Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real Podcast by Lawrence Board of REALTORS®

Guest: Nate Imparato, Lawyers Title
Hosts: Lexie Haskin, Bank Midwest & Patrick Dipman, McGrew Real Estate

At closing, you’ll sign a lot of paperwork—but there’s one decision that deserves more attention than simply checking a box: how you take title to your home.

In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real, Nate Imparato with Lawyers Title joins Lexie and Patrick to break down what “taking title” actually means, some of the common ways property can be owned, and why that decision can have implications long after closing day.

We talk about:

🏠 Sole ownership, joint tenancy, and tenants in common

👥 The differences between joint tenants and tenants in common

❤️ What married couples and families should consider before deciding how to hold title

📋 What may happen to ownership when one owner passes away

⚖️ How title can interact with wills and estate planning

📁 When homeowners may consider holding property in a trust

🔄 Why changing title later isn't necessarily as simple as changing a name on a document

❓ Who buyers should involve when their situation requires legal, tax, or estate-planning advice

Plus, we're putting some common assumptions to the test in Fact or Fiction: Title Edition. Does a will automatically override the way title is held? Are trusts only for wealthy homeowners? Does everyone named on a deed necessarily own the same percentage?

The biggest takeaway: how you take title isn't just paperwork. Understanding your options—and asking the right professionals the right questions before closing—can help you make a decision that fits your individual circumstances.

This episode is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized legal, tax, or estate-planning advice.

A big thank you to TopGun Concrete Lifting for helping make this episode possible!

TopGun specializes in lifting, leveling, and stabilizing existing concrete using polyurethane foam injection. From sinking driveways and uneven sidewalks to patios and other settled slabs, their process can help restore existing concrete without automatically tearing it out and replacing it.

Learn more at topgunconcretelifting.com.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan with McGrew Real Estate for all of her behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing logistics, and helping make each episode possible.

🛠️ Episode Sponsor: TopGun Concrete Lifting

Guest: Greta Carter-Wilson, Coldwell Banker American Home
Hosts: Lexie Haskin, Bank Midwest & Patrick Dipman, McGrew Real Estate

What does housing stability have to do with the health of an entire community? As it turns out—a lot.

In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real, Greta Carter-Wilson with Coldwell Banker American Home joins us to talk about the Lawrence REALTORS® Community Foundation, its mission, and how money raised through some of our favorite local events is put to work right here in Douglas County.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) focused on supporting organizations that help stabilize housing for at-risk households—and that mission goes far beyond helping someone purchase a home.

We talk about:

🏠 What housing stability looks like in our community

❤️ The local organizations and programs the Foundation supports

💰 How more than $300,000 has been awarded to local housing efforts since the Foundation began

🎰 How events like All-In Casino Night raise money while bringing the community together

⛳ The impact of the annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament

🙌 How REALTORS®, local businesses, sponsors, and community members make these efforts possible

📝 How local 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for Foundation funding

🤝 How grant recipients are selected and how those dollars make a difference

One of the most important things to know? 100% of fundraising proceeds go directly back into community programs. The Lawrence Board of REALTORS® covers the Foundation's administrative costs, allowing the money raised through these events to support the mission.

And you don't have to be a REALTOR® to get involved. These events and opportunities are about bringing the whole community together to help make housing more stable for our neighbors.

Plus, we're putting some common assumptions about the Foundation to the test in Fact or Fiction.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan with McGrew Real Estate for all of her behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make each episode possible.

Guest: Gutter Princess & Roofing LLC, a fully licensed and insured roofing and guttering company
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Water may seem harmless, but when it isn’t properly directed away from your home, it can become one of the biggest threats to your foundation, siding, landscaping, and overall property value.

In this episode, the team from Gutter Princess & Roofing LLC joins Lexie and Patrick to explain how gutters and proper drainage work together to protect your home—and why seemingly small issues can turn into expensive repairs over time.

We cover:

💧 Why water is one of a home’s biggest long-term threats
🏠 What happens when water collects near the foundation
⚠️ Warning signs that your gutters or drainage system aren’t working correctly
🛠️ The difference between cosmetic gutter damage and a functional failure
🍂 How gutter guards, downspout extensions, pitch, grading, and landscaping work together
🔍 What buyers and sellers should look for during inspections
💰 The costly mistakes homeowners make by waiting for visible damage
✅ Preventative fixes that can provide a major return on investment

Plus, we separate fact from fiction by tackling common myths—including whether gutters are mostly cosmetic, whether overflowing gutters only cause minor problems, and whether drainage issues are harmless if the water eventually disappears.

The big takeaway? Just because water hasn’t caused a visible problem yet doesn’t mean it isn’t creating one behind the scenes.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

This episode is proudly sponsored by TopGun Concrete Lifting, specializing in lifting, leveling, and stabilizing existing concrete.

If you’re dealing with a sinking driveway, uneven sidewalk, settled patio, or dangerous trip hazard, TopGun Concrete Lifting uses polyurethane foam injection to raise and restore the concrete you already have—without the cost, mess, and disruption of tearing it out and replacing it.

Learn more or request an estimate at topgunconcretelifting.com.

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping keep the podcast running smoothly.

