Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty

What the heck does that mean? Think small budget home improvement projects that create “wow” moments without breaking the bank. We also sit down with a seasoned lending expert to debunk the most common mortgage myths. Whether it’s the truth about 20% down payments, credit score confusion, or what really affects your interest rate, we’re separating fact from fiction so you can make smarter financia...

Join us as we dive into the growing appeal of 55+ communities. What makes them ideal for active, independent living, the amenities to look for, and how to choose a community that fits your future goals. But we don’t stop there. Considering a home renovation? We’ve got you covered with expert advice on hiring the right contractor. Learn the red flags to watch out for, how to navigate permits, and a...

In this segment, Jayson Hardie breaks down how global trade tensions and tariffs influence mortgage rates and what that means for homebuyers and investors. Then, we shift inside the home to explore the real value of staging—how thoughtful interior presentation can make your property more appealing and shorten your amount of time on market and boost your sale price.

In this segment, we’ll explore the pros and pitfalls of buying your next home before selling your current one—how to time it right, manage the finances, and reduce stress during the transition. Then, we’ll cover the essential tools every homeowner should own, from must-have basics to items that can save you time, money, and emergency calls

In this segment, we’ll break down mortgage strategies for the average person looking to take their first step into real estate investing—what to expect, what to avoid, and how to get started smart. Then, we’ll shift gears to home renovations, focusing on kitchen updates and which improvements give you the best return on your investment.

In this episode, we’re talking diversifying your real estate investments. Explaining the pros and cons of owning a single-family rental versus a multifamily rental and learning how to build a stronger, more resilient portfolio. Then we’re lightening things up with a round of our fan-favorite Zillow Game Show—our Director of Sale, Jenny and one of the top real estate agents in St. Louis, Jaimie fac...

On this episode, we’re exploring two game-changing trends in homeownership: reverse mortgages and the rise of smart houses. We’ll break down how reverse mortgages can unlock financial flexibility for retirees, and then take a look into the future of home tech—how smart devices are reshaping the way we live, save energy, and stay secure. Whether you’re planning for retirement or just curious about...

On today’s show, we’re diving into curb appeal: why first impressions matter and how simple upgrades can boost your home’s value and charm. Then we chat about what industry experts about what’s ahead for the real estate market in 2025- from interest rates to housing inventory and what buyers and sellers should be watching for. 

Jayson Hardie with Homestead financial talks to us about all of the $0 money down loans, how they work and who qualifies. We also talk about the concept, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. We see this a lot in the real estate market and want give some “buyers beware” advice. 

Let’s make sense of the unimportant urgent things and the non urgent important things. We are talking about he Eisenhower Matrix and how it can help decide what tasks to tackle first when you are feeling overwhelmed. We also jump into a big real estate term and explain Escrow accounts. What, when and why? 

We have a good mix of education and entertainment on this episode. We talk with Jayson Hardie with Homestead Financial about what the CFPB is, when it started and why we have it and lastly, how will this impact the real estate industry moving forward? We then shift gears and bring the whole team into the office for a friendly match of The Price is Right, Zillow style.

How much can buyers stomach significant repairs? At what point is it just too much and time to throw in the towel? Today we talk through the major repairs that are deal breakers for buyers. Adam explains his concept of "everything is an appointment". This is not a business concept! This is a life organization concept... SO TUNE IN!

Lauren and Adam investigate and discuss which design trends are on their way OUT. Also, Jayson Hardie of Homestead Financial comes in to bring some clarity behind what is happening with interest rates and what can be expected as 2025 marches on!

While Lauren took a much deserved week off, Heidi Glaus steps in to co-host and talk about the spring market. Adam and Heidi also discuss the right time to call in the professionals when discussing buying or selling a home. 

What do you look for and LOVE in a house? Is it practical, functional, cosmetic or something that will "WOW" your friends and family? What do we LOVE about houses? Listen in and we'll tell you! You what we are NOT in love with? Identity theft and how the ways in which scammers are trying to trick consumers is increasing at a rapid pace

All professional roofing companies are the same, right? Absolutely not and unfortunately Adam & Lauren found out the hard way. Listen to our horror stories to avoid falling into the same traps! Also we help listeners determine the best time to refinance their house.

Sounds like a great option but what does it mean to "rent to own" and how does it work? We also dive into what owner financing is and the benefits and risk to the buyer and the seller.

One of the biggest questions we hear is "will the bidding wars on houses, multiple offers and crazy terms ever stop"? Good question! Let's talk about it. We also have Andrew Hoy in the house from American Family Insurance talking to us about why homeowner policies are getting dropped by the insurance compa

The entire country has been experiencing a housing shortage which has driven home prices up and have kept many people from taking the step into home ownership. How do we solve this inventory issue? Also discuss the pro's and con's of buying a home. Is it for everyone? What you need to know before taking that HUGE step forward.

In the 70's, the average square footage of a home was 1,500 Sq. Ft. Today, the average is 3,000! Ironically, in the 70's, people had larger families and needed the space. Today, it's about lifestyle and people are wanting more space than necessarily needed, which pushes their budget to the max! We also share some crazy real estate saves. What's that? Listen and find out!

Yes, you heard that right! Jayson Hardie with Homestead Financial breaks down the stats and shares the surprising fact, the median age for first time home buyers in the US is 38 years old. We also debate whether you should pay MORE on your monthly mortgage. 

Are you looking to give your house some pizzaz without breaking the bank? Want to add a wow factor that makes you proud to host your family and friends? Adam and Lauren meet with Mike Thomas of Rubix Construction to talk about 2025 affordable trends you can implement to elevate your home design. 

Jayson Hardie with Homestead Financial explains how to specifically itemize deductions on your tax return for a much larger return to use on vacation, paying down debt or for down payment on a house. Speaking of money, we also talk about how to build wealth while renting... IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!?!

Today we chat about seasonality in Real Estate and how it does or doesn't impact the reality of the market. Also, we will dive into what tools can be used to find homes in the current market. 

Jayson Hardie with Homestead Financial joins us to talk about "gift funds" for buyers. The how, the why and all the nitty gritty. Then we get real deep.... like deep dish, deep. We talk about our favorite St. Louis pizza joints.