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

Guest: Lexi Myers, Maxia Insurance
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

If a major accident or lawsuit happened tomorrow… would your insurance actually cover it?

In this episode, Lexi Myers of Maxia Insurance joins Lexie and Campbell to unpack the often-overlooked world of umbrella insurance—what it is, who needs it, and how it works to protect your finances when your standard policies tap out.

We cover:

• What an umbrella policy does and doesn’t cover

• Who benefits most from this extra layer of protection

• How umbrella policies work alongside home and auto insurance

• What factors insurance companies evaluate when underwriting

• Common misconceptions and mistakes

• Real-life scenarios where umbrella coverage made all the difference

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or just want peace of mind, this episode breaks it all down in plain English.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage

Guest: Randy Walker, American Estate Sales
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Estate sales are about more than just selling stuff—they’re about handling memories, emotions, and often, major life transitions. In this heartfelt and informative episode, Randy Walker of American Estate Sales joins Lexie and Campbell to walk through how families can navigate the estate sale process with clarity and confidence.

We cover:

• The step-by-step process of preparing for an estate sale

• How to value items and what sets estate sales apart from garage sales and auctions

• Emotional tips for letting go of sentimental items

• Legal and tax considerations sellers should know

• Real stories from the field—and how Randy’s team supports families during tough transitions

Plus, our Fact or Fiction segment tackles common myths, like whether estate sales only happen after someone passes away and whether you should clean everything beforehand.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage

Episode Sponsor: Pure Maintenance of Kansas

Guest: Melissa Hickam
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

HOAs can make or break the homeowner experience—but many buyers don’t know what they’re really signing up for. In this episode, Melissa Hickam joins Lexie and Campbell to walk through the purpose of HOAs, how they operate, and what to watch for before buying into a neighborhood.

We cover:

• What HOAs are (and what they’re not)

• The difference between covenants and by-laws

• Rules every buyer should review before closing

• How to tell if an HOA is financially healthy and well-managed

• What to do if you disagree with a policy

• How to get involved and influence your community

• Real-world examples of how HOAs can affect property values

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a current homeowner trying to make sense of your HOA’s rulebook, this episode will help you feel more informed and empowered.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library
🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage

Guest: Kent Brown, Register of Deeds, Douglas County Kansas
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Covenants, restrictions, and HOAs—oh my! In this episode, we’re joined by Kent Brown, Register of Deeds for Douglas County, Kansas, to break down the often-overlooked world of property restrictions and what buyers really need to know before signing on the dotted line.

We cover:

• What covenants and restrictions are and why they exist

• Where they’re most commonly found and who enforces them

• How HOAs play a role in maintaining compliance

• Common restrictions that can surprise buyers

• What to do if you accidentally violate a restriction

• Whether covenants can be challenged or changed

Whether you're buying, selling, or already own your home, this episode gives you the insight to avoid surprises and stay compliant.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage

Guest: Bobby Jones, Professional Moving & Storage
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

This October, we’re unpacking more than just moving boxes… we’re digging into real-life moving mishaps, unexpected discoveries, and a few horror stories just in time for spooky season.

In this episode, Bobby Jones of Professional Moving & Storage joins Lexie and Campbell to share expert tips on how to make moving day less chaotic—and more prepared.

We cover:

• Common mistakes homeowners make when preparing to move

• How to avoid unexpected issues during the transition

• What to never pack or transport with movers

• The role of insurance and how to prep for delays

• PLUS: true moving horror stories, wild discoveries, and what Bobby’s crews have stumbled upon behind closed doors 👀

Whether you're planning a move or just love a good story, this episode brings the treats and a few tricks.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Guests: Ray Lundin & Secily Rees, Envista Credit Union
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Scams are on the rise—and the real estate world isn’t immune. In this episode, Ray Lundin and Secily Rees of Envista Credit Union join Lexie and Campbell to discuss the growing threat of fraud in the homebuying process and what buyers, sellers, and agents need to watch for.

We cover:

• The most common scams happening right now

• How tech has changed the fraud game

• Real estate red flags and warning signs

• What to do if you’re targeted

• How to protect your wire transfers and personal info

• How financial institutions like Envista CU help protect clients

Plus, we play a round of Fact or Fiction to break down popular misconceptions—like whether you can reverse a fraudulent wire and if scammers only target people shopping online.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Guest: Sean Williams, Realty Executives Hedges Real Estate, Inc.
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Thinking about buying—or already own—a historic home? In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Williams of Realty Executives Hedges Real Estate to break down what it really means when a home is historically designated, and how that impacts everything from renovation to resale.

We cover:

• What qualifies a home as “historic” and who decides

• How designation affects home value and buyer appeal

• The truth about renovation restrictions and what is allowed

• Available tax credits, grants, and financial incentives

• How to navigate buying or selling a historic home

Plus, we debunk common myths in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether historic homes must be kept exactly as-is and if they always cost more to maintain.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Guest: Theresa Seiwald, Keller Williams Integrity
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Selling your home with pets? It’s possible to show your space in its best light without hiding your furry friends. In this episode, Theresa Seiwald of Keller Williams Integrity joins Lexie and Campbell to share practical tips for pet owners preparing their home for market.

We cover:

• How to create a clean, neutral environment for showings

• Odor control, staging tips, and damage repair musts

• How to highlight pet-friendly features without scaring away non-pet buyers

• What to do with pets during showings

• Smart cleaning methods and services that make a difference

And of course, don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment where we debunk common myths about selling homes with pets!

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Guest: Josh Coulter, KW Integrity
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Buying a fixer-upper can be a great way to build equity—but it’s not for the faint of heart. In this episode, Josh Coulter of Stone & Story Real Estate joins Lexie and Campbell to talk about how to evaluate whether a fixer-upper is worth the investment—or more trouble than it’s worth.

We cover:

• How agents help buyers find the right fixer-upper

• Renovation projects that bring the most value

• How to estimate renovation costs before you make an offer

• Financing options for fixer-uppers

• Which updates to tackle—and which ones to avoid

If you're dreaming of turning a “before” into an “after,” this episode is your renovation reality check.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library
🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Guest: Steve LaRue, McGrew Real Estate
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Flipping vs. renting—it’s one of the biggest decisions real estate investors face. In this episode, Steve LaRue of McGrew Real Estate joins Lexie and Campbell to walk through the pros, cons, and key factors that can help you choose the best path for your investment goals.

We cover:

• How to evaluate whether a flip or rental strategy fits your goals

• Property types and locations that lend themselves to each

• How market conditions and interest rates affect your strategy

• Tax considerations for each investment type

• Common mistakes first-time flippers make (and how to avoid them)

If you’re curious about real estate investing or trying to decide your next move, this episode is packed with insights to help you invest smarter.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743