Keys & Gears | The Loan Entry Point: What You Need to Do Before Getting Pre-Approved

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.

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.