Smart Stuff
NEWS & INSIGHTS ABOUT LAWRENCE REAL ESTATE
Find inspiration for your home, local real estate insights, and market trend information for Lawrence and Douglas County.
Insights from our Agents: What Buyers Notice First
Insights from our Agents: What Buyers Notice First FeaturingLauren Ballard, Michelle Roberts-Freeman, Robyn Elder, and Libby Grady We recently asked several Stephens Real Estate agents what today’s buyers notice immediately about a home, both the things that draw them in
The World Is Headed to Kansas City. Lawrence Is Part of the Story.
The World Is Headed to Kansas City. Lawrence Is Part of the Story. This summer, the world’s attention will turn to Kansas City as the FIFA World Cup arrives in the region. As the official home base camp for Team
Summer Projects That Actually Add Value
Summer Projects That Actually Add Value Summer is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects—but if resale value is part of the equation, some projects are smarter investments than others. Boost Curb AppealFirst impressions matter. Fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping,
Grilled Peaches and Cream
Grilled Peaches and Cream Simple, warm, and just a little indulgent. This is one of those summer desserts you can pull together quickly when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Ingredients 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
A Note About Moms
A Note About Moms by Lisa Stofac FeaturingMark Hummel, Kevin Phenix, Lauren Ballard, and Laura Polite Mother’s Day is in May, and it’s a reminder of something most of us already know: moms matter in a way that’s hard
Backyard ROI: What Buyers Actually Care About in Lawrence, KS
Backyard ROI: What Buyers Actually Care About It’s easy to assume a bigger, fancier backyard automatically means more value. In reality, buyers are a lot more practical than that, especially in Lawrence, where outdoor space actually gets used for a
Thinking About Selling? Do These First
Thinking About Selling? Do These First. Before your home hits the market, a little prep goes a long way. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s removing anything that gives buyers a reason to hesitate (or quietly knock a few thousand off
Lemon Berry Trifle
Lemon Berry Trifle There’s something about a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that makes a house feel more like home, especially this time of year. Whether you’re hosting an open house, a backyard get-together, or just claiming a quiet evening on the
Stephens Furry Friends
Living in Lawrence Meet our MVPs.(Most Valuable Pets) We’re the experts in real estate, but our pets are experts in being adorable. Meet the furry crew of Stephens Real Estate. WIGGY Joanna Earl TRUMAN Randy Barnes JOJO, RUE, WHIT, &
Questions Buyers Are Asking in Lawrence & Douglas County This Spring
Questions Buyers Are Asking in Lawrence & Douglas County This Spring FeaturingJan Miller, Randy Russell, Jill Ballew, and Tom Harper Our agents at Stephens Real Estate are in the field every day, helping buyers navigate Lawrence and Douglas County.
Agent Insight: What Buyers Want in Lawrence and Douglas County
AGENT INSIGHT What Buyers Want in Lawrence and Douglas County Featuring Robyn Elder, Regan Flood, and David Dunn We often check in with our agents to ask a simple question: What are your buyers looking for right now? These
Fresh Take on Curb Appeal
Fresh Take on Curb Appeal Curb Appeal Isn’t Landscaping. It’s a First Impression Strategy.Instead of the usual “add mulch and flowers,” here’s what actually shifts perception: 1. Paint the Front Door Something IntentionalA rich navy. A muted green. A deep
Tasty Spaghetti Casserole
Easy & Tasty Spaghetti Casserole “I love having a warm, easy casserole like this ready to go. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for those evenings when everyone walks in the door hungry.” ~Lee Beth Dever March. The month that’s
2025 Real Estate Awards
Stephens News 2025 Awards & Recognition We’re proud to celebrate a season of recognition at Stephens Real Estate. From Lawrence Board of Realtors honors and our Bob Stephens Legacy Award to a meaningful career milestone, these moments reflect leadership, service,
Grandma Mary’s Sugar Cookie Recipe
Grandma Mary’s Sugar Cookie Recipe Michelle Roberts-Freeman has her grandma’s sugar cookie recipe framed in her kitchen. It’s a nod to time spent at Grandma’s house and a sweet way to keep both the memories and the cookies coming.
More Than a House: Finding Life and Community in Lawrence
LIVING LOCAL More Than a House: Finding Life and Community in Lawrence With Michelle Roberts-Freeman, Lauren Ballard, and Libby Grady Every house tells a story, but the neighborhood writes the first chapter. Stephens agents help clients see the full
Home Staging Lets Your Home Shine for Buyers
SELLER FOCUS Home Staging Lets Your Home Shine for Buyers With Lee Beth Dever and Zach Dodson As the spring selling season approaches, many homeowners are getting their homes ready to attract buyers. Home staging involves arranging and showcasing
Seller Strategy Getting Homes Market Ready Without the Overwhelm
SELLER STRATEGY Getting Homes Market Ready Without the Overwhelm With Lauren Ballard, Zach Dodson, and Danny Freeman. After the holidays, many homeowners begin thinking ahead to spring and what a possible move might look like. That early planning stage
Looking Ahead: How Our Local Market Is Shaping Up for 2026
Looking Ahead: How Our Local Market Is Shaping Up for 2026 The start of a new year always brings fresh conversations around real estate. What will the market do next? Is now a good time to buy or sell? While
Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana January is soup season. This one is simple to make, comforting on cold days, and even better the next time you heat it up. It’s hearty without being heavy and perfect for winter nights. Ingredients 1 lb
Tax-Time Reminders for Homeowners
Tax-Time Reminders for Homeowners As the year winds down, it’s a great moment to get your tax paperwork in order before things get busy again in January. Homeownership comes with several tax-related benefits, but it’s easy to forget what you’ll
Home Value Boosters Under $500
Lawrence, KS edition Home Value Boosters Under $500 Michelle Roberts-FreemanOliver Minnis From interior touches to exterior updates, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to increase your home’s appeal. Even small updates can make a big difference in how quickly
Party Cheeseball
Party Cheeseball Recipe from Lisa Stofac “I got this from a client many years ago and always make it around the holidays. It’s the kind of recipe you have to share because everyone asks for it.” Ingredients 2 packages
What Falling Mortgage Rates Mean for Lawrence Buyers & Sellers
What Falling Mortgage Rates Mean for Lawrence Buyers & Sellers As we head into the final months of the year, the Lawrence housing market is feeling the impact of a welcome shift, mortgage rates have dipped. The 30-year fixed rate
Our Team Talks Turkey
Our Team Talks Turkey When we asked our team about their Thanksgiving favorites, we quickly learned two things: no one can agree on sweet potatoes, and everyone has strong feelings about pie. Favorite dishes are as varied as they are
Rice Pilaf Stuffing
Rice Pilaf Stuffing Recipe from Amy Wilson “This is my mom’s recipe. It’s really flavorful and much lighter than stuffing made with bread.” Ingredients ¾ cup butter 3 cups long grain rice ¾ cup chopped onion 2 – 8