Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty

We’re celebrating our 100th episode with one of our favorite returning guests, mortgage expert Jayson Hardie! 🎉 In this milestone episode of Call the CLOSER, we discuss what a new Federal Reserve Chair could mean for interest rates, inflation, and the housing market. We also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions among buyers: Can you still buy a home if you have student loan debt? Whether you’...

A home sitting on the market can feel frustrating, emotional and confusing. We talk about the practical steps sellers should take next and how growing retail corridors, restaurants and commercial investment influence everything from buyer traffic to property values. https://homesteadfinancial.com/ https://www.laurenrisleyrealty.com/

The hottest markets in 2026 aren’t always the flashiest cities. Today’s strongest housing markets are being driven by affordability, stable job growth, lower inventory and buyers looking for value. We break down the top performing markets and what makes them attractive for both homeowners and investors. We also dive into why real estate in certain cities just doesn’t make sense to invest in.

Consumers are overwhelmed by headlines, uncertainty and social media noise, but the real estate market often tells a different story. Plus, we reveal the top things buyers notice within seconds of entering a home and why first impressions matter more than ever.

The fear of giving up a low interest rate kept many homeowners frozen in place but life changes are starting to outweigh rate anxiety. We break down the fading lock-in effect and the difference between homes designed for Instagram versus homes designed to emotionally connect with buyers.  

Buyers are gaining leverage again in many markets, which means sellers need to stand out more than ever. We discuss how negotiating power is shifting in real estate and the simple curb appeal projects homeowners can tackle in a single weekend to make a stronger first impression and potentially sell faster.

What are squatters’ rights really and how can property owners protect themselves? Plus, we break down the must have tools every homeowner should keep around the house for basic maintenance, emergencies and protecting your investment. From legal headaches to practical homeownership tips, this episode covers what every homeowner needs to know.

What should you actually be checking around your home this spring and what are most homeowners missing? We have our trusted home inspector, this breaks down the essential spring home maintenance checklist, from roof and gutters to foundation, drainage, HVAC and more.

What should you actually be checking around your home this spring and what are most homeowners missing? We have our trusted home inspector, this breaks down the essential spring home maintenance checklist, from roof and gutters to foundation, drainage, HVAC and more. Beyond the checklist, there’s a bigger conversation: the reality of homeownership. Once you own a home, there’s no landlord to call...

Should you keep renting or are you waiting too long to buy? When is the right time for YOU? And what are lenders really seeing behind the scenes right now? From interest rates and approvals to real buyer mistakes, this breaks down the truth about renting vs buying and how to make the right move in today’s market.

With rising inventory, shifting negotiation power, and interest rates still impacting affordability, the housing market is changing fast. The “lock-in effect” is fading, and more people are making moves but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for you. Key insights: •2026 housing market forecast •Interest rates and home price trends •Buyer vs seller leverage •Move vs renovate: how to decide •ROI...

We put our lender, Jayson Hardie, on the spot in a fun game called “What Would a Lender Do?” where real life scenarios get real answers about financing, credit and lending decisions. Plus, we talk about the truth about downsizing. Is it really cheaper? Easier? Or does it come with unexpected costs and lifestyle changes many homeowners don’t anticipate?

What does the housing market look like in 2026? Are rates stabilizing, and what does that mean for buyers and sellers? We break down what could be coming this year. Plus, one of the biggest decisions homeowners are facing right now: renovate the house you’re in or relocate to something new? We talk through the financial, emotional and practical factors that should guide that decision.

No script. No set agenda. Just real conversations. Host Adam Bundren and our lender guru Jayson take over the mics to talk about whatever real estate or completely non-real estate comes to mind.

Young homebuyers often believe buying a home is impossible in today’s market, and at the same time, Americans are more obsessed than ever with credit scores. In this show, we break down why younger buyers feel shut out of homeownership, what’s perception versus reality and why credit scores have taken on such outsized importance in our financial lives often causing unnecessary stress and confusion...

Holiday credit card spending can leave many homeowners feeling financially stretched, especially as a new year begins. In this show, we break down how to recover from post holiday credit card debt and reset your finances without panic. We also shift to real estate, sharing practical steps homeowners can take right now to prepare their homes for the spring selling market so you’re financially ready...

Home warranties can help protect homeowners from unexpected repair costs and system failures, but many people aren’t sure when they’re worth it or what they actually cover. In this show, we break down why a home warranty can make sense for regular homeowners and what to look for in a policy. We also shift gears to design, sharing practical, budget friendly ways to make small bathrooms feel larger,...

Escrow shortages can surprise homeowners with unexpected monthly increases, and many don’t understand why they happen. In this show, we explain escrow shortages in simple terms and then break down how to properly vet and interview contractors for renovation projects so you can protect your budget, timeline and home.

Buying smart in 2025 definitely rolls over into 2026 so if you missed those episodes, this show will catch you up! It starts with knowing the risks most homebuyers overlook and the design trends that actually impact resale, livability, and long-term value. In this episode, we break down subtle but costly buyer pitfalls: inspection red flags, insurance and financing surprises, and market specific r...

Winter home inspections and the hidden cost of waiting until spring to buy explained with expert insight from our Trusted Inspector, Joe “The Docter”. In this episode, we break down how winter conditions impact home inspections, what issues are easier to uncover during colder months and why buyers who wait until spring may face higher prices, increased competition and missed opportunities. Joe sha...

Winter home maintenance and 2026 buyer beware tips explained to help protect your ability to buy a home. In this episode, we cover critical winter maintenance issues homeowners often overlook and how they can impact inspections, financing and negotiations. We also break down what buyers need to watch for in 2026, including credit considerations, debt-to-income ratios, repair red flags and financia...

Buy or rent real estate explained with a clear break-even reality check and simple home design ideas that make a big difference. In this episode, we break down the true buy vs rent decision, how to calculate your break-even point and what factors actually matter when deciding whether homeownership makes sense for your lifestyle and finances. We also share easy, cost effective home design upgrades...

St. Louis real estate market update and architecture insights. In this episode, we break down what makes St. Louis architecture so unique, from our iconic red brick construction to the craftsmanship that sets our city apart from other major markets. We also tackle one of the biggest questions buyers and sellers are asking right now: Is 2025 another 2008? We explain why today’s housing market is fu...

Commercial real estate opportunities, hidden value sectors and predictions for the 2026 housing market drive today’s episode. We break down why commercial real estate isn’t dying at all it’s simply transforming. From the explosive demand for data centers and fulfillment warehouses to the steady growth in private storage facilities and the resurgence of neighborhood retail, we highlight where inves...

Pre-listing inspections, seller preparation tips, and the 8 second first impression rule take center stage in this episode. We break down why a pre-listing home inspection is one of the smartest moves a seller can make helping you avoid scaring buyers away, reduce contract fallout, eliminate surprise repairs and present your home in the best possible condition from day one. Our expert Home Inspect...