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

Lexie Haskin, Bank Midwest Mortgage and Patrick Dipman, McGrew Real Estate

Welcome to Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real Podcast, brought to you by the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®. Join your hosts, Lexie Haskin from Bank Midwest Mortgage and Patrick Dipman from McGrew Real Estate, as they explore the fascinating world of homeownership. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just dipping your toes into the real estate market, this podcast is your go-to source for practical advice and insider tips. With a mission to demystify the home-buying process, Lexie and Patrick bring a fresh perspective to topics that matter most to consumers.

  1. 3d ago

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

    Guest: Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO, Lawrence Chamber of CommerceHosts: 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.

    35 min

  2. Jun 2

    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!

    48 min

  3. May 19

    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 👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for keeping everything organized behind the scenes!

    41 min

  4. May 5

    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!

    34 min

  5. Apr 21

    Utilities & Infrastructure: What You Don’t See Behind Neighborhood Growth

    Guest: Dustin Baker, Alcove DevelopmentHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)When you see a new neighborhood going up, it looks like homes just… appear.But what you don’t see? Years of planning, coordination, cost, and complexity happening underground and behind the scenes.In this episode, Dustin Baker of Alcove Development joins Lexie and Patrick to break down the critical role infrastructure plays in shaping how—and where—our community grows.We cover:🏗️ What “infrastructure” actually includes (and why it matters)🚧 What has to happen before a single home can be built📊 How developers plan for both current demand and future growth💰 Who pays for roads, utilities, and stormwater systems⏳ Why infrastructure timelines take longer than expected⚠️ What happens when infrastructure can’t keep up with development🌧️ The role stormwater plays in protecting neighborhoods🏡 How infrastructure decisions directly impact housing affordabilityPlus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether infrastructure can just be added later (spoiler: it’s not that simple).If you’ve ever wondered why development takes time—or why some areas grow faster than others—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 with personalized insurance solutions.👉 www.sparkeagency.com👏 Special shoutout to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her behind-the-scenes work keeping everything organized and running smoothly!

    42 min

  6. Apr 7

    Zoning Made Simple: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Changes

    Guest: Jeff Crick, Planning & Development Services Director, City of LawrenceHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) Zoning can feel complicated, confusing, and honestly… a little intimidating. But it plays a major role in shaping the way Lawrence grows, what gets built, and how housing evolves over time. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Crick, Planning & Development Services Director for the City of Lawrence, to break zoning down in plain English—what it is, why it exists, and how it impacts homeowners, buyers, and the future of our community. We cover: 🏙️ What zoning actually means (without the jargon)🏡 How zoning determines what can be built—and where📊 The impact zoning has on housing supply and affordability🏗️ Why adding housing types like duplexes or ADUs can be challenging🔄 How zoning changes actually happen (and why they take time)🗣️ How public input shapes zoning decisions📜 The difference between zoning rules and building codes Plus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction segment—like whether zoning changes happen quickly and whether zoning only affects developers. If you’ve ever wondered why a certain type of housing can’t be built somewhere or how decisions about growth are made, this episode gives you the clarity you’ve been looking for. 🎧 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 individuals and families protect what matters most with personalized insurance solutions. 👉 Learn more: www.sparkeagency.com

    40 min

  7. Mar 17

    Short-Term Rentals, Airbnbs & the World Cup: What Lawrence Homeowners Need to Know

    Guest: Jill Stueve, REALTOR® & Property Manager, Keller Williams IntegrityHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City, many Lawrence homeowners are wondering if short-term rentals could present a unique opportunity. Could your home become a temporary Airbnb for visitors traveling to the region? In this episode, Jill Stueve of Keller Williams Integrity joins Lexie and Patrick to break down the realities of short-term rentals in Lawrence — from regulations and management responsibilities to investment potential and risks. Note: At the time this episode was recorded, the official World Cup host teams had not yet been announced. That information is now public, making the conversation even more relevant for homeowners and investors considering short-term rental opportunities during the tournament. We discuss: 🏡 The current short-term rental landscape in Lawrence💡 Who should (and shouldn’t) consider owning an Airbnb⚠️ The most common mistakes new STR owners make🌍 Why the World Cup could create a demand spike in the region📜 Regulations, licensing, zoning, and compliance requirements📈 How to evaluate STR vs long-term rental investment strategies🛠️ Why professional property management can make or break the experience Plus, we wrap up with our Fact or Fiction: STR & World Cup Edition, tackling myths like whether the World Cup guarantees huge profits and whether any property can easily become an Airbnb. If you’ve ever thought about turning your home into a short-term rental — especially with the World Cup coming to the region — this episode is packed with insight you’ll want to hear first. 🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library 🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113 🛠️ Episode Sponsor: Rainbow Restoration of Northeast KansasWhen disaster strikes — whether it’s water damage, fire, smoke, mold, or storm damage — Rainbow Restoration helps homeowners and businesses restore their property quickly and professionally. Learn more here:👉 https://rainbowrestores.com/lawrence

    39 min

  8. Mar 3

    Understanding County Appraisals: Market Trends, Valuations, and What Homeowners Should Know

    Guest: Brad Eldridge, Douglas County AppraiserHosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate) When that valuation notice hits your mailbox in March… what does it actually mean? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Eldridge, Douglas County Appraiser, to unpack how county appraisals work, how values are determined, and what homeowners should understand about taxes, market trends, and appeals heading into 2026. We cover: 🏠 What a county appraisal really is (and what it isn’t)📊 How market trends and inventory affect valuations🔢 How property values are calculated🛠️ How remodels and improvements impact your assessment✉️ What to review first when your March valuation notice arrives💰 How appraisals tie into your property tax bill📝 When and how to appeal your valuation🔍 Public information sessions and where to find resources Plus, we break down common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction: County Appraisal Edition — including whether your appraisal equals market value and if taxes automatically drop when values do. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, seller, or investor, this episode will help you understand one of the most important — and misunderstood — pieces of real estate. 🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library 🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113 🛠️ Episode Sponsor: TopGun Concrete Lifting This episode is proudly sponsored by TopGun Concrete Lifting — specializing in lifting, leveling, and stabilizing existing concrete. If you’re dealing with sinking driveways, uneven sidewalks, settled patios, or trip hazards around your home, TopGun uses advanced polyurethane foam injection to raise and restore your concrete — without the cost and mess of replacement. It’s faster, cleaner, and more affordable than pouring new concrete. Learn more or request a quote at:👉 www.topgunconcretelifting.com

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin’ it Real Podcast, brought to you by the Lawrence Board of REALTORS®. Join your hosts, Lexie Haskin from Bank Midwest Mortgage and Patrick Dipman from McGrew Real Estate, as they explore the fascinating world of homeownership. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just dipping your toes into the real estate market, this podcast is your go-to source for practical advice and insider tips. With a mission to demystify the home-buying process, Lexie and Patrick bring a fresh perspective to topics that matter most to consumers.

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