Don't let a confusing inspection report derail your dream home! On this episode of the Keys & Gears Podcast, Bess Dickson and Mark Liesner break down the crucial process of choosing a home inspector. We explain why your inspector is like a general practitioner—qualified to find issues, but not the deep-dive expert for every solution—and why finding one who speaks your language is non-negotiable. Learn where to look (and where to avoid looking!), the characteristics of a top-tier inspector with real-world experience, and why even new homes need a trusted inspection. This is the essential guide to ensuring you fully understand what you're buying.

In this episode Mark Liesner and Bess Dickson solve the mystery of high utility bills. For a modern buyer, the true cost of a home (the Cost of Ownership) is the only metric that matters for long-term financial health. This definitive Real Estate Library entry exposes the invisible drain on your budget:

• The Culprits: Learn why poor HVAC efficiency, old windows, and bad insulation are the real reasons your electric bill is so high.
• The Buyer's Secret Weapon: the one non-negotiable step every buyer must take.
• Investment ROI: Discover which energy-efficient upgrades offer the best Insulation ROI and protect your home's value against rising costs.

It’s not one-and-done when you buy a house. Owning a home is a living, breathing relationship and it takes care to make it last. In this episode, Bess Dickson and Mark Liesner talk about why your home needs its own savings account, how to plan for maintenance before it becomes a crisis, and why the fastest fix is always the cheapest one. Think of it as “happily ever after” with a little bit of planning.

Every wonder what your HOA isn’t telling you and how it could cost you thousands? Imagine budgeting for $300 in monthly HOA dues… then getting a $10,000 bill.
In this episode, Bess Dickson and Mark Liesner break down what special assessments really are, why they happen, and how they can completely derail your budget. Learn how to spot the red flags before you buy, the questions to ask your agent, and how to make sure your dream home doesn’t come with a financial nightmare.

Before you buy into an HOA community, there’s some serious homework to do — because what you don’t know can cost you.

In this episode, Bess and Mark unpack the due diligence checks every homebuyer should do before signing, from spotting legal red flags to understanding how an HOA’s management, insurance, and reserves affect your financing and resale value.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why HOA lawsuits can impact your loan or resale value
✅ How to review board meeting minutes for transparency
✅ What to look for in HOA insurance coverage
✅ How high delinquency rates affect financing options
✅ Why restrictive HOAs can hurt marketability down the road

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner ready for your next move, this is your guide to buying with eyes wide open.

Thinking about buying a home in an HOA community? Before you sign on the dotted line, there are critical questions you need to ask—questions that could save you from costly surprises and lifestyle restrictions down the road.

In this episode, we break down the 6 most important HOA questions every homebuyer should ask, including:

• How to spot red flags in an HOA’s budget, reserves, and delinquency rate
• What CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) really mean for your day-to-day life
• The truth about special assessments and how they impact your wallet
• Whether your HOA will allow short-term rentals or renovations on your property

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this episode gives you the tools to review HOA documents like a pro and avoid common pitfalls.