Closing the Deal

Sam Enright & Zach Dickson

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!

  1. Why Buying A Home Feels Like Waiting All The Time | Closing The Deal Ep. 72

    4D AGO

    Why Buying A Home Feels Like Waiting All The Time | Closing The Deal Ep. 72

    Buying 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 wrong Whether 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. Chapters 00:00 – Why Buying a Home Feels Like Waiting 01:33 – Why Buyers Underestimate the Waiting Process 04:17 – Waiting Starts Earlier Than You Think 06:58 – The Pre-Approval Waiting Game 08:45 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Waiting 11:15 – Anxiety After Submitting an Offer 15:45 – The Waiting That Happens During Contract 16:35 – Inspections, Appraisals & Title Work Explained 22:04 – Why Communication Matters During Waiting 25:54 – Why Waiting Feels So Heavy Emotionally 29:28 – How Buyers Can Better Handle the Waiting Process 31:02 – Final Thoughts: The Journey Is Part of the Process

    34 min
  2. The Moment Buyers Mentally Move Into The House | Closing The Deal Ep. 71

    MAY 15

    The Moment Buyers Mentally Move Into The House | Closing The Deal Ep. 71

    Most 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 invested Buying 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 Closing 00:44 – Why This Topic Matters for Buyers 02:21 – The Moment the Process Starts Feeling Real 04:22 – Finding the Right Emotional Balance 05:01 – When Buyers Start Mentally Living in the Home 07:42 – Why Buyers Get So Emotionally Invested 10:22 – Where Excitement Can Become Stressful 11:05 – Buying Furniture Before Closing: A Costly Mistake 12:04 – Starting Renovations Before You Own the Home 14:07 – Why You Shouldn’t Treat the House Like It’s Already Yours 15:28 – The Risk of Getting Too Attached 17:25 – Real Stories of Deals Falling Apart Late 18:59 – Why Emotionally Committing Early Is Normal 21:16 – How to Stay Excited Without Losing Perspective 22:47 – The Best Mindset During the Home Buying Process 24:58 – Don’t Rush the Process 26:05 – Final Advice for Homebuyers & Outro

    27 min
  3. Why Comparing Homes Is Making Your Decision Harder | Closing The Deal Ep. 70

    MAY 8

    Why Comparing Homes Is Making Your Decision Harder | Closing The Deal Ep. 70

    Most 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 overwhelming How “perfect home syndrome” hurts buyers The difference between wants vs. needs Why successful buyers have a clear vision How to avoid decision fatigue during your home search Why the right home matters more than the perfect home New episodes of Closing the Deal drop every Friday at Noon Eastern. Chapters 00:00 – Why Comparing Homes Makes Buying Harder 01:05 – Information Overload During the Home Search 02:46 – The “Too Many Options” Problem 04:34 – Why Comparing Feels Like the Smart Move 06:54 – Zillow, Realtor.com & Endless Scrolling 08:20 – Wants vs. Needs During the Home Search 09:47 – When Buyers Need to Take a Step Back 10:52 – The Hidden Problem: Chasing Perfection 13:24 – What Successful Buyers Do Differently 16:24 – Even Custom Homes Aren’t Perfect 18:48 – Why Imperfect Action Beats No Action 20:00 – The Goal Isn’t Perfection — It’s the Right Fit 20:32 – Final Thoughts & Buyer Mindset Advice

    22 min
  4. Buying A Home Is More Than Just A House | Closing The Deal Ep. 69

    MAY 1

    Buying A Home Is More Than Just A House | Closing The Deal Ep. 69

    Buying 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 Decision 01:00 – Shifting From Preparation to the Excitement of Ownership 02:00 – Why the Buying Process Is Only a Small Part of the Journey 04:00 – The Bigger Picture Beyond Rates, Down Payments, and Offers 06:30 – The Power of Pride in Homeownership 08:30 – Making a House Your Own: Upgrades, Customization & Sweat Equity 10:30 – Stability: The Key Difference Between Owning vs. Renting 12:30 – The Emotional Side of Homeownership 14:30 – “Best Decision I Ever Made”: What Buyers Say After Purchasing 17:00 – Loving Where You Live & Creating Your Space 18:30 – Sharing Your Home With Friends & Family 20:30 – The Financial Ripple Effect of Buying a Home 22:00 – How Equity Creates Future Opportunities 23:30 – Why Most Buyers Don’t Think Long-Term (But Should) 24:30 – Using Homeownership to Build Wealth & Invest 26:00 – Final Thoughts: Looking Beyond the Numbers

    27 min
  5. What Happens When Buyers Rush Into Decisions | Closing The Deal Ep. 68

    APR 24

    What Happens When Buyers Rush Into Decisions | Closing The Deal Ep. 68

    Most 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 Slow 00:48 – Episode Intro & Why This Topic Matters 01:23 – Why Buyers Rush Into Decisions (FOMO, Competition, Timelines) 03:30 – How Competitive Markets Create Pressure 05:15 – External Pressure vs Internal Clarity 07:20 – What Rushing Actually Looks Like 07:45 – Skipping Due Diligence & Budget Planning 09:00 – Not Understanding Loan Options 10:15 – Stretching Your Budget Too Far 11:30 – Making Offers Too Quickly 14:19 – Where Problems Start to Show Up 16:00 – Inspection Issues & Overlooked Red Flags 17:45 – Financial Stress After Closing 18:49 – Buyer’s Remorse & Cold Feet 20:38 – The Emotional Side of Rushing Decisions 21:30 – Second Guessing, Stress & Fear of Mistakes 23:30 – Internal vs External Pressure 25:09 – Why Fear Can Lead to Bad Decisions 26:14 – What Buyers Should Do Instead 27:00 – Preparation, Clarity & Knowing Your Numbers 28:00 – Why Confidence Beats Speed 28:55 – How Preparation Actually Helps You Move Faster 30:30 – Being Ready When Opportunity Hits 31:49 – Final Takeaways: Finding the Right Balance 32:53 – Outro & Where to Watch/Listen

