Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Final Days for a Mortgage in 2019

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s time to consider if you want to make any last-minute purchases before the year is up. When looking into investments, buying a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks may seem extravagant, but there are some great reasons why this could be a great choice for you. If you enjoy having investment properties or have been thinking about buying a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are a few reasons why you may want to invest before the end of the year!


Low-Interest Rates

This fall brought some awesome interest rates and now is still as good of a time as any to make your investment strictly based on interest rates. You never know when they are going to change, and with as low as they’ve been lately, it could be an unexpected change. Even if rates increase an extra half-point, it can make a big difference in your monthly payments as well as the lifetime cost of your mortgage.

More Inventory, Less Competition

It’s not surprising that real estate sales tend to slow down a bit during the fourth quarter. This can be for many reasons, sometimes people get busy with school and holidays, the inclement weather makes it less appealing to venture out and look and homes, and for many housing markets, it’s just a slower season. This, however, can be great news for you! With fewer people looking for homes, you have more to choose from, and may even find a home faster than you had expected.

Tax Deductions

Buying a home comes with several different types of tax benefits. One of the biggest is being able to deduct the mortgage interest from your taxes, you may also be able to reduce the amount of federal income tax withheld from your income, which could result in a higher paycheck each month. These are things that you can speak with your financial advisor about, but some closing costs and property taxes can also be tax-deductible, as well.

Low Down Payment Options

20% has been considered the magic number when planning a down payment for your mortgage. Anything less and you may end up paying an additional cost in the form of private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, there are now some options for borrowers that qualify, and even with less than 20%, you may come out ahead. Your interest rate may be affected, but you’ll never know until you start the process.


Mortgages at the Lake of the Ozarks

There is still a timeline for getting a mortgage started and finished, so if you need to get it finalized by the end of the year, is time to get started! Visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com to fill about your pre-approval information, and be sure to get in contact with us about your timeline. We look forward to working with you, and helping you purchase the vacation home of your dreams!

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.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Thanksgiving Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake area is a wonderful place to live all year long because there is always something to do down here! As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to let you know about Thanksgiving events that are happening, and even a few fun things to do after your dinner has settled and you want to get out of the house!


Thanksgiving Dinners at the Lake of the Ozarks

Thanksgiving Brunch at Inn at Grand Glaize
Nov 28, 2019
Inn at Grand Glaize
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach MO 65065
Phone: 573-348-4731
Hours of Operation: 11 am

Thanksgiving Traditional Buffet

Regalia Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 28, 2019
Regalia Hotel
250 Racquet Club Drive
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 573-723-3000 ext. 5006
Hours of Operation: 11 am to 3 pm

Traditional Buffet-Style Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thanksgiving Menu at The Trophy Room
Nov 28, 2019
The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook
56 Club Place Road
Camdenton MO 65020
Phone: 573-317-4314
Hours of Operation: 11 am - 4 pm

Old Kinderhook offers an amazing Thanksgiving Menu.

Thanksgiving Feast at Lodge of Four Seasons 
Nov 28, 2019
The Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 573-365-3000
Hours of Operation: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

The Lodge of Four Seasons Thanksgiving Feast

Make reservations at OpenTable.com or call 573-365-8509.

Thanksgiving Buffet at H. Toad's
Nov 28, 2019
H. Toad's Bar & Grill at Camden on the Lake
2359 Bittersweet Rd
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 573-365-5620
Hours of Operation: 12 pm to 4 pm

Holiday Lights & Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Looking for something fun to do after Thanksgiving events have settled down? The Lake area will be lighting up over the Thanksgiving weekend, and it is going to be a great time to get out and enjoy the festivities!

Enchanted Village of Lights
Nov. 22, 2019 - Jan 2, 2020
Laurie Fairgrounds
269 Fairgrounds Road, Laurie, MO
573-374-8776
Open Nightly 5 pm to 9 pm (10 pm weekends)

St. Patrick's Festival of Lights
Nov 28, 2019 - Jan 1, 2020
Shrine of St. Patrick/ Mother's Shrine
176 Marian Drive, Laurie, MO
573-374-7855
Open Nightly 5 pm to 10 pm

Versailles Unity Circle of Lights
Nov 29, 2019 - Jan 2, 2020
Versailles City Park
Jct Hwy 5 and 52, Versailles, MO
573-378-4634
Open nightly from dusk until midnight

Osage Beach Holiday Lights
Nov 30 - Dec 29, 2019
Osage Beach City Park & Osage Beach Pkwy
950 Hatchery Rd, Osage Beach, MO
573-302-2000
Open nightly

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook
Nov 29, 2019 - Dec 21, 2019
The Ice at Old Kinderhook
678 Old Kinderhook Dr.
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Phone: 573-317-3500


The Lake Lifestyle at Its Finest!

If you do not live at the Lake of the Ozarks, but you have always wanted to, now is the time to get started! From primary residents to purchasing a vacation property at the Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson has helped so many people secure their dream home with home loans.

