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

Building from the Ground Up: A Guide to Lot & Construction Financing

Guest: Michelle Fales, U.S. Bank Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) Dreaming of building your own home? Before the first shovel hits the ground, there's one critical piece many buyers don't fully understand—how to finance it. In this episode, Michelle Fales of U.S. Bank joins Lexie and Patrick to simplify lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent financing so buyers can confidently navigate the building process. We cover: 🏡 The difference between lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent loans 🌱 What to know before purchasing land 💰 How construction financing differs from a traditional mortgage 🏗️ How the construction draw process works 📋 What documentation borrowers should prepare upfront👷 Why choosing the right builder is just as important as choosing the right lender 💵 Cash reserves, contingencies, and budgeting for the unexpected ⏳ Realistic timelines and the most common causes of delays 📈 Strategies to keep your project—and your finances—on track Plus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction: Construction Loan Edition, including whether construction loans are only for luxury homes and if being pre-approved means you're ready to start building. Whether you're planning to build next year or simply exploring your options, this episode provides the roadmap to make your dream home a reality. 🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno 🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library 🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113 This episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin' it Real is proudly sponsored by Gutter Princess & Roofing. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, clogged gutters, or simply want to protect one of your biggest investments, Gutter Princess & Roofing is committed to helping homeowners with honest guidance, quality workmanship, and dependable service. From roofing repairs and replacements to seamless gutter solutions, their experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home protected year-round. If your home could use a little attention—or you'd simply like the peace of mind that comes from a professional inspection—be sure to reach out to Gutter Princess & Roofing. 👉 Learn more or request a free estimate at gutterprincess.com 👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her incredible behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make this podcast possible.

Housing, Growth & Solutions: How the Chamber Is Working to Strengthen Lawrence

Guest: Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) Housing isn't just a real estate issue—it's a workforce issue, an economic development issue, and a community issue. In this episode, Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, joins Lexie and Patrick to discuss how housing availability and affordability impact Lawrence's future, and what the Chamber is doing to help create solutions. We cover: 🏡 Why housing is critical to economic growth and workforce retention 📈 How housing availability impacts local businesses and employers 🤝 The Chamber's role in housing advocacy and collaboration 💰 What affordability means from a workforce and economic perspective 🏗️ How growth, infrastructure, and zoning influence housing opportunities 🌆 How Lawrence can continue growing while preserving its unique character 🔑 The biggest barriers to solving housing challenges—and potential solutions Plus, we tackle common myths in our Fact or Fiction: Housing & Growth Edition, including whether affordability is "just a real estate problem" and whether growth and affordability can coexist. If you've ever wondered why the Chamber is involved in housing conversations—or why housing impacts so much more than buying and selling homes—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno 🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library 🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113 👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make the podcast possible.

Why Housing Development Matters: Supply, Stability & the Future of Lawrence

Guest: Steve KellyHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)Housing isn’t just a real estate issue—it’s an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a community issue.In this episode, Steve Kelly joins Lexie and Patrick to break down why housing development plays such a critical role in the long-term success of Lawrence—and what happens when supply can’t keep up with demand.We cover:🏡 Why housing is foundational to a strong local economy📉 What today’s inventory shortage means for residents and employers🏗️ Where zoning, land use, and permitting create friction👷 How labor shortages are impacting construction timelines and costs📊 How limited supply affects renters, buyers, and businesses alike🌆 Why growth shifts to surrounding communities when supply is constrained💡 Practical solutions to increase housing while preserving community characterPlus, we tackle big-picture misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether more housing lowers values, whether zoning affects affordability, and whether stopping growth actually solves housing challenges.If you’ve ever wondered why housing conversations feel so complex—this episode connects the dots.🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113🛡️ Episode Sponsor: The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial ServicesHelping you protect what matters most.👉 www.sparkeagency.com👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for keeping everything organized behind the scenes!

Building From the Ground Up: What It Really Takes to Build a Home – Timelines, Costs & Realities

Guest: Mickey Stremel, REALTOR® (KW Integrity) & General Contractor (McReynolds Construction) Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) Building a home sounds exciting… until you realize how many moving pieces are actually involved. In this episode, Mickey Stremel—both a REALTOR® and a general contractor—joins Lexie and Patrick to give a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a home from start to finish. We cover: 🏗️ What a realistic building timeline looks like—from lot purchase to move-in ⏳ Where delays actually come from (and why they’re often unavoidable) 💰 Budgeting beyond price per square foot—and the biggest cost surprises 🛠️ How change orders impact both cost and timeline 📜 Permits, inspections, and what happens when things don’t pass 🚧 Supply chain and labor realities builders are still navigating 🤝 The importance of communication between builder, buyer, lender, and agent 🏡 When building makes sense—and when buying might be the better option Plus, we break down common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether timelines are fixed, if supply chain issues are “over,” and whether new construction means zero surprises. If you’re thinking about building—or even just curious what goes into it—this episode will give you a much clearer picture of the process. 🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno 🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library 🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113 🛡️ Episode Sponsor: The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services Helping you protect what matters most.👉 www.sparkeagency.com [http://www.sparkeagency.com] 👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for keeping everything organized behind the scenes!

How a Development Gets Approved: Inside the Planning & Zoning Process

Guest: David Hamby, BG ConsultantsHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)Ever wondered what actually has to happen before a development gets approved?It’s not just a yes or no—it’s a multi-step process involving planning, zoning, engineering, public input, and multiple layers of review.In this episode, we sit down with David Hamby of BG Consultants to walk through what really happens behind the scenes as a project moves from idea to approved development.We cover:🏗️ The step-by-step process from concept to approval📜 The difference between zoning, plats, and site plans🧑‍⚖️ What happens at planning commission meetings—and who actually decides📊 The role consultants play in guiding projects through the process🗣️ How public input shapes outcomes (and when it matters most)⏳ Why projects get delayed—or denied altogether🏡 Why REALTOR® involvement matters in shaping housing supplyIf you’ve ever wondered why development takes time or how decisions are actually made, this episode gives you the full picture.🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113🛡️ Episode Sponsor: The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial ServicesHelping you protect what matters most.👉 www.sparkeagency.com👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for all her behind-the-scenes organization!