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!
What It’s Actually Like To Become A Real Estate Agent | Closing The Deal Ep. 77
Most people think being a real estate agent is just showing houses, posting sold photos on Instagram, and collecting commission checks.
The reality is much different.
In this solo episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to become a real estate agent. He walks through why people are drawn to the career, how to get licensed, what happens after you pass the exam, and the realities that most people never see before getting into the business.
From inconsistent commission income and working nights and weekends to handling rejection, emotional clients, and constant uncertainty, this episode gives an honest look at what the profession really demands. Zach also shares what makes the career so rewarding—from helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership to building meaningful relationships and creating a business with unlimited potential.
Whether you're considering becoming a real estate agent or you're simply curious about what agents actually do behind the scenes, this episode offers a realistic perspective on the challenges, rewards, and characteristics that lead to long-term success in the industry.
If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe and follow Closing the Deal for new episodes every Friday covering real estate, home buying, mortgages, and everything you need to know to make confident real estate decisions.
3 Jul 2026
What It’s Actually Like To Become A Loan Officer | Closing The Deal Ep. 76
Thinking about becoming a loan officer? In this solo episode, Sam pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to build a career in mortgage lending.
From getting licensed and passing the NMLS exam to managing clients, handling high-pressure transactions, building relationships, and navigating commission-based income, Sam shares what the day-to-day reality looks like after eight years in the business.
Whether you're considering a career change, curious about the mortgage industry, or simply want a better understanding of the people helping buyers finance their homes, this episode offers an honest look at both the rewards and the challenges of becoming a loan officer.
In this episode:
Why people become loan officers
The licensing and education process
What a typical day actually looks like
Commission income, flexibility, and work-life balance
The stress and pressure behind every transaction
Why communication is the most important skill
Who thrives in this career—and who may not
If you're interested in real estate, finance, or helping people achieve homeownership, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
🎙️ New episodes every Friday at 12 PM Eastern.
19 Jun 2026
Why Income Isn't The Whole Story When Buying A Home | Closing The Deal Ep. 75
A lot of buyers assume that a higher income automatically means they can afford a more expensive home—but that's only part of the story.
In this episode, Zach and Sam break down the relationship between income, debt, and buying power, and explain why some high-income earners actually qualify for less than buyers making significantly less. They discuss how lenders evaluate debt-to-income ratios, the monthly obligations that impact mortgage approval, and the common financial decisions that can quietly reduce your buying power.
Whether you're planning to buy your first home or simply want to understand how lenders view your finances, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and make smarter decisions before starting your home search.
🏡 Topics include:
• Why income alone doesn't determine affordability
• How debt-to-income ratios really work
• The hidden obligations that affect mortgage approval
• Why car payments can dramatically reduce buying power
• Strategies to improve your financial position before buying
🎙️ Closing the Deal — Helping You Close the Deal. 🏡
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Income Myth
00:59 Why More Income Doesn't Always Mean More Buying Power
04:23 Understanding the Full Buying Power Equation
05:15 Renting vs. Qualifying for a Mortgage
07:37 What Counts as Monthly Debt Obligations?
10:26 Hidden Debts Buyers Often Overlook
14:16 Income vs. Debt: Which Impacts Buying Power More?
14:53 The Surprising Impact of Car Payments
18:21 What Buyers Can Actually Control
21:24 Creating a Financial Strategy Before Buying
24:04 The Biggest Takeaway: Income Is Only One Piece
26:21 Closing Thoughts & Final Advice
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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