Thursday, December 27, 2018

Tips for Buying a Home in 2019

With the New Year comes thoughts of making goals, living your dreams, and putting plans into action. For some, this will also include planning to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks! Whether you’re looking for a primary residence where your family can settle down full-time or a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s a great time to purchase and our team would love to help you finance your new home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start planning this new adventure.


Get Pre-Approved

The first step to buying a home is getting pre-approved and learning how much of a house you can buy. You can estimate how much you can afford for a new home, but the best way to start is give us a call and start the mortgage process. Once you get that completed, you can take that information to your real estate agent and start looking for the perfect home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Mortgage Rates May Rise

While we can only predict what the mortgage rates will do in 2019, the experts are all saying that they will probably increase a bit in 2019. Mortgage rates should continue looking good, especially when you look at historical levels.

ARMs Will Change

There are many who expect a more meaningful shift to adjustable-rate mortgages in 2019. Because many homeowners move a lot more frequently than every 30 years, alternative programs may be a great fit for some homeowners. New buyers who are looking for cheaper financing could secure a 5/1 or 7/1 ARM in the 3% range, which may feel like a better move.

Homes Prices On the Rise

You can expect that the home prices will continue to rise in 2019 and beyond. It will only be a small percentage gain, but there will still be gains. Instead of the prices rising 10% year over year, though, you can expect them to rise 4-5% instead, depending on the area. If you’re planning on buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2019, earlier is always better. Now is a great time to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and our team would like to assist you in financing your new home!

A Big Home Buying Season This Spring

If you’re in the market to buy a home in 2019, you may find a tough go of it, since home prices will probably keep increasing. The competition may not be as fierce this year, but it will still remain, especially in popular areas (like the Lake of the Ozarks!). Inventory may creep up slightly, but sellers probably won’t be flooding the market because there is a lack of move-up inventory and the mortgage rate lock-in effect.

Millennial's are on the Move

Many millennial's are of the home buying age, and a lot of them are looking for real estate. The demand will be great for the market, but may not be so great for them when it comes to home prices. If you’re looking to sell a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure that you are considering who will be buying your home. If you're appealing to millennial's, cater to them through smart design, technology, cool outdoor spaces, and easy driving distance to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. However, some sellers will be appealing to Generation X when they are selling lakefront condos as the Lake of the Ozarks, or large million dollar homes on the lake. Either way, Team Lasson is here to help you through the financing process.


Mortgages at the Lake of the Ozarks

With the New Year here, and many people still looking to purchase a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are excited for this upcoming year. If you have any questions about mortgages or would like to start the home buying process, please give us a call! From all of us with Team Lasson, we wish you a very happy and prosperous 2019.


For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211



**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Pro’s & Con’s for Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

A mortgage can be a great way to make payments towards an investment instead of paying rent every month. Mortgages also provide several tax advantages, which are just a few reasons that people want to keep them around for the full 30 years. However, there are some times where paying off your mortgage could be a good financial decision. Whether you’re purchasing a primary home or buying a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are the things you need to know about paying your mortgage off early.


First Things First

What you have to remember is that every financial situation is different. While it may make financial sense for one person to pay off their mortgage, it may not make sense for another. When you sit down with us to start your mortgage, we can discuss what your future goals are, and how to set up the mortgage to match those goals.

Pros


  • There are some pros to paying off a mortgage early. Depending on your situation and reasoning, it could be a great financial step. Here are just a few reasons you may want to pay it off early:
  • Paying off your mortgage early lowers your required cash flow. It also changes your potential asset allocation, which lets you be a little more aggressive in other areas.
  • For every dollar you pay on your principal, you’re making the interest rate back because you’re keeping it in your pocket. For example, paying off or down, a 4% mortgage makes you 4% with no management fee.
  • Paying off your mortgage is 100% safe, there is no market risk.
  • When you pay off your mortgage you can then free up that money in your budget towards other things.

Cons


  • There are always cons when you make any large financial decisions, so it’s important to take them into account while making your choice. Here are a few, though they are a bit intertwined:
  • It can reduce liquidity. It’s easier to access your funds when they are in an investment account or bank account. It’s a bit harder to access them when they are in the form of home equity.
  • If you should decide to borrow against your paid-off home in the future, it could very well end up costing much more. A rise in interest rates could impact your new mortgage heavily.
  • For those who are near retirement age, you are most likely paying less in mortgage interest. So little, in fact, that barring the deductions, the mortgage interest and other itemized deaccessions is no longer more than the standard deduction.


Mortgage Considerations

These are all things you can consider both while you get your mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks and even years after you have it. There are a lot of things to consider when getting a first or second mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, but it does provide a great way make solid investments and also get your dream vacation home! Do you have more questions about mortgaging a lake home? Team Lasson is here for you! Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, or give us a call. We look forward to helping you buy your dream lake home!


