Closing the Deal

New Series Premiere: What If…? Real Estate Scenarios That Could Happen to You Welcome to the debut of our What If series — where we dive into hypothetical (but totally possible) real estate situations and walk you through what to do if they happen to you. In this kickoff episode, we unpack a scenario that many buyers fear: What if you skip the final walkthrough… and the seller leaves the house a m...

Saturday Talks: Summer Plans, PGA Drama & The Friends Tour In this week’s laid-back Saturday Talks episode, we’re catching up on all things summer—from our own vacation plans to PGA Tour storylines heating up. We also dive into our group’s upcoming Friends Tour and how we’re shaping the season. If you’re into travel, golf, or just a good weekend catch-up, this one’s for you.

We’ve heard it all—“Skip the agent,” “Wait for the market to crash,” “Always lowball”—and today we’re breaking it down. In this episode, we’re sharing the worst advice we’ve heard about buying a home—and why following it could cost you big. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just trying to make sense of the housing market, we’re here to set the record straight. You’ll learn: What not to do when...

Episode Title: How Loan Types Affect Your Offer Your loan type doesn’t just impact your mortgage—it can also make or break your offer in a competitive market. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how different loan types (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and more) are viewed by sellers and listing agents, and how that could give you either a leg up or a disadvantage when submitting offers. Whether...

How to Buy & Sell a Home at the Same Time (Without Losing Your Mind) Buying a new home while selling your current one can feel like juggling flaming swords. In this episode, Zach & Sam break down the strategy behind buying and selling at the same time—whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a change. We cover real-world timelines, financing tips, market considera...

Saturday Talks – Episode 1: Life Updates & Whatever Comes to Mind We’re kicking off a new weekly series called Saturday Talks, where we ditch the script and just talk. In this debut episode, we’re sharing what’s new in our world, what’s been on our minds, and setting the tone for the chill, off-the-cuff vibe you can expect every weekend. Subscribe to catch new Saturday episodes, and thanks for...

Episode Title: The Emotional Side of Homeownership Buying a home isn’t just a financial milestone—it’s a deeply personal and emotional experience. In this episode, we explore the highs, lows, and everything in between that come with owning a home. From the stress of the search to the joy of closing day, we unpack what it really feels like to go through the process. Whether you’re a first-time buye...

Best of: Central Ohio School Districts – What Buyers Need to Know This week, we’re throwing it back to one of our most popular topics—school districts in Central Ohio. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, or relocating, understanding how school districts impact property values and lifestyle is essential. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the Central Ohio real...

How Credit Works: What You Actually Need to Know In this solo episode, Sam breaks down credit in a way that actually makes sense. He covers what goes into your score, how to build (or fix) it, and why it’s such a big deal—especially if you’re thinking about buying a home. Whether you’re just getting started or need a quick refresher, this episode’s packed with tips you can actually use.

Episode Title: How to Use Seller Concessions In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down one of the most underutilized tools in real estate negotiations: seller concessions. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding how to negotiate seller-paid closing costs can save you thousands. We cover what concessions are, how to ask for them, and when they...

Part 6: Closing Day — How to Buy a Home Series In this episode, we walk you through what happens on closing day — the final and most exciting step of the home buying process! Learn what to expect when signing your documents, how to avoid delays, who’s at the table, and what to bring with you. We’ll also share a few pro tips to help ensure a smooth and successful closing. Whether you’re buying your...

Every job has its challenges, and real estate is no different. This week, we’re diving into a few of the things that tend to drive us (and probably a lot of real estate professionals) crazy. Catch the latest episode of Closing the Deal now!

In Contract | How to Buy a Home Series Pt 5 You found the one—now what? In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down what happens after your offer is accepted and you’re officially “in contract.” From inspections and contingencies to timelines and paperwork, we walk you through everything you can expect during this crucial phase of the homebuying journey. Whether you’re a first-tim...

Renting vs. Buying: Which Makes More Sense Right Now? In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down the age-old question: should you rent or buy? With rising interest rates, fluctuating home prices, and ever-changing rental markets, the answer isn’t always clear. We talk through the pros and cons of each option, share real-world scenarios, and help you figure out what makes the most...

Pt. 4 – How to Buy a Home: Making an Offer You’ve found the one—now it’s time to make your move. In Part 4 of our How to Buy a Home series, Zach walks you through everything you need to know about making an offer on a home. We cover offer strategies, contingencies, earnest money, what to expect during negotiations, and how to make your offer stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re buying...

How We Got Started in Real Estate In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam take you behind the scenes of their real estate journeys—how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons that shaped their careers. From first deals to unexpected turns, they break down what it really takes to make it in the industry. Whether you’re a new agent, an investor, or just love real estat...

How to Buy a Home: The House Hunt (Part 3) The search is on! In Part 3 of our How to Buy a Home series, Zach walks you through The House Hunt—how to find the right home, what to look for during showings, and how to stay competitive in today’s market. Whether you’re just starting or getting ready to make an offer, this episode will help you approach your home search with confidence. Don’t forget to...

Best of: The Top Restaurants in Central Ohio In this Best of Closing the Deal episode, we’re stepping away from real estate (for a moment) to highlight the best restaurants in Central Ohio! From classic local staples to exciting new spots, we’re sharing our must-visit picks for food lovers in the area. Whether you’re searching for the best steak, the best pizza, or an unforgettable brunch, we’ve g...

Before you start shopping for a home, you need a pre-approval—and in our very first solo episode of Closing the Deal, Sam explains why it’s a must, what goes into the process, and how to make it as smooth as possible. Subscribe for more real estate tips and insights! Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? Drop a comment or reach out! Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@Clos...

Think you need a 20% down payment to buy a house? Or that springtime is the best time to buy? In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach and Sam break down some of the biggest real estate myths and set the record straight. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seller, or just someone who wants to be more informed, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction. Don’t fall for these common...

Buying a home isn’t a solo journey—you need the right team to guide you through the process. In this episode of Closing the Deal, we break down the key players you need on your side, from real estate agents to lenders, inspectors, and beyond. Learn how to find trustworthy professionals who will make your home-buying experience smoother and more successful. Don’t make the mistake of going at it alo...

Home Inspection vs. Home Appraisal – What’s the Difference? If you’re buying a home, you’ve probably heard about both home inspections and home appraisals—but do you know what sets them apart? In this episode of Closing the Deal, we break down the key differences between these two crucial steps in the home-buying process. • What does a home inspector look for? • How does an appraisal affect your l...

Central Ohio’s Best Golf – Our Top Picks From championship layouts to hidden gems, Central Ohio has some incredible golf courses for every skill level. In this episode, we’re ranking the best places to play—whether you’re looking for a premium private club or a must-visit public course. Tune in as we break down: The top public & private golf courses Hidden gems that deserve more attention What...

Thinking about buying a home? It’s not just the purchase price you need to budget for! In this episode of Closing the Deal, we break down all the costs associated with buying a home, including the down payment, closing costs, inspections, property taxes, and those sneaky hidden fees that can catch buyers off guard. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just need a refresher, this episode will h...

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but where do you even begin? In this episode of Closing the Deal, we’re breaking down the entire homebuying process step-by-step. Whether you’re dreaming of owning a home someday or you’re ready to start shopping now, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate everything from saving for a down payment to closing on your dream...