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 design trends, DIY inspiration and insightful interviews with industry pros who know their stuff.
Whether you're house-hunting, renovating, or just love real estate talk, we believe knowledge is power and we’re here to share it with you.
Episodes
74 episodes
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 municipality in St. Louis has different code requirements, what inspectors are actually looking ...
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51:42
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 reacting to rates and why emotion often drives decisions more than math. Then we dive into t...
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51:22
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. We’ll share real examples that separate protection from marketing promises, so ...
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53:27
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 reacting to rates and why emotion often drives decisions more than math. Then we dive into t...
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49:21
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 tool, but it’s no replacement for real-world experience and local expertise. We’re also ...
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52:06
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. We’ll share real examples of homes that sold for more (and sometimes less) than what Zil...
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51:15
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 intersections to power lines and pet odors, we’ll break down the surprising factors that can...
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51:29
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, there are smart financial reasons to do it and we’ll break down when it actually mak...
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51:57
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 and long term stability. Understanding foundations is key whether you are inspecting a ...
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52:42
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 skipping inspections to underestimating closing costs, we share tips to help new buyer...
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50:46
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 investment even if you’ve lived in your home for 10 years. We’ll break down what inspector...
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55:35
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 higher education and what borrowers need to consider before taking on student debt. Th...
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47:20
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 condition. We’ll also dive into small space, big design ideas from functional furnitu...
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52:35
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 right for you. Then, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs and freelanc...
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53:40
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’ the must-know maintenance tips that protect your investment and boost your property’...
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51:13
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, reveal hidden clues about your home’s value and show you how to use real estate levera...
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53:24
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 agent and the surprising home design mistakes that instantly turn buyers off. Learn insid...
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57:15
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 how appraisers determine value to what can make or break a number, we’ve got the insid...
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55:09
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 that turn buyers off and how to boost your home’s first impression. Then we’re joined...
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54:34
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 the phrase “what goes up must come down” might offer some hope. Then we shift gears to...
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48:04
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 the current market: is it finally cooling off or just taking a breather? We’ll break do...
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49:19
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 design choices today: open concept vs. defined spaces. Whether you’re planning your ne...
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54:07
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 only enhance your lifestyle but add real value to your property. Tune in for practical t...
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51:40
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 break down the key factors that impact loan approval and how to position yoursel...
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52:28
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 also shedding light on the hidden value of home inspections not just for buyers but for ...
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52:35