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
Episiode 55: What goes up must come down, right?
Today we are tackling the big question on everyone’s mind: what’s next for interest rates? We’ll talk about where they’ve been, where they’re heading and why…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 54: House Hacks & Market Facts: Is Real Estate Cooling or Catching Its Breath?
Join us as we sharing practical home tips every homeowner should know. From simple maintenance hacks to small upgrades that pack big value. Then we dig into…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 53: Exploring what’s making headlines in homebuilding and the great debate: open concept living or designed spaces?
We dive into the legal storm surrounding McBride Homes and what it could mean for homebuyers past and present. Then we shift gears to one of the most debated…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 52: Spaces That Speak: Color, Design & Outdoor Living Tips
Discover how the colors and designs you choose inside your home can shape mood, function, and buyer appeal. We’ll also explore how smart outdoor spaces not…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 51: Smart Moves: What Lenders Really Want, Credit Score Truths, and Real Estate Tips for Retirement Living
Understanding your credit score is more important than ever, especially when it comes to what lenders are really looking for beyond just the number. We’ll…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 50: Under one roof: Multigenerational Living & the Hidden Value of Inspections
As more families embrace multigenerational living, we’ll dive into the benefits, challenges and key considerations for making it work under one roof. We’re…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 49: Small changes. Big wins. Clear truths.
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 48: Retire Right & Renovate Wisely
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 46: Smart Moves & Handy Habits
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 47: Tariffs, Trade Wars & the Real Estate Ripple
In this segment, Jayson Hardie breaks down how global trade tensions and tariffs influence mortgage rates and what that means for homebuyers and investors…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 45: The Everyday Investor
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 44: Don’t put all of your Eggs eggs in one basket
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 43: Retire smart. Live smarter: Reverse Mortgages & the future of smart homes
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 42: Why does curb appear matter and what is my ROI if I am selling?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 41: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Meanwhile, USDA, VA and other 0% down loans may sound too good to be true, BUT THEY ARE! Confusing. Tune in!
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 40: I have 2 kinds of problems: the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important and the important are never urgent.
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 39: Trump eliminating the CFPB and everyone’s favorite house price guessing game…
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 38: Everything is an appointment and what do buyers consider a "deal breaker"?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 37: Design Trends to Ditch and "WHAT IS UP WITH THE RATES?"
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 36: While Lauren is away... Adam and Heidi Glaus will play (and talk about the spring market)
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 the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 35: In the spirit of Valentines Days, For the LOVE of Houses
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 34: You may have heard about them but we PROMISE you do not want to have them: Roof disasters!
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episiode 33: I am interested in the property that is for sale. Can I rent to own it?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 32: Will the bidding wars ever stop?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 31: Love him or hate him, Trump is our president. What is his plan to improve the housing market?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 30: Why do we need so much space??? Lifestyle choices are causing buyers to stretch themselves very thin on larger mortgages.
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 29: Happy New Year to all of you 38 year olds, the median age of first time home buyers!
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 28: Affordable Design Trends
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 26: Is seasonality in real estate a real thing? What tools can I use to find a home?
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 27: Would you like more money back on your tax return? Us too!
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 25: It's a pizza party with real estate as the toppings
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…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 24: Mr. St. Louis himself talks "The Loop"
Mr. Joe Edwards joins us to talk about how he's built up the loop over the past 40+ years. Then we take a deep dive into encroachments, easements and more! Why…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 23: Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), what it is and why should I have one?
The benefit of homeownership is having equity, but what is the benefit of equity if your can't use it during your 30 year mortgage? We talk about home equity…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 22: What actually happens when interest rates drop and what the heck is going on with home owners insurance?
It seems a common strategy for buyers is to "wait until the rates drop" but guess what? SO IS EVERYONE ELSE! If that's your strategy, you may end up paying a…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 21: My neighbors house sold for $400,000. Does that mean my house also worth $400,000?
Join us as we discuss how home values are assessed from a sellers perspective, a buyers perspective and appraisers perspective. What improvements really give…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 20: The Price is Right, Zillow style
Days on Market. What does that mean when it comes buying and selling and how days on market can impact final sale prices? Then Adam & Lauren face off in the…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 19: Have 'em. Want 'em. Need 'em. What are we talking about now?
