Building from the Ground Up: A Guide to Lot & Construction Financing

Guest: Michelle Fales, U.S. Bank

Hosts: Lexie Haskin (Bank Midwest) & Patrick Dipman (McGrew Real Estate)

Dreaming of building your own home? Before the first shovel hits the ground, there's one critical piece many buyers don't fully understand—how to finance it. In this episode, Michelle Fales of U.S. Bank joins Lexie and Patrick to simplify lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent financing so buyers can confidently navigate the building process.

We cover:
🏡 The difference between lot loans, construction loans, and construction-to-permanent loans
🌱 What to know before purchasing land
💰 How construction financing differs from a traditional mortgage
🏗️ How the construction draw process works
📋 What documentation borrowers should prepare upfront
👷 Why choosing the right builder is just as important as choosing the right lender
💵 Cash reserves, contingencies, and budgeting for the unexpected
⏳ Realistic timelines and the most common causes of delays
📈 Strategies to keep your project—and your finances—on track

Plus, we tackle common misconceptions in our Fact or Fiction: Construction Loan Edition, including whether construction loans are only for luxury homes and if being pre-approved means you're ready to start building. Whether you're planning to build next year or simply exploring your options, this episode provides the roadmap to make your dream home a reality.

🎧 Editing & Music: Josiah Moreno
🎙️ Podcast Equipment & Space: Lawrence Public Library
🏡 2026 Season Sponsor: Bank Midwest | Lexie Haskin | NMLS #2093113

This episode of Lawrence Real + Local: Keepin' it Real is proudly sponsored by Gutter Princess & Roofing. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, clogged gutters, or simply want to protect one of your biggest investments, Gutter Princess & Roofing is committed to helping homeowners with honest guidance, quality workmanship, and dependable service. From roofing repairs and replacements to seamless gutter solutions, their experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home protected year-round. If your home could use a little attention—or you'd simply like the peace of mind that comes from a professional inspection—be sure to reach out to Gutter Princess & Roofing.
👉 Learn more or request a free estimate at gutterprincess.com

👏 Special thanks to Campbell Ragan (McGrew Real Estate) for her incredible behind-the-scenes work coordinating guests, organizing details, and helping make this podcast possible.

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

Guest: Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Hosts: 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.