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

Guest: Kelly Drake, Mallard Homes Inc. & Store Stuff
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it can be a powerful tool for lowering utility bills and increasing home value. In this episode, we chat with Kelly Drake of Mallard Homes Inc. & Store Stuff to break down what energy efficiency really means, what upgrades are worth the cost, and how to maximize your return on investment.

We cover:

• The most impactful upgrades homeowners can make

• How to calculate ROI on energy improvements

• Available tax credits, rebates, and incentives

• Myths about energy efficiency

• How smart home tech fits into the conversation

Plus, our Fact or Fiction segment tackles common beliefs about windows, solar panels, ceiling fans, and more.

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

Guest: Nate Robertson, Vision Roofing
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Think your roof is “out of sight, out of mind”? Think again. In this episode, we bring in Nate Robertson of Vision Roofing to give homeowners the essential info they need to protect one of the most important parts of their home.

We cover:

• How a roof affects your home value and insurance

• Common roofing materials and how they compare

• Signs of damage, when to inspect, and when to repair

• How Nate helps navigate roof-related insurance claims

• What not to do when it comes to roof maintenance

Plus, don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment where we bust myths about dark shingles, walking on your roof, metal roof noise, and more.

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

Guest: Moriah Miller, Crystal Clear Realty
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

Staging your home doesn’t have to cost thousands to make a big impact. In this episode, we sit down with Moriah Miller of Crystal Clear Realty to talk all about budget-friendly staging strategies that help homes shine—without draining your wallet.

Tune in to learn:

• Why staging matters more than you think

• What rooms you must focus on when preparing to sell

• Low-cost and DIY staging tips you can implement today

• Common staging mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• How staging can actually affect your sale price and days on market

Plus, don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment, where we bust myths like “staging is only for luxury homes” and “you always need a pro to do it.”

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

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

A HELOC can be one of the most flexible financial tools available to homeowners, but only if you use it wisely. In this episode, we sit down with Secily Rees of Envista Federal Credit Union to break down how Home Equity Lines of Credit actually work, when they’re a good idea, and what to avoid.

You’ll learn:

• How HELOCs differ from traditional mortgages

• Smart ways to use your home’s equity (and when to steer clear)

• How HELOC interest rates compare to other financing

• Common misconceptions and mistakes homeowners make

• How to calculate how much equity to tap into—without going overboard

Whether you’re funding a renovation, paying off debt, or investing in your future, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to use your equity effectively.

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

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

Thinking about building your dream home? This episode breaks down the entire new construction journey—from finding a builder to financing and what to expect along the way.

Lexie and Campbell sit down with Joy Slavens of Keller Williams Integrity to explore:

• The first steps every buyer should take when considering new construction

• Key differences between building new vs. buying existing

• Custom homes vs. spec homes—what’s more common now and why

• Financing tips and common buyer upgrades

• What to watch out for during the build process

Plus, our Fact or Fiction segment uncovers the truth about pricing, upgrades, and how much say buyers really have in the design process.

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

Guest: Bobbie Flory, Executive Director of the Lawrence Home Builders Association
Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) & Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate)

What’s driving the housing shortage in Lawrence? In this episode, Lexie and Campbell sit down with Bobbie Flory to explore everything from skyrocketing construction costs to zoning restrictions—and what can realistically be done to address the growing gap in available homes.

We talk about:

• Why inventory is low (and which buyers are hit hardest)

• The true cost of building today

• What role city regulations play

• What builders, buyers, and the community can do next

And don’t miss our Fact or Fiction segment where we bust some common myths about new construction and housing supply.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

🏡 Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

🛠️ Episode Sponsor: Pure Maintenance of Kansas – Offering non-toxic, demolition-free mold remediation and indoor air purification. Learn more at www.puremaintenanceks.com

What exactly is escrow? How much do closing costs really add up to? And can buyers actually negotiate any of this?

In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ It Real, Co-hosts Lexie Haskin with Flint Hills Mortgage and Campbell Ragan with McGrew Real Estate sit down with Elly Claussen from MidAmerica Bank to break down the essentials of escrow accounts, closing costs, and what buyers really need to know before signing on the dotted line.

You’ll learn:
✔️ What an escrow account is and how it works after closing
✔️ What fees make up your closing costs and who typically pays them
✔️ Tips to negotiate or reduce those costs
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid at the closing table
✔️ How escrow accounts evolve over time
✔️ Regulations that protect buyers and sellers
✔️ 4 common myths about escrow and closing—debunked!

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or just love learning how the process works, this is a must-listen for real estate clarity and confidence.

🎧 Tune in and keep it real—Lawrence style.

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Rural Housing Challenges and Solutions
As we recognize the start of Fair Housing Month, this timely episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real explores the unique challenges—and potential solutions—facing rural homebuyers across Kansas. This is the sixth installment in our Affordable Housing Series, and we’re joined by guest co-host Rob Hulse, Vice President of the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®, along with guests Deborah Becker (Movement Mortgage) and Randy Russell (Stephens Real Estate).

From infrastructure hurdles and zoning restrictions to financing options like USDA loans, this episode takes a comprehensive look at rural housing barriers and opportunities. We dive into long-term maintenance, natural disaster risks, modular housing trends, and more—including a fun “Fact or Fiction” roun to bust some common myths about rural living.

If you serve clients in rural areas or are curious about expanding your market knowledge, this one’s for you.

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and financial literacy is the key to making smart, informed choices. In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real Podcast, host Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage), and guest co-host Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) sit down with financial experts Ashley Zeller (Bank Midwest) and Ginger Ellsperman (Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.) to break down the essentials of financial literacy for homebuyers.

We’ll tackle key topics like managing debt, improving credit, budgeting for a down payment, and navigating mortgage options confidently. Plus, we’ll discuss how financial education can be made more accessible and equitable for communities historically facing homeownership barriers. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to improve your financial standing, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your journey to homeownership.

🔊 Tune in to gain expert advice on setting yourself up for financial success in real estate!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ It Real, we’re joined by Bailey Stuart (McGrew Real Estate) and Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) to break down everything first-time buyers need to know. From getting pre-approved for a mortgage and choosing the right loan program to avoiding common mistakes and navigating home inspections, this episode is packed with expert insights. We also explore how homebuyer education programs can better serve underrepresented groups and ensure equitable access to homeownership. Whether you're just starting your homeownership journey or looking for guidance, this episode will help you move forward with confidence!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743