and making offers too quickly. Plus, we explain where these rushed decisions come back to hurt you—whether during inspection, after closing, or months down the road.If you’re planning to buy a home, this episode will help you understand how to move with confidence—not panic—and make decisions that actually align with your long-term goals.🎯 The goal isn’t speed—it’s preparation, clarity, and commitment.00:00 – Why Moving Too Fast Can Be Just as Risky as Moving Too Slow00:48 – Episode Intro & Why This Topic Matters01:23 – Why Buyers Rush Into Decisions (FOMO, Competition, Timelines)03:30 – How Competitive Markets Create Pressure05:15 – External Pressure vs Internal Clarity07:20 – What Rushing Actually Looks Like07:45 – Skipping Due Diligence & Budget Planning09:00 – Not Understanding Loan Options10:15 – Stretching Your Budget Too Far11:30 – Making Offers Too Quickly14:19 – Where Problems Start to Show Up16:00 – Inspection Issues & Overlooked Red Flags17:45 – Financial Stress After Closing18:49 – Buyer’s Remorse & Cold Feet20:38 – The Emotional Side of Rushing Decisions21:30 – Second Guessing, Stress & Fear of Mistakes23:30 – Internal vs External Pressure25:09 – Why Fear Can Lead to Bad Decisions26:14 – What Buyers Should Do Instead27:00 – Preparation, Clarity & Knowing Your Numbers28:00 – Why Confidence Beats Speed28:55 – How Preparation Actually Helps You Move Faster30:30 – Being Ready When Opportunity Hits31:49 – Final Takeaways: Finding the Right Balance32:53 – Outro & Where to Watch/Listen
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Why Buyers Want Certainty In An Uncertain Process | Closing The Deal Ep. 67
Apr 1700:34:24Tap to summarizeBuying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and naturally, buyers want certainty every step of the way.But here’s the reality: the home buying process is full of uncertainty.In today’s episode of Closing the Deal, we break down the psychological side of buying a home—why buyers crave clarity, where uncertainty actually shows up, and how to confidently navigate a process that rarely goes exactly as planned.From affordability surprises and competitive offers to inspections, appraisals, and shifting market conditions, we cover the real reasons why things feel unpredictable—and how to handle it like a pro.If you’re a first-time homebuyer (or even a repeat buyer), this episode will help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and make confident decisions even when things don’t go perfectly.🎯 What You’ll Learn:Why certainty is so important to buyersWhere uncertainty shows up in the home buying processWhy “perfect timing” doesn’t existHow to control what you can (and ignore what you can’t)The mindset that leads to better decisions and less stressWhether you're actively house hunting or just starting to think about it, this episode will give you the perspective you need to move forward with confidence.📲 New episodes drop every Friday at 12PM!00:00 – Why Buyers Crave Certainty00:49 – Introduction & Episode Overview02:38 – The Reality of a Massive Financial Decision04:27 – Emotional & Long-Term Commitment of Buying a Home05:50 – Why Wanting Certainty is Completely Normal07:30 – Where Uncertainty Begins (Affordability & Pre-Approval)09:15 – Zillow vs Reality: Payment Shock Explained10:28 – The Home Search Struggle & Comparing Properties11:55 – Making Offers & Losing Homes in Competitive Markets13:30 – Under Contract: Inspections, Appraisals & Financing Risks14:57 – The Core Truth: Uncertainty Exists at Every Stage15:22 – “Expect the Unexpected” Mindset15:51 – Buyer Mistakes: Waiting for Perfect Timing16:50 – Why 100% Clarity Doesn’t Exist18:17 – Controlling What You Can vs What You Can’t20:15 – Overthinking Leads to More Stress21:32 – Why Certainty is Impossible in Real Estate23:00 – Market Conditions & Interest Rate Volatility24:30 – Seller Decisions & Losing Offers25:30 – Inspections & Appraisal Curveballs26:40 – The Power of Controlling What You Can27:11 – How Buyers Can Reduce Uncertainty27:30 – Preparation & Setting Expectations28:30 – Understanding Your Numbers29:30 – Why Your Team Matters (Realtor + Lender)30:59 – Creating a Clear Plan32:10 – Final Takeaways: Confidence Over Certainty33:30 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Us
