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

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!

Guest: Jeff Crick, Planning & Development Services Director, City of Lawrence
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Zoning can feel complicated, confusing, and honestly… a little intimidating. But it plays a major role in shaping the way Lawrence grows, what gets built, and how housing evolves over time.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Crick, Planning & Development Services Director for the City of Lawrence, to break zoning down in plain English—what it is, why it exists, and how it impacts homeowners, buyers, and the future of our community.

We cover:

🏙️ What zoning actually means (without the jargon)
🏡 How zoning determines what can be built—and where
📊 The impact zoning has on housing supply and affordability
🏗️ Why adding housing types like duplexes or ADUs can be challenging
🔄 How zoning changes actually happen (and why they take time)
🗣️ How public input shapes zoning decisions
📜 The difference between zoning rules and building codes

Plus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether zoning changes happen quickly and whether zoning only affects developers.

If you’ve ever wondered why a certain type of housing can’t be built somewhere or how decisions about growth are made, this episode gives you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

🎧 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 individuals and families protect what matters most with personalized insurance solutions.

👉 Learn more: www.sparkeagency.com

Guest: Jill Stueve, REALTOR® & Property Manager, Keller Williams Integrity
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City, many Lawrence homeowners are wondering if short-term rentals could present a unique opportunity. Could your home become a temporary Airbnb for visitors traveling to the region?

In this episode, Jill Stueve of Keller Williams Integrity joins Lexie and Patrick to break down the realities of short-term rentals in Lawrence — from regulations and management responsibilities to investment potential and risks.

Note: At the time this episode was recorded, the official World Cup host teams had not yet been announced. That information is now public, making the conversation even more relevant for homeowners and investors considering short-term rental opportunities during the tournament.

We discuss:

🏡 The current short-term rental landscape in Lawrence💡 Who should (and shouldn’t) consider owning an Airbnb⚠️ The most common mistakes new STR owners make🌍 Why the World Cup could create a demand spike in the region📜 Regulations, licensing, zoning, and compliance requirements📈 How to evaluate STR vs long-term rental investment strategies🛠️ Why professional property management can make or break the experience

Plus, we wrap up with our Fact or Fiction: STR & World Cup Edition, tackling myths like whether the World Cup guarantees huge profits and whether any property can easily become an Airbnb.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your home into a short-term rental — especially with the World Cup coming to the region — this episode is packed with insight you’ll want to hear first.

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

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

🛠️ Episode Sponsor: Rainbow Restoration of Northeast KansasWhen disaster strikes — whether it’s water damage, fire, smoke, mold, or storm damage — Rainbow Restoration helps homeowners and businesses restore their property quickly and professionally.

Learn more here:👉 https://rainbowrestores.com/lawrence

Guest: Brad Eldridge, Douglas County Appraiser
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

When that valuation notice hits your mailbox in March… what does it actually mean?

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Eldridge, Douglas County Appraiser, to unpack how county appraisals work, how values are determined, and what homeowners should understand about taxes, market trends, and appeals heading into 2026.

We cover:

🏠 What a county appraisal really is (and what it isn’t)📊 How market trends and inventory affect valuations🔢 How property values are calculated🛠️ How remodels and improvements impact your assessment✉️ What to review first when your March valuation notice arrives💰 How appraisals tie into your property tax bill📝 When and how to appeal your valuation🔍 Public information sessions and where to find resources

Plus, we break down common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction: County Appraisal Edition — including whether your appraisal equals market value and if taxes automatically drop when values do.

Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, seller, or investor, this episode will help you understand one of the most important — and misunderstood — pieces of real estate.

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

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

🛠️ Episode Sponsor: TopGun Concrete Lifting

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

If you’re dealing with sinking driveways, uneven sidewalks, settled patios, or trip hazards around your home, TopGun uses advanced polyurethane foam injection to raise and restore your concrete — without the cost and mess of replacement.

It’s faster, cleaner, and more affordable than pouring new concrete.

Learn more or request a quote at:👉 www.topgunconcretelifting.com

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

From frozen pipes to roof leaks, most home issues don’t happen overnight—they happen from putting off maintenance season after season. In this episode, Brett LaRue joins Lexie and Patrick to share real-world tips and seasonal strategies to help homeowners protect their biggest investment.

Brett’s been inside a lot of houses and knows exactly what gets neglected—and what ends up costing homeowners big in the long run.

We break it down by season:🌱 Spring: What winter damage to check for and how to prep for heavy rains☀️ Summer: How to protect your roof, gutters, and siding through heat and storms🍂 Fall: Why it’s the most important HVAC season and what has to get done before winter❄️ Winter: Emergency prep, freeze protection, and the most common cold-weather fails

Plus:💡 What inspectors instantly notice during showings💸 When to DIY vs hire out✅ Why a checklist isn’t just helpful—it’s essential🛠️ Brett’s top 3 tasks per season

And don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment where we bust common maintenance myths—like whether closing vents actually saves money or if condensation in your windows is “no big deal.”

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

Guest: Michelle Roberts-Freeman, Stephens Real Estate
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Negotiation isn’t just about getting a lower price—it’s about getting the right deal. In this episode, Michelle Roberts-Freeman of Stephens Real Estate joins Lexie and Patrick to break down the most common mistakes buyers make when trying to negotiate—and what they should be doing instead.

We cover:

• Why emotion kills negotiation power

• The danger of overpaying when you don’t know the market

• How contingencies and repair estimates can strengthen (not weaken) your position

• When a lowball offer backfires—and what to try instead

• Why terms like closing date, flexibility, and included items matter more than people realize

Plus, our Fact or Fiction segment tackles some of the most common myths—like whether skipping inspections makes your offer stronger and if price is really the only thing that matters.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

Guest: Erin Maigaard, REALTOR®, McGrew Real Estate
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Pricing a home isn’t just about picking a number—it’s a strategy. In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Maigaard, seasoned REALTOR® and current 2026 President of the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®, to dive deep into the pricing psychology and data behind a successful listing.

We cover:

• The biggest pricing mistakes sellers make

• Balancing emotion with market data

• The impact of overpricing (even slightly)

• What separates fast-moving listings from ones that sit

• When to adjust price—and how to do it wisely

• How to position a home visually and emotionally for today’s buyer

• What sellers should really be asking their agents

And don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment, where we bust myths about Zestimates, pricing high to negotiate, and whether that first offer might be your best.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

Guest: Rob Hulse, Vice President of the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

We’re kicking off the 2026 season of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real with none other than Rob Hulse, VP of the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®. With his bird’s-eye view of the local market and direct involvement in upcoming initiatives, Rob joins Lexie and Patrick to share predictions, trends, and insights that every real estate professional, buyer, and homeowner in Lawrence should be paying attention to this year.

We cover:

• The biggest indicators shaping the 2026 market

• Rob’s top 3 predictions for Lawrence real estate

• What to expect with inventory and interest rates

• Which buyer groups may dominate the market

• Local developments that could shift demand and pricing

• Which trends from the past few years will stick—and which are on their way out

Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode lays the groundwork for what’s to come in 2026.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113