Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important numbers in the home-buying process — and one of the least understood. In this episode of Keys & Gears, we break down how DTI really works, why lenders rely on it so heavily, and how it can stop a deal before it ever begins.

We explain what income actually counts on paper, how your monthly debt impacts buying power, and why checking your DTI early gives you options instead of surprises. If you’re thinking about buying a home in the next 6–12 months, this episode helps you assess whether your DTI is where it needs to be — and what to do if it’s not.

This is about planning early, understanding the numbers, and putting yourself in position to buy with confidence.

Most people think buying a home starts when they find the right house. It doesn’t. It starts with preparation understanding your credit, knowing what lenders look for, and getting clear on what “ready” actually means. In this episode, Bess Dickson & Mark Liesner walk through the pre-approval process and the financial groundwork that should happen long before you make an offer. If homeownership is on your horizon, this conversation helps you slow down, plan ahead, and move forward with confidence.

Confused about down payments? You’re not alone. This episode breaks down how down payments really work, how much you actually need, and the options buyers have today especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. This is clear guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Before you get pre-approved, there are specific financial steps that can dramatically increase your chances of securing a loan. In this episode, Bess and Mark break down the do’s and don’ts of credit, documents, savings, and employment so you can avoid delays and move toward homeownership with confidence.

We walk through how to check your credit, organize your paperwork, understand your debt-to-income ratio, and avoid common mistakes like opening new credit, financing big purchases, or switching jobs too soon.

Plus — we debunk the biggest myth out there: you don’t need 20% down.
Most buyers actually need 3–3.5% plus closing costs.

This episode gives you the financial clarity and confidence every buyer needs before applying for a loan.

Should you buy a home now or wait for rates to drop? In this episode, Bess and Mark break down the real forces driving today’s market — population growth, job expansion, inflation, and demand — and why timing the housing market is as difficult as timing the stock market.

We walk through three steps to help you decide:

1. Clarify why you want to move
2. Understand the true cost of waiting
3. Run the “refi later” math

If you're debating whether now is the right time to buy, this episode gives you the clarity to make a confident, informed decision based on your life — not the headlines.

In this episode, Bess Dickson & Mark Liesner break down the exact next steps for buyers after receiving the home inspection report so you can make smart, calm, strategic decisions.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why you should ALWAYS “sleep on it” before deciding
✔️ How to create a negotiation plan with your Realtor
✔️ Which repairs truly matter… and which ones buyers overreact to
✔️ How prior negotiations impact your leverage
✔️ When to push — and when to maintain the relationship
✔️ Why win-win negotiations close more deals
✔️ How to include “throwaway asks” to keep things positive
✔️ The #1 mistake buyers make after inspection

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, a real estate-curious listener, or simply someone who wants to feel more prepared, this episode will give you peace, clarity, and strategy so you can get to closing confidently.

In this episode, Mark Liesner & Bess Dickson break down the exact things you should look for during your home walk-through and how to read your inspection report without getting overwhelmed.

We cover the four main sections of every inspection report:
• Structural Systems (foundation, roof, drainage)
• Electrical & Plumbing (safety + functionality)
• HVAC (comfort + long-term cost)
• Summary Page (major findings all in one place)

You’ll also learn how to review the report through four helpful lenses: safety hazards, major systems, preventive maintenance, and normal cosmetic wear.
We equip you with:
✔ How to separate wear & tear from true deal breakers
✔ What to negotiate
✔ How to avoid future surprise expenses
✔ The one thing most buyers overlook: the roof
✔ When to ask questions and who to ask (your inspector + Realtor)

Whether you’re buying your first home or your next home, this episode gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence.

The home inspection is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — steps in the home-buying process. In this episode, Mark Liesner & Bess Dickson share three simple but powerful tips to help you approach the inspection with confidence and clarity.

You’ll learn why it matters to respect your inspector’s process, how trusting your professionals leads to better outcomes, and why showing up for the final summary is more valuable than watching every moment of the inspection.

This conversation is designed to help buyers stay informed without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or purchasing your next home, these insights will help you protect your peace while staying fully prepared.