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
110 episodes
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 rental income and property appreciation to maintenance costs and long-term financ...
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 Financial. Plus, we unpack new real estate legislation and what the latest change...
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 the family home. Plus, we’re talking about the biggest home design trends of 202...
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 what a roller coaster can teach us about buying a home in today’s market....
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 a professional. Plus, go behind the scenes of a real estate deal to learn w...
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 multiple offers?In this episode of Call the CLOSER, we tackle...
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, trusted home inspector Joe Docter joins us to discuss two topics every buyer and homeow...
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 truly love? In this episode of Call the CLOSER, we unpack the dream home myth and ...
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 chapter?In this episode of Call the CLOSER, we explore the financial side of b...
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 manageable?In this episode of Call the CLOSER, we break down what...
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 lead to long-term regret in real estate.From skipping lan...
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, we discuss what a new Federal Reserve Chair could mean for interest r...
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 corridors, restaurants and commercial investment influence everything from buyer traff...
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 inventory and buyers looking for value. We break down the top performing markets and w...
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 things buyers notice within seconds of entering a home and why first impressions matte...
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 lock-in effect and the difference between homes designed for Instagram versus homes ...
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 estate and the simple curb appeal projects homeowners can tackle in a single weekend t...
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 the house for basic maintenance, emergencies and protecting your investment. From legal...
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 the essential spring home maintenance checklist, from roof and gutters to foundation, d...
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 the essential spring home maintenance checklist, from roof and gutters to foundation, d...
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? From interest rates and approvals to real buyer mistakes, this breaks down the truth abo...
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” is fading, and more people are making moves but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move...
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 and lending decisions.Plus, we talk about the truth about downsizi...
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 year.Plus, one of the biggest decisions homeowners are facing right...