    34 min
  6. Why Buyers Want Certainty In An Uncertain Process | Closing The Deal Ep. 67

    APR 17

    Why Buyers Want Certainty In An Uncertain Process | Closing The Deal Ep. 67

    Buying 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 buyers Where uncertainty shows up in the home buying process Why “perfect timing” doesn’t exist How to control what you can (and ignore what you can’t) The mindset that leads to better decisions and less stress Whether 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 Certainty 00:49 – Introduction & Episode Overview 02:38 – The Reality of a Massive Financial Decision 04:27 – Emotional & Long-Term Commitment of Buying a Home 05:50 – Why Wanting Certainty is Completely Normal 07:30 – Where Uncertainty Begins (Affordability & Pre-Approval) 09:15 – Zillow vs Reality: Payment Shock Explained 10:28 – The Home Search Struggle & Comparing Properties 11:55 – Making Offers & Losing Homes in Competitive Markets 13:30 – Under Contract: Inspections, Appraisals & Financing Risks 14:57 – The Core Truth: Uncertainty Exists at Every Stage 15:22 – “Expect the Unexpected” Mindset 15:51 – Buyer Mistakes: Waiting for Perfect Timing 16:50 – Why 100% Clarity Doesn’t Exist 18:17 – Controlling What You Can vs What You Can’t 20:15 – Overthinking Leads to More Stress 21:32 – Why Certainty is Impossible in Real Estate 23:00 – Market Conditions & Interest Rate Volatility 24:30 – Seller Decisions & Losing Offers 25:30 – Inspections & Appraisal Curveballs 26:40 – The Power of Controlling What You Can 27:11 – How Buyers Can Reduce Uncertainty 27:30 – Preparation & Setting Expectations 28:30 – Understanding Your Numbers 29:30 – Why Your Team Matters (Realtor + Lender) 30:59 – Creating a Clear Plan 32:10 – Final Takeaways: Confidence Over Certainty 33:30 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Us

    34 min
  7. The 4 Things That Kill Home Deals | Closing The Deal Ep. 66

    APR 10

    The 4 Things That Kill Home Deals | Closing The Deal Ep. 66

    Buying 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 killer The most common financing mistakes buyers make How low appraisals impact your purchase Why timeline delays can cause deals to fall apart How 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 insights 00:00 – Why Home Deals Fall Apart 00:49 – There Are NO Guarantees in Real Estate 01:52 – How Complex the Buying Process Really Is 05:15 – #1: Inspection Issues (The Biggest Deal Killer) 08:42 – Why One Buyer Walks & Another Buys the Same House 11:17 – #2: Financing Problems Explained 11:45 – Job Changes That Kill Deals 12:50 – Taking on New Debt During the Process 13:50 – Credit & Income Issues That Pop Up 17:25 – Buyer Responsibility in Financing 18:47 – #3: Appraisal Issues (Low Value Problems) 19:30 – What Happens When an Appraisal Comes in Low 21:46 – Unique Property & Appraisal Challenges 25:14 – Required Repairs & Loan Restrictions 25:46 – #4: Timeline Problems & Delays 28:00 – When Extensions Become Necessary 29:50 – Do Timeline Issues Actually Kill Deals? 30:50 – 95–97% of Deals Still Close 31:57 – Why Awareness = Better Decisions 33:31 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

    34 min
  8. What Happens If The Market Doesn’t Crash? | Closing The Deal Ep. 65

    APR 3

    What Happens If The Market Doesn’t Crash? | Closing The Deal Ep. 65

    Everyone 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 sidelines The real differences between today’s market and 2008 What a “crash” actually means (and what people get wrong) The hidden risks of waiting to buy How supply & demand really drives home prices Why trying to time the market can backfire If 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 Podcasts 00:00 – Why Everyone Is Waiting for a Crash 00:56 – What Changed Since 2020 (Rates & Prices Explained) 02:30 – Why Buyers Are Sitting on the Sidelines 04:45 – Fear of Buying at the Wrong Time 06:55 – Why 2008 Comparisons Are Misleading 09:20 – What People Think a “Crash” Means 11:00 – Why Housing Isn’t Like the Stock Market 13:03 – Can Prices Drop AND Rates Drop Together? 15:00 – What Would Actually Need to Happen for a Crash 16:11 – What Really Drives Home Prices (Supply & Demand) 18:45 – Average Appreciation & Market Reality 20:00 – Lending Changes Since 2008 (Big Difference) 23:27 – The Risk of Waiting to Buy 25:00 – What If Prices Keep Going Up? 26:30 – What Happens If Rates Drop? (Demand Surge) 28:00 – The Refinance Advantage Explained 29:09 – Waiting Doesn’t Remove Risk 29:55 – Questions Buyers SHOULD Be Asking 30:30 – 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

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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!