All of us at Team Lasson hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving season filled with friends, family and a LOT of food! If you come down to visit relatives and realize how much you love the area, let us know, we would love to help you get started!

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.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Types of Mortgages to Consider - Part 1

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or you have several scattered around in your favorite locations - purchasing a house will always be a big decision. For a large number of the population, getting a mortgage is the fastest and easiest way to complete your purchase, and that is where Team Lasson comes into play! Because there are so many different components to a mortgage, from the interest rate to the terms of the loan, it’s important to have a mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks who you can trust. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind as you work through the mortgage process, and how we can help!


Fixed vs. Adjustable Interest Rates

This will be one of the first major decisions you make in your mortgage process. Knowing how your interest rate is treated is going to make a difference in the long run, so you want to make sure you understand before moving forward. Here are a few pros and cons to the different types:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages
The pros of this type of mortgage are that the interest rate stays the same for the entire time it takes you to pay off the loan. This means that the size of your monthly payment stays the same, and it’s easier for budget planning. The cons are that should mortgage rates lower at any time during the term of your mortgage, your rate is going to stay the same throughout the term.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
Pros can include that ARMs offer a lower interest rate (which can mean a lower monthly payment) for the first few years. However, the cons are that while the low-interest rate at the beginning is appealing, there is a risk of higher interest rates down the road.

Mortgage Terms

Your mortgage term refers to the length of the loan in years. This is the agreement you make with your lender on the maximum amount of time it will take you to pay off the loan in full.

15-Year Mortgages
Pros are that a 15-year term can keep you on track to pay off your home quickly, and it can often have a lower interest rate and even cost less in total interest compared to other loan options. Cons are that this term comes with a higher monthly payment compared to options with a longer term.

30-Year Mortgages
A pro is that you will have lower monthly payments with a 30-year term, compared to a 15-year term. A con is that you could end up with a higher interest rate, and could end up paying more in interest than you would have with a shorter term.


Securing Your Mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks

Team Lasson looks forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams at the Lake. From a primary residence to a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have done it all. Now is proving to be an AMAZING time to lock in your interest rate and get your mortgage or refinance finished up. If you have questions about this, we would love to chat with you! Start by visiting our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) and filling out the application - we look forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams!

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, November 6, 2019

Fast Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving at Your Vacation Home

The season of thankfulness is upon us, and with that, gathering with family and friends for food and friendship comes with it. One fun way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday is to host, and it can be even MORE fun to host it at your vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks! Treating your family to a fun getaway can be a fun new tradition, so we have a few tips to help make celebrating Thanksgiving in your vacation home even easier!


Check-In With Your Guests

Chances are, you will all most likely be traveling to get to your vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Take some time over the next few days to check in with your friends or family and see if they will need anything while staying with you. Some family members may need more space because they will have multiple playpens or kids. Others may prefer to have a room near the bathroom - or alternately one of the master suites if your home has two. You may not be able to accommodate everyone, but checking can help avoid some last-minute emergencies.

Stock the Kitchen

The Thanksgiving holiday is ALL about the kitchen - and the living room for football, but primarily the kitchen. Before you head down for the weekend, take some time to evaluate what you already have in your kitchen at the Lake. Here are a few things you will want to make sure are stocked up for the holiday:

  • Wine glasses
  • Pie tins
  • Roasting pans
  • Large pots & pans
  • Baking sheets & dishes
  • Whisks
  • Ladles
  • Spatulas
  • Sharp knives
  • Serving dishes
  • Turkey baster
  • Meat thermometer


You will also want to stock the kitchen with food items. You can stock up on these when you get down here, but you will want to make sure you have plenty of butter, milk, flour, spices, and cooking oil on hand for this holiday!

Do Not Forget Toiletries!

There is nothing worse than realizing that you ran out of toilet paper with a house full of holiday guests! Stock up on the basics like toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, kitchen cleaning supplies, and even laundry soap. You may even want to add some extras to the bathrooms just in case someone forgot something. Basics like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wipes, cotton balls, and cotton swabs.

Plan Some Activities!

Everyone is not going to want to do the same things with their holidays, but there is SOMETHING for everyone to do around here! Some of your guests may enjoy the local events. You can refer to FunLake.com for a full calendar of fun at the Lake of the Ozarks! Some guests may enjoy crashing in front of the television and watching the football game - serve up some leftovers and leave them to it! Others may want to do some sightseeing in the area. You can put together a list of must-see places at the Lake based on what you enjoy doing.

Everyone can enjoy their holiday weekend just the way they like it. From horseback riding, pumpkin picking, Black Friday shopping, or hiking, there is something for everyone.


Vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks! 

If you do not have a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, now is still a great time to make your purchase! The interest rates have been excellent for the last few months, but we cannot guarantee how long they will stay this way! If you are ready to start your home loan process at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website. We would love to assist you with your purchase, so head over to our website at www.yourlakeloan.com , fill out the online application and let’s get started.

Whether you are planning your Thanksgiving holiday season at your vacation home or somewhere else, we hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

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.