This show is all things "second homes"! Best places to buy 'em abd if you're really looking for a second home or maybe a short term vacation rental, how to get…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 18: Craft beers, real estate and Artificial Intelligence. What more can we say?
Meet Phil! Owner of Perennial Artisan Ales, on of St. Louis' favorite local breweries. We talk IPA's, lagers, whiskey and real estate. We also talk about AI…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 17: White water rafting, unintentionally revealing your booty and telling for help and selling a house that’s not for sale
This show really doesn’t do much to educate but it sure does entertain! Somehow white water rafting took over the conversation followed up by embarrassing…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 16 : Is the housing market going to crash if we go into a recession and where the heck should I go for dinner tonight?
Does a recession automatically mean a housing crash? Believe it or not, out of 36 recessions over the last 160 years, we have only had 1 housing market crash!…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 15: NAR Lawsuit, what’s changing about buying and selling a house & should we be excited about interest rates dropping?
We break down what the NAR lawsuit really means and how it affects the home buying and home selling process. Have the fees changed? But more importantly, how…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 14: Delicious Albanese gummy bears and our favorite Airbnbs. Yummy real estate stuff!
We had good intentions of talking about serious real estate issues such as the NAR Lawsuit earlier this year and the huge surge of short term rentals post…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 13: Home sale prices in 2025... Adam and Lauren busted out the crystal ball to make their predictions
Zillow predicts a decrease in home prices in 2025. We talk about how different the Midwest market is from the coastal markets an our predictions for the St…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 12: Adam gives Lauren a facelift. It didn't go well but the interview with our Certified Financial Planner did! Listen and Learn!
Lauren's facelift didn't go well but sharing budget friendly house facelifts did! Also we interview Eric Ames, Certified Financial Planner. He shares how…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 11: "4:20! Why professionals in the cannabis industry struggle to qualify for home mortgages and what to know if you're attempting to sell your house solo."
Because many mortgages are federally backed and because cannabis is still federally illegal, it presents challenges for cannabis employees to qualify for a…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 10: “What is the TRUE COST of buying a home, above and beyond what’s obvious and why did Adam’s clients shatter those salt and pepper shakers on the floor”
Downpayment, closing cost, inspections… what other cost go into the true cost of buying a home? Buyers often overlook some pretty significant any cost…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 9: “Without using magic, How to make $1 = $3 in real estate”
Jayson Hardie, the smartest man alive, serves up the great word problem that ever existed but successfully educates us on how to make your money go further…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 8: “Josh sneaks out for milk and bread and we dispute whether millennials are truly struggling to buy”
Adam & Josh talk about their love for the grocery store while we try and stay on topic debating whether baby boomers house hoarding houses is creating a…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 7: "If you continuously occupy a property (that is not yours) for 10 years in MO, YOU OWN IT!"
What is squatter's rights and why the heck have they not changed the law since it came into effect in the 1800's? Also talking to Jayson Hardie about options…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 6: Subtle risk home buyers and investor should be aware of
Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of climate change. But have you heard of climate risk? Insurance companies sure have and they are acting on…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 5: “Real estate property tax freeze for seniors”
We’ve heard the rumors but is it true? And if so, what’s the process to freezing your property taxes and who qualifies. Also get ready to laugh when Adam and…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 4: “Master your emotions and protect your energy and your relationships.”
Our wellness coach, Averi, gives everyday tips on how to not let bad news hijack your energy and your mental state. How to show up best for the people who…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 3: “Why buyers SHOULD want to buy when interest rates are HIGH”
It’s a head scratcher but it’s true! Jayson Hardie with Homestead Financial explains why buyer should want to buy when rates are higher. Also, what Zillow…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 2: “How to invest as an Average Joe”
You knowing people invest in real estate, you hear podcasts abut investing but can the average Joe really dive into the investment market? We talk basic…
- Call the Closer with Lauren Risley Realty
Episode 1: If you can’t find the perfect house, MAKE IT!
Whether you’re buying a house that needs a facelift or a full renovation, we are talking loan strategies to help! Also touching on how remote work has impacted…