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The 4 Things That Kill Home Deals | Closing The Deal Ep. 66
Apr 1000:34:25Tap to summarizeBuying a home is exciting… until the deal falls apart.In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down the 4 biggest reasons real estate deals fail—and what you can do to avoid them. From inspection surprises to financing mistakes, these are the real-world issues that can derail your home purchase—even when everything seems on track.If you’re a first-time homebuyer (or even experienced), this episode will help you navigate the process with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why home inspections are the #1 deal killerThe most common financing mistakes buyers makeHow low appraisals impact your purchaseWhy timeline delays can cause deals to fall apartHow to navigate and negotiate through each issue💡 The truth: Most deals don’t fall apart—but understanding these risks can make all the difference when they do.🎙️ New episodes every Friday at noon📲 Follow for real estate tips, home buying strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights00:00 – Why Home Deals Fall Apart00:49 – There Are NO Guarantees in Real Estate01:52 – How Complex the Buying Process Really Is05:15 – #1: Inspection Issues (The Biggest Deal Killer)08:42 – Why One Buyer Walks & Another Buys the Same House11:17 – #2: Financing Problems Explained11:45 – Job Changes That Kill Deals12:50 – Taking on New Debt During the Process13:50 – Credit & Income Issues That Pop Up17:25 – Buyer Responsibility in Financing18:47 – #3: Appraisal Issues (Low Value Problems)19:30 – What Happens When an Appraisal Comes in Low21:46 – Unique Property & Appraisal Challenges25:14 – Required Repairs & Loan Restrictions25:46 – #4: Timeline Problems & Delays28:00 – When Extensions Become Necessary29:50 – Do Timeline Issues Actually Kill Deals?30:50 – 95–97% of Deals Still Close31:57 – Why Awareness = Better Decisions33:31 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways
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What Happens If The Market Doesn’t Crash? | Closing The Deal Ep. 65
Apr 300:36:29Tap to summarizeEveryone is waiting for a housing market crash… but what if it never comes?In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down one of the biggest questions in today’s housing market:👉 What actually happens if the market doesn’t crash?We dive into:Why so many buyers are sitting on the sidelinesThe real differences between today’s market and 2008What a “crash” actually means (and what people get wrong)The hidden risks of waiting to buyHow supply & demand really drives home pricesWhy trying to time the market can backfireIf you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to buy, this episode will challenge your thinking and help you make a smarter decision based on YOUR situation—not headlines.🎯 The truth: Waiting doesn’t remove risk… it just changes it.🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at Noon▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts00:00 – Why Everyone Is Waiting for a Crash00:56 – What Changed Since 2020 (Rates & Prices Explained)02:30 – Why Buyers Are Sitting on the Sidelines04:45 – Fear of Buying at the Wrong Time06:55 – Why 2008 Comparisons Are Misleading09:20 – What People Think a “Crash” Means11:00 – Why Housing Isn’t Like the Stock Market13:03 – Can Prices Drop AND Rates Drop Together?15:00 – What Would Actually Need to Happen for a Crash16:11 – What Really Drives Home Prices (Supply & Demand)18:45 – Average Appreciation & Market Reality20:00 – Lending Changes Since 2008 (Big Difference)23:27 – The Risk of Waiting to Buy25:00 – What If Prices Keep Going Up?26:30 – What Happens If Rates Drop? (Demand Surge)28:00 – The Refinance Advantage Explained29:09 – Waiting Doesn’t Remove Risk29:55 – Questions Buyers SHOULD Be Asking30:30 – Are You Financially Ready?31:15 – How Long Should You Stay in a Home?32:00 – Does Buying Even Make Sense for You?32:37 – Reframing the Decision (Control vs Noise)33:41 – Final Thoughts: Stop Trying to Time the Market
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