For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211



**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Merry Christmas from the Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake area always has a calendar filled with fun events and exciting adventures. From events for families with young children to sophisticated soirees that couples will enjoy, there’s a little bit of everything. As Christmas gets closer, you’ll find that the events at the Lake are gearing up with all things Merry and Bright. Below are some of the excellent events happening around the area - you won’t want to miss it!

Photo Credit: FunLake.com, Enchanted Village of Lights in Laurie

Christmas Lights at the Lake of the Ozarks

Enchanted Village of Lights
Nov 16, 2018 - Jan 01, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on weekends)
Laurie Fairgrounds
269 Fairgrounds Drive
Laurie MO 65037

Versailles Unity Circle Of Lights
Nov 21, 2018 - Jan 01, 2019, from dark until midnight
Versailles City Park
Hwy 5 and Hwy 52
Versailles Missouri 65084

St. Patrick's Festival of Lights
Nov 22, 2018 - Jan 02, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Shrine of St. Patrick | Mothers Shrine
176 Marian Drive
Laurie Missouri 65038

Deck the Docks Holiday Light Cruises
Nov 23, 2018 - Dec 29, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Celebration Cruises Grand Glaize
5085 Davis Drive
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

Osage Beach Holiday Lights in the Park
Nov 24, 2018 - Dec 31, 2018, Wed thru Sun, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Osage Beach City Park
950 Hatchery Road
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

Windermere Christmas Light 5K
Dec 08, 2018, at 5:30 pm
Windermere Baptist Conference Center
1650 Koehler Drive
Roach MO 65787

Christmas Entertainment at the Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas on Main Street
Nov 23, 2018 - Dec 22, 2018
Main Street Music Hall
5845 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

SBLT Youth Production Holiday Play
Dec 07, 2018 - Dec 08, 2018, at 7:00 pm
Sunrise Beach Community Center
15133 N. Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach Missouri 65079

Carols in the Cavern
Stark Caverns
125 Cave Dr.
Eldon Missouri 65026

  • 9th St Christian Church Choir, Dec 09, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Eldon Girl Scouts, Dec 14, 2018, at 7:00 pm
  • School of the Osage, Dec 19, 2018, at 7:00 pm
  • Jake Wesley Rogers, Dec 22, 2018, at 7:00 PM
  • Michael Walton, 9th Street Christian Church Worship Minister, Dec 23, 2018, at 6:00 pm

'That's Christmas To Me' - Greater Lake Area Chorale
Dec 09, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
442 US-54
Camdenton Missouri 65020

Lake Area Community Orchestra
Royal Theatre
107 S Monroe St.
Versailles MO 65084
Dec 09, 2018, at 7:00 PM 
Lake Ozark Christian Church
1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Dec 11, 2018, at 7:00 pm

"The Nutcracker" Play
Dec 14, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018, evening & afternoon times available
Royal Theatre
107 S. Monroe St.
Versailles Missouri 65084

Christmas with The Nelsons
Dec 14, 2018, at 6:00 pm
The Lodge at Port Arrowhead Convention Center
3080 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Children's Christmas Play - “We Wish You a Merry Spendmas!“
Dec 15, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Camden County Museum
204 South Locust
Linn Creek Missouri 65052


Christmas Parades at the Lake of the Ozarks

Lake Ozark Christmas Parade
Dec 08, 2018, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Eldon's Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec 08, 2018, at 5:00 PM
Rock Island Park
Downtown Eldon
Eldon Missouri 65026

Christmas Shopping at the Lake of the Ozarks

Versailles Christmas on the Square
Dec 08, 2018, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Downtown Versailles
100 E Newton Street
Versailles Missouri 65084

Old Tyme Christmas in Linn Creek
Dec 15, 2018, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Camden County Museum
206 South Locust
Linn Creek Missouri 65052

Christmas Dining at the Lake of the Ozarks

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 08, 2018, from 8:00 am - 11:00 am
HK's at the Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Breakfast with Santa at OYC
Dec 15, 2018, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
500 Yacht Club Landing Dr.
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Christmas Dinner at The Lodge of Four Seasons
Dec 23, 2018 - Dec 25, 2018
HK's Restaurant in The Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Christmas Day Buffet at Tan-Tar-A
Dec 25, 2018, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tan-Tar-A Resort | JB's Boathouse
494 Tan Tar A Drive
Osage Beach Missouri 65065


Other Christmas Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook
Nov 22, 2018 - Dec 23, 2018
The Ice at Old Kinderhook
678 Old Kinderhook Dr.
Camdenton Missouri 65020

Christmas for Kids
Dec 15, 2018, at 5:30 pm
The Lodge of Four Seasons; Granada Room
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

As you can see, this month is filled with Silent Nights and Decking the Halls. If you’re looking for some new traditions to add to your family, we would welcome you to come and see what’s happening at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you’re vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks and find that you love this area as much as we do, maybe it’s time to buy a home here! Team Lasson provides great options for mortgages at the Lake of the Ozarks and we would love to assist you in buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211



**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.