Shows / Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Welcome to Call the Closer with Lauren Risley & Adam Bundren of Lauren Risley Realty, your inside track to the world of real estate. As expert real estate agents and experienced investors, Lauren and Adam bring you a fun, informative and down-to-earth podcast designed to entertain and educate. Each episode dives into the current market, proven strategies for buying, selling & investing and what it really takes to win in today’s real estate game. Plus we share homeowner tips, the latest in…
Episodes
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 116: Bigger House, Better Life? Why Cash Doesn't Always Win Either
Is a bigger house really better? Is cash still king in real estate? Not necessarily! The housing market is changing, and two long-standing real estate beliefs…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 115: Fix It or Leave It? What to Repair Before Selling Without Losing Your Home’s Character
Not every home improvement adds value, and some renovations can actually take away the character that makes your home special! Discover which repairs are worth…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 114: Mortgage rates vs. home prices: Which matters more when buying a home? And what renovation decisions do homeowners regret the most?
We break down how interest rates and home prices impact affordability, why waiting for lower rates might not save you money and the costly renovation mistakes…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 113: What You Don’t Know Can Kill the Deal
What do homeowners wish someone had told them before buying their house? And can an inspection request really kill a real estate deal? Joe Docter with Pillar…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 112: The Real Estate Moves You Won’t Regret
How do you make your offer stand out in a competitive real estate market? And what are the biggest regrets homeowners have after selling their homes? Jayson…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 111: Protecting Your Biggest Investments
Should you buy a vacation home or invest your money elsewhere? And could the extreme summer heat be causing expensive damage to your home's foundation? From…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 110: Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? + New Real Estate Laws You Need to Know
In this episode of Call the Closer, we break down whether paying off your mortgage early is actually a smart financial move with Jayson Hardie of Homestead…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 109: Helping Aging Parents Make the Right Move + 2026 Home Design Trends
In this episode of Call the Closer, we break down the real estate decisions families face as parents get older from aging in place and downsizing to selling…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 108: How Americans Build Wealth + What Roller Coasters Teach Us About Home Buying
In this episode of Call the Closer, we break down why real estate and homeownership remain one of America’s favorite tools for building long-term wealth and…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 107: Foundation Red Flags & What REALLY Happens Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Deals
In this episode of Call the Closer, we break down when to worry about foundation cracks and other warning signs of foundation problems and when it’s time to…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 106: Think You’ll Get Multiple Offers? Think Again + When Refinancing Actually Makes Sense
Thinking about refinancing but unsure if the numbers actually work in your favor? And if inventory is still low, shouldn’t every well-maintained home receive…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 105: Before You Buy: The Radon Risk and Zillow Update Every Buyer Should Know
How are buyers finding homes in today’s market, and what hidden health risk could be lurking beneath the one you choose? In this episode of Call the CLOSER…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 104: The Dream Home Myth & The Debt-to-Income Ratio That Could Make or Break Your Purchase
We’ve all heard about finding the “dream home,” but what if chasing perfection is actually holding you back from building wealth and finding a home you’ll…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 103: Empty Nest, Full Potential: The Renovations Worth Skipping (and the Ones That Pay Off)
The kids are gone, the house feels different, and you’re wondering what comes next. Should you renovate, downsize, stay put or cash out and start a new…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 102: What Makes a Great Investment Property & How Rate Buydowns Can Save You Thousands
What separates a smart real estate investment from a money pit? And can mortgage rate buydowns help you get into a property sooner while keeping payments…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 101: Cheap Fixes, Expensive Consequences: Real Estate Regrets We See Every Day
Are you making home decisions that save money today but cost you thousands tomorrow? In this episode of Call the CLOSER, we explore how short-term thinking can…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 100: Episode 100 Special 🎉 Can You Buy a Home With Student Loans? New Fed Chair Incoming: What It Means for Mortgage Rates
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 99: What To Do After Your Home Doesn’t Sell + The Hidden Drivers of Real Estate Growth
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 98: Why Investors Are Shifting Away From Major Coastal Cities
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 97: Why the Market Feels Worse Than It Actually Is
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 96: Why More Homeowners Are Finally Moving Again
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 95: The Market Is Changing: Buyer Leverage & Easy Weekend Curb Appeal Tips
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 94: Squatter’s Rights Explained + Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 93: No Landlord, No Excuses: Spring Homeowner Essentials
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 92: No Landlord, No Excuses: Spring Homeowner Essentials
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 91: Are You Waiting Too Long to Buy? + Lender Hot Takes You Need to Hear
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?…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 90: 2026 Real Estate Forecast + Should You Move or Improve?
With rising inventory, shifting negotiation power, and interest rates still impacting affordability, the housing market is changing fast. The “lock-in effect”…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 89: What Would a Lender Do? + The Truth About Downsizing
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 88: 2026 Housing Predictions + The Big Question: Renovate or Relocate?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 87: Lauren’s away and Adam & Jayson PLAY!
