Closing the Deal

In this episode of Closing the Deal , Sam Enright and Zach Dickson recap a four-day Florida golf trip through West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Stuart , breaking down every round, every mistake, and every lesson learned. From starting the trip at the West Palm Beach Par 3 straight off the plane, to revisiting North Palm Beach Country Club , battling brutal winds at The Florida Club , and finishing wit...

Buying a home shouldn’t feel overwhelming — but for many buyers, overthinking every step leads to missed opportunities and stalled decisions. In this episode of Closing the Deal, hosts Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down the most common signs you’re overthinking the home buying process — and how that overthinking can quietly cost you time, equity, and momentum. We cover why constantly seeking...

Before you spend a dollar on renovations, pause. In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down which home renovations actually increase your home’s value—and which ones quietly drain your money. Building off our previous conversation about why your first home shouldn’t be your dream home, we dive into the smartest ways homeowners and first-time buyers can approach upgrades with retu...

Your first home isn’t supposed to be perfect — it’s supposed to get you in the game. In this episode of Closing the Deal , we break down why your first home should NOT be your dream home , and how chasing perfection can actually delay progress, cost you equity, and keep you stuck on the sidelines. We talk through the biggest mindset mistakes first-time homebuyers make, how social media and HGTV di...

What really happens if you miss a mortgage payment — and how much time do you actually have before foreclosure is on the table? Today, Zach and Sam break down the full timeline from Day 1 through Day 120+, explaining the consequences, credit impacts, and MOST importantly, the options homeowners have at every stage to fix the problem before it snowballs. Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to...

In Episode 6 of Saturday Talks , Zach checks in from Ohio while Sam reports live from sunny Florida — and the boys go full golf sicko mode . Sam breaks down his upcoming round at PGA’s Port St. Lucie resort, compares Florida vs. Ohio golf conditions, and previews the courses the duo will play during their December Florida trip and next summer’s French Lick golf weekend. The conversation shifts int...

Buying a home rarely goes exactly according to plan — and that’s why we’re back with Part 2 of our “What If?” Series, covering the real-life scenarios buyers face and how to handle them without losing your deal, your timeline, or your sanity. In this episode, Sam and Zach break down four of the most common (and most stressful) “what ifs” in the home buying process: • What if you change jobs during...

Buying a home is stressful enough — but when your realtor and lender aren’t working together , it can cost you time, money, deals, and peace of mind . In today’s episode of Closing the Deal , Zach and Sam break down why your lender + realtor MUST operate as a true team from pre-approval all the way to the closing table. We cover real examples, contract strategy, communication breakdowns, and how b...

In this solo episode, Sam Enright takes listeners behind the curtain of what a loan officer really does — beyond just quoting rates. From that very first introductory call to the emotional moment when clients get their keys, Sam walks through the full journey of the lending process. He explains how loan officers structure deals, communicate with realtors and underwriters, solve problems, and guide...

Buying a home? Don’t get blindsided by the hidden fees at the closing table. In this episode of Closing the Deal , hosts Zach Dickson and Sam Enright break down everything you need to know about closing costs — from what they actually are, to how they’re calculated, who pays what, and how to reduce them. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just haven’t bought in a while, this episode will hel...

This week’s Saturday Talks is exactly what it should be — laid-back, real conversation about life right now as we head into the winter season. We get into sleep and recovery (and how WHOOP has actually changed the way we think about our bodies), why fantasy football psychology is unhinged, upcoming golf trips, wedding planning updates, and making it through Ohio winters without losing our minds. T...

Your offer got accepted — congrats! 🎉 But the hard part isn’t over yet. In this week’s episode of Closing the Deal , Zach and Sam walk you through everything that happens between “offer accepted” and getting your keys. From inspections and appraisals to underwriting, clear to close, and that final walkthrough — this is your complete 30-day roadmap to closing on your new home without surprises. Wh...

What’s the smartest way to invest $500,000 in real estate? In this solo episode of Closing the Deal, Zach breaks down two powerful strategies for building wealth through property: 1️⃣ Buying 10 single-family homes using leverage to scale quickly 2️⃣ Investing in one industrial property for long-term appreciation and stability Zach explores how your stage of life and risk tolerance should shape you...

