Closing the Deal: All Things Real Estate!

Meet one of the Writers Behind Closing the Deal: Zach Dickson! Hi there! I’m Zach Dickson, and I’m thrilled to be one of the voice's behind this blog. As a real estate agent and investor with years of experience in Central Ohio, my goal is to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and guidance on all things real estate. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or looking to invest, I’m here to help you navigate the process with ease. I started my journey in real estate early in my life with my parents and grandparents who were also largely in the real estate space. I went to The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) and still reside in Central Ohio today. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for helping people find their dream homes and secure great investment opportunities. Through this blog, I’ll be sharing the knowledge I’ve gained, along with the latest trends and updates in the real estate market, in addition to things going on in my life! When I’m not wor...

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process: 1. Assess Your Finances Start by reviewing your credit score, savings, and debt-to-income ratio. This will help determine how much home you can afford. You’ll also need funds for a down payment, as little as 3%, and closing costs.  2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget before finding that dream home that is out of your price range. 3. Hire a Real Estate Agent A good agent will guide you through the process, from finding homes to negotiating offers, ensuring you get the best deal. Your agent is always obligated to work in your best interests. 4. Start House Hunting Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves in your future home. Visit open houses and take your time reviewing the options withi...

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common pitfalls first-time homebuyers face—and how to avoid them: 1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Shopping for homes without pre-approval can lead to disappointment. Imagine finding that dream home, going to see it and falling in love, only to find out that it is out of your price range.. that is not a fun experience! Get pre-approved early to understand your budget and show sellers you're a serious buyer. When financing a property as a buyer, it is very important to show the seller that you are pre approved so they have zero doubts about whether you can afford their property. 2. Overlooking Additional Costs Many first-time buyers focus only on the down payment and mortgage, but there are other costs to consider, such as closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance. Be sure to budget for these expenses. In many instances, taxes and in...

Introducing Our New Podcast: "Closing the Deal" 👀🏡 We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, "Closing the Deal!" If you’re interested in real estate, mortgages, or navigating the home buying and selling process, this podcast is for you. Each episode will feature expert insights, interviews with industry professionals, and tips for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious about the market, "Closing the Deal" offers something for everyone. We’ll cover everything from real estate trends and mortgage advice to insider tips on negotiating deals and boosting home value. We'll even divulge away from real estate sometimes to talk about things going on in our lives....  Tune in for engaging discussions and actionable advice to help you succeed in the real estate world. You won’t want to miss it! Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and get ready to "close the deal...