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 86: Why Young Buyers Feel Shut Out and Why We’re All Obsessed With Credit Scores
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 85: From Holiday Spending to Spring Selling: What to Do Now
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 84: Smart Homeownership: Home Warranties and Small Bathroom Solutions
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 83: Escrow Shortages 101 and How to Vet Contractors for Renovations
Escrow shortages can surprise homeowners with unexpected monthly increases, and many don’t understand why they happen. In this show, we explain escrow…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 82: THE BEST OF 2025: Risks to Watch & Trends to Know
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 81: Winter Home Inspections with Inspector extraordinaire & The Hidden Cost of Waiting Until Spring to buy.
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 80: Buyers Beware in 2026: Winter Home Maintenance Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Buying Powe
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 79: Buy or Rent? The Break-Even Reality Check & Easy Home Design Upgrades That Matter
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 78: St. Louis Architecture, Real Estate and Why 2025 Is NOT 2008
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 77: Why Commercial Real Estate Is Not Dead + Bold Housing Predictions for 2026
Commercial real estate opportunities, hidden value sectors and predictions for the 2026 housing market drive today’s episode. We break down why commercial real…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 75: Look Ready, Sell Ready: How Pre-Listing Inspections Boost Buyer Confidence
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 74: The Cost of Code Violations and the Cost of Money: Mortgage Insights for 2025
St. Louis code violations, municipal occupancy rules and changing mortgage market trends take center stage in this episode. We break down why every…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 73: Interest Rates vs. Buyer Behavior: What Really Drives the Market
In this episode we’re asking the big question Do interest rates really matter as much as people think? We break down how today’s buyers and sellers are…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 72: Home Warranty 101: What’s Protected—and How to Find Your Style Without a Remodel
In this episode of Call the Closer we’re breaking down what a home warranty really is, what it covers, what it doesn’t and when it’s actually worth having…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 71: Interest Rates vs. Buyer Behavior: What Really Drives the Market
In this episode we’re asking the big question Do interest rates really matter as much as people think? We break down how today’s buyers and sellers are…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 70: AI vs. Experience: What Your Agent Knows That ChatGPT Doesn’t
In this episode, we’re diving into what AI can and can’t tell you about buying a home. From mortgage predictions to neighborhood insights, AI is a powerful…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 69: From Zestimates to Dream Homes: What’s Real and What’s Not
This week we are diving into the truth behind those Zillow “Zestimates”and why they’re not always as accurate as you think, especially here in the Midwest…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 68: Location, Location… or Regret?
This week, we’re talking all things location and how what’s around your home can either boost or break your resale value. From railroad tracks and busy…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 67: Refinance Myths, Money Moves, and Deal Breakers
This week we’re tackling one of the biggest questions homeowners are asking right now: Why would anyone refinance at today’s interest rates? Believe it or not…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 66: From the Ground Up: Understanding Home Foundations and $0 Down Buying Options
On this week’s show we dig into the different types of home foundations and what every buyer and homeowner should look for when it comes to cracks, settling…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 65: Homebuyer Pitfalls and Millionaire Secrets: The Power of Real Estate
On this week’s show, we are breaking down the 5 biggest mistakes first time homebuyers make and how to avoid them in today’s competitive housing market. From…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 64: Inspections Made Simple: Doctor Knows Best & The Truth About Selling a House in 24 Hours
On this week’s show, we dive into why home inspections are one of the most important steps in buying a house and how regular inspections can protect your…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 63: Is College Worth the Investment, A Lender’s Take. Plus the Real Estate Stories You Won’t Believe
On this episode, we dive into a hot topic: is a college degree really worth the investment? We talk with a lender to get their perspective on the true ROI of…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 62: Solid foundations & Smart Spaces
On this week’s show, we sit down with foundation specialist Weston from High & Dry Foundation to share expert foundation tips for keeping your home in top…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 61: From Renter to Owner: Mindset Shifts + Pre-Approval Tips for the Self-Employee
Are you stuck in a rent vs. own mindset battle? In this episode, we break down the financial and lifestyle factors that help you decide if buying a home is…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 60: Inspector’s Advice & 2025 Market Outlook: Is the market going to crash?
In this episode, we team up with our trusted home inspector Joe Docter what we like to call “Doctor Knows Best”. He will walk us through a full ‘home check-up’…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 59: Real Estate Leverage vs. Profit – The Big Beautiful Bill Explained
It’s here! The Big Beautiful Bill that every homeowner dreads… but what if it could actually work for you? In this episode, we decode your property tax bill…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 58: Ask This, Avoid That: Choosing an Agent & Home Design Deal-Breakers
Ready to sell? Don’t let the wrong agent or bad design cost you thousands. In this episode, uncover the exact questions to ask before hiring a real estate…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 57: The Price Is Right? Appraisals Explained + Inflation-Proof Investing
This week we’re pulling back the curtain on home appraisals and answering the most common questions and revealing what really goes on behind the scenes. From…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 56: Curb Appeal That Kills… and What’s Cracking with Your Foundation
This week’s show dives into how bad curb appeal can kill a sale and what quick, affordable fixes make the biggest impact. We’ll cover common exterior mistakes…