Refinancing might sound like free money—but is it always the smart move? In this episode of Closing the Deal , Zach and Sam break down the truth about refinancing in today’s market. With the Fed cutting rates, marketing emails flooding inboxes, and homeowners eager to lower their payments, it’s more important than ever to know when refinancing saves you thousands—and when it could actually cost yo...

Thinking about buying a home but not sure whether to go for a fixer upper or pay more for a move-in ready property ? In this episode of Closing the Deal , Sam Enright and Zach Dickson break down the pros, cons, and buyer profiles for both options. We cover everything from building sweat equity and personalization, to the risks, hidden costs, and lifestyle trade-offs of each choice. Whether you’re...

Thinking about buying your first home? The journey starts long before you get your keys. In Episode 37 of Closing the Deal , Zach Dickson (Realtor) and Sam Enright (Lender) break down a step-by-step 12-month roadmap to homeownership . From checking your credit to building savings, avoiding costly mistakes, and prepping your offer strategy, this episode covers everything first-time buyers need to s...

Welcome back to Closing the Deal for another Saturday Talks! In Episode 4, Zach and Sam dive into a jam-packed week of sports and life updates. From fantasy football draft strategies and hot takes on the NFL season, to Ohio State’s defense and their Friends Tour golf championship, this episode has it all. 🔥 What you’ll hear in this episode: Fantasy football draft reactions, trades, and sleeper QB...

Buying a home is exciting—but how do you really know how much house you can afford? 🏡 In this episode of Closing the Deal , Zach Dickson (Realtor) and Sam Enright (Lender) break down the difference between what the bank says you can afford vs. your true budget. They reveal hidden costs, real-world client examples, and the tried-and-true 28/36 rule to help first-time buyers avoid becoming house po...

Should you buy a home in 2025 or wait it out? With interest rates, home prices, and affordability on everyone’s mind, this week’s episode of Closing the Deal breaks down the housing market in 2025. Hosts Sam Enright and Zach Dickson go beyond the headlines with real numbers, market data, and actual case studies comparing home purchases in 2022 vs 2025. 👉 We cover: Where mortgage rates, inventory,...

Thinking about buying a home but worried your offer won’t get accepted? In this episode of Closing the Deal , Zach and Sam break down proven strategies first-time buyers can use to make their offers stand out in today’s competitive real estate market. From understanding seller priorities to crafting a winning offer without overpaying, you’ll learn insider tips that can help you land your dream hom...

This week on Saturday Talks , Sam relives the not-so-glorious day he took a golf ball straight to the head. 🏌️‍♂️💥 From the initial shock to the laughs that followed, Zach and Sam break down the full story and what it taught them about golf, timing, and maybe a little bit about luck. Tune in for laughs, stories, and our usual Closing the Deal banter!

In this solo episode, Sam takes a deep dive into the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs and how they can benefit first-time homebuyers across Ohio. Whether you’re buying your first home, assisting a client, or just want to better understand down payment assistance, tax credits, and reduced-rate mortgage options—this episode breaks it all down in simple, straightforward terms. Sam walks th...

Ep. [30] – Red Flags to Watch for When Touring a Home Before you fall in love with a property, make sure it isn’t hiding any dealbreakers. In today’s episode, Zach and Sam break down some of the most common red flags buyers overlook when touring a home—from funky smells and foundation cracks to odd DIY fixes and neighborhood warning signs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned house hunt...

Buying a home below market value sounds great—but what’s the catch? In today’s episode, we break down three of the most misunderstood paths to homeownership: foreclosures, short sales, and real estate auctions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a deal or an investor trying to spot opportunity, this episode covers the risks, rewards, and realities of each buying strategy. We’ll explain:...

From shady deals and nightmare transactions to hilarious surprises at the closing table—this episode dives into the wildest business stories we’ve ever experienced. You’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe even learn what not to do. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, investor, or just someone who loves a good story, this one delivers. Buckle up—things get weird.