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

Buying a home can feel overwhelming—especially for low- and moderate-income families—but local housing programs can make homeownership more accessible. In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real, hosts Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) and GUEST Co-Host Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) sit down with Ashley Taylor (Tenant to Homeowner) and Erika Zimmerman (Habitat for Humanity) to break down the resources available for aspiring homeowners in Lawrence.

We cover:✅ How Tenant to Homeowner helps buyers overcome mortgage challenges
✅ The Habitat for Humanity process & how it keeps homes affordable
✅ Common myths about affordable housing programs
✅ How to determine eligibility & prepare for homeownership
✅ DEI initiatives to make housing programs more inclusive

If you're thinking about buying a home but don't know where to start—or if you want to help others navigate local housing resources—this episode is for you! 🎧✨

💬 Share your thoughts: What questions do YOU have about affordable housing?

Editing & Music: Josiah MorenoPodcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public LibraryPodcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Thinking about diving into real estate investing? In this episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ It Real, hosts Lexie Haskin (Flint Hills Mortgage) and Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) sit down with Bryan Hedges of Hedges Real Estate and Location Properties to break down everything you need to know about buying your first investment property.

We’ll cover:
🏡 Key differences between primary residences and investment properties
💰 How to finance your first rental & down payment requirements
📍 What to look for in a profitable property
⚖️ Risk management and wealth-building strategies
🔎 Fact or Fiction: Investment property myths debunked!

Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to grow your real estate portfolio, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you get started.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

In this episode, we welcome Claire Vowels of Thrive Real Estate KC to discuss the growing trend of multi-generational living and how to create homes that meet the needs of everyone under one roof.

Claire shares valuable insights on:

- Understanding the dynamics and benefits of multi-generational households

- Key design elements to balance privacy, accessibility, and functionality

- Practical renovations and future-proofing your space for aging parents or growing kids

- Addressing legal, financial, and market considerations for multi-generational living

We also play a fun game of Fact or Fiction to debunk common myths about multi-generational homes! Whether you're considering this lifestyle or just love smart design ideas, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to make multi-generational living work beautifully for your family!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

In this episode, we tackle the essential tax considerations for homeowners with expert insights from Amy Neth Sand, an experienced accountant with Stonecreek Accounting. Rob Hulse, Vice President of the Lawrence Board of Realtors®, will also join us as a guest co-host. 

Together, we break down the key tax topics every homeowner needs to know:

Post-Purchase Tax Prep: Learn which documents to provide your accountant, how property taxes impact filings, and the deductions you can claim as a new homeowner.

Selling & Capital Gains:

General Tax Tips: Avoid common mistakes homeowners often make during tax season.

Refinancing & Other Considerations: Discover how refinancing affects your taxes and what to remember.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or preparing to sell, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate taxes like a pro.

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

In this episode, we’re joined by Victoria Perdue of KW Integrity and KB Painting KS to explore how to transform your home into a stylish and valuable haven. From selecting the perfect paint colors to incorporating the latest home improvement trends, Victoria shares expert advice and practical tips for homeowners and sellers alike.

We’ll answer key questions like:
✔️What are the biggest paint color mistakes, and how to avoid them?
✔️How does painting affect a home’s aesthetic and value?
✔️What are some budget-friendly renovation ideas that pack a punch?

And we’re tackling common home improvement myths in our Fact or Fiction segment. Find out if DIY projects always save money and whether bold colors really shrink small rooms. Whether you're prepping your home for sale or dreaming of a refresh, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

#Podcast #HomeDesign #RealEstateTips #LawrenceRealAndLocal

In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into everything

Don’t miss our "Fact or Fiction" segment, where we bust common myths and confirm key truths about radon. From whether radon is only a concern in specific areas to its role as a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, you’ll learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Tune in to make your home safer today!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

Curious about how the value of your home is determined? Join hosts Lexie Haskin from Flint Hills Mortgage and Emily Robertson from McGrew Real Estate as they sit down for an insightful conversation with Michael Elliott from Veritas Appraisals, where we break down the key factors appraisers use to assess property value. We’ll dive into the difference between market value and assessed value, common challenges in the appraisal process, and tips for homeowners to maximize their home’s appraised value. Plus, we’ll tackle the myths and truths surrounding FHA appraisals and explore how the neighborhood influences property value.

🔍 Stick around for our interactive Fact or Fiction segment, where we debunk common misconceptions about appraisals. From the impact of location to the influence of home renovations, we cover it all to keep you informed and confident in your understanding of the appraisal process!

Just in time for Halloween, join hosts Lexie Haskin from Flint Hills Mortgage and Emily Robertson from McGrew Real Estate as they sit down with pest expert David Roubison of Laser Pest Management for a discussion on the creepy crawlies you don’t want hiding in your home!

In this episode of "Lawrence Real + Local, Keepin' it REAL Podcast," we’re joined by McKenzi Ezell and Kevin Joles from LK Fire and Medical to discuss essential fire safety tips that can save lives and protect homes. We’ll uncover common fire hazards often overlooked by homeowners and share strategies to reduce these risks. McKenzi and Kevin will also provide expert advice on the proper placement and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as recommend additional fire safety devices to consider. We’ll dive into creating an effective fire escape plan for families, ensuring that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Plus, we’ll discuss fire safety for outdoor spaces like patios and yards, helping you safeguard your entire property. Stay tuned for our Fact or Fiction segment, where we bust common fire safety myths and get to the truth about protecting your home!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743

In this episode of "Lawrence Real + Local, Keepin' it REAL Podcast," we’re diving deep into the world of home insurance with expert guest Thea Lease, Sr. Account Executive at The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or just curious, Thea helps us break down the key elements of home insurance that everyone should understand.

We cover the full spectrum, from what the claims process looks like to what factors can influence the cost of your policy. We'll also talk about when you should update your coverage, how the current residential insurance market is evolving, and what information you’ll need to get an accurate quote.

And don’t miss our fun “Insurance MythBusters” segment at the end, where we put common home insurance myths to the test!

Tune in for practical advice, insider insights, and a few surprises along the way!

Topics Discussed:

Stay informed, stay protected!

Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno

Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library

Podcast Sponsor: Flint Hills Mortgage NMLS #2493743