🛠️ Episode Sponsor: TopGun Concrete Lifting

Guest: Kelly Langseth (recorded while serving with Rainbow Restoration of Northeast Kansas)
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

A small leak. A kitchen fire. Smoke from a nearby room.

What happens in the first few hours after damage occurs can make all the difference in protecting your home—and your wallet.

In this episode, Kelly Langseth joins Lexie and Patrick to explain what homeowners often get wrong about water and fire damage, why hidden damage can be just as serious as what you can see, and what steps you should take when disaster strikes.

Please note: This episode was recorded while Kelly was with Rainbow Restoration of Northeast Kansas. Although she has since moved into a new role, the information shared in this episode reflects her restoration expertise and experience at the time of recording.

We cover:

💧 The most common causes of water damage in homes

⏱️ Why acting quickly can prevent mold and structural damage

🔥 The hidden effects of smoke and soot—even after a small fire

🏠 How water and fire damage impact drywall, flooring, insulation, and HVAC systems

📋 When to call your insurance company versus a restoration professional

📸 What homeowners should document immediately after damage occurs

🏡 How previous damage can affect a home's resale value

🛠️ Practical steps every homeowner can take to reduce their risk

Plus, we separate fact from fiction by discussing common misconceptions about mold, insurance coverage, smoke damage, and whether drying things out is enough.

Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, or seller, this episode provides valuable information that could save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for all of her incredible work behind the scenes coordinating guests, organizing logistics, and helping make each episode possible.

Guest: Michelle Fales, U.S. Bank

Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Dreaming of building your own home? Before the first shovel hits the ground, there's one critical piece many buyers don't fully understand—how to finance it.

In this episode, Michelle Fales of U.S. Bank joins Lexie and Patrick to simplify lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent financing so buyers can confidently navigate the building process.

We cover:

🏡 The difference between lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent loans

🌱 What to know before purchasing land

💰 How construction financing differs from a traditional mortgage

🏗️ How the construction draw process works

📋 What documentation borrowers should prepare upfront👷 Why choosing the right builder is just as important as choosing the right lender

💵 Cash reserves, contingencies, and budgeting for the unexpected

⏳ Realistic timelines and the most common causes of delays

📈 Strategies to keep your project—and your finances—on track

Plus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction: Construction Loan Edition, including whether construction loans are only for luxury homes and if being pre-approved means you're ready to start building.

Whether you're planning to build next year or simply exploring your options, this episode provides the roadmap to make your dream home a reality.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

This episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin' it Real is proudly sponsored by Gutter Princess & Roofing.

Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, clogged gutters, or simply want to protect one of your biggest investments, Gutter Princess & Roofing is committed to helping homeowners with honest guidance, quality workmanship, and dependable service. From roofing repairs and replacements to seamless gutter solutions, their experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home protected year-round.

If your home could use a little attention—or you'd simply like the peace of mind that comes from a professional inspection—be sure to reach out to Gutter Princess & Roofing.

👉 Learn more or request a free estimate at gutterprincess.com

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her incredible behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make this podcast possible.

Guest: Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Housing isn't just a real estate issue—it's a workforce issue, an economic development issue, and a community issue.

In this episode, Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, joins Lexie and Patrick to discuss how housing availability and affordability impact Lawrence's future, and what the Chamber is doing to help create solutions.

We cover:

🏡 Why housing is critical to economic growth and workforce retention
📈 How housing availability impacts local businesses and employers
🤝 The Chamber's role in housing advocacy and collaboration
💰 What affordability means from a workforce and economic perspective
🏗️ How growth, infrastructure, and zoning influence housing opportunities
🌆 How Lawrence can continue growing while preserving its unique character
🔑 The biggest barriers to solving housing challenges—and potential solutions

Plus, we tackle common myths in our Fact or Fiction: Housing & Growth Edition, including whether affordability is "just a real estate problem" and whether growth and affordability can coexist.

If you've ever wondered why the Chamber is involved in housing conversations—or why housing impacts so much more than buying and selling homes—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make the podcast possible.

Guest: Mickey Stremel, REALTOR® (KW Integrity) & General Contractor (McReynolds Construction)

Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Building a home sounds exciting… until you realize how many moving pieces are actually involved. In this episode, Mickey Stremel—both a REALTOR® and a general contractor—joins Lexie and Patrick to give a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a home from start to finish.

We cover:

🏗️ What a realistic building timeline looks like—from lot purchase to move-in

⏳ Where delays actually come from (and why they’re often unavoidable)

💰 Budgeting beyond price per square foot—and the biggest cost surprises

🛠️ How change orders impact both cost and timeline

📜 Permits, inspections, and what happens when things don’t pass

🚧 Supply chain and labor realities builders are still navigating

🤝 The importance of communication between builder, buyer, lender, and agent

🏡 When building makes sense—and when buying might be the better option

Plus, we break down common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether timelines are fixed, if supply chain issues are “over,” and whether new construction means zero surprises.

If you’re thinking about building—or even just curious what goes into it—this episode will give you a much clearer picture of the process.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

🛡️ Episode Sponsor: The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services

Helping you protect what matters most.👉 www.sparkeagency.com

👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for keeping everything organized behind the scenes!