Keys & Gears | How Much to Save for Home Repairs — The Home Emergency Fund Every Buyer Needs

Most homeowners plan for their mortgage. Few plan for the repairs.
In this episode of Keys & Gears, Mark Liesner and Bess Dickson break down the financial systems every homeowner needs to avoid going into debt when sudden repairs happen.

Mark explains the 1% Rule — the essential formula for estimating annual maintenance costs — and walks through exactly how much you should store in a dedicated Home Emergency Fund. Bess shares why preventative planning is the cheaper path, how to anticipate major home expenses, and why a “running business” mindset helps protect your long-term financial stability.

If you want to avoid financial stress, prevent surprise costs, and maintain the health of your biggest asset, this episode gives you the roadmap you need.

What is Keys & Gears ?

Where real estate meets real life. Bess Dickson and Mark Liesner drop the gears behind how to snag the keys, to your dream home, smartest investments and your life well lived. Expect unfiltered insight, expert strategy not typically shared all mixed with a heavy dose of fun.