Thursday, May 11, 2023

Step Into the Lake Home of Your Dreams – Tips for Buying a Second Home

Buying a second home at Lake of the Ozarks may seem like a daunting task but with Team Lasson on your side, it’s not at all! Our thorough explanation of your options and consistent communication throughout the entire process makes buying a breeze! If you're ready to start looking for your vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, check out our tips below. 

Save for a Down Payment

A down payment is often a requirement for a second home purchase. Sometimes more of a down payment is needed than a first home. It all depends on the mortgage option that works best for your financial situation. It's best to be prepared and have a down payment saved up ahead of time. 


Evaluate Debt to Income 

Your debt to income ratio is a major factor in a mortgage loan. You'll want to evaluate your current situation and start making improvements in areas you can. Our team can also take a look at your finances and make suggestions on how to best set yourself up for approval on a second home mortgage. 


Consider Additional Budgetary Factors

While the mortgage payment is likely the largest cost of buying a second home, you'll want to consider the other factors you may not have with your primary residence. Security, maintenance, a dock, and special insurance for waterfront properties are all additional costs you'll want to factor into your overall budget. 


Get Pre-Approved!

The most important step in starting the search for your second home is getting pre-approved. A pre-approval gives you an idea of how much of a home you can afford. It also gives you a leg up on the competition when it comes time to make an offer on your dream lake home!

With more homes coming on the market every day, now is the time to get serious about your second home search. Get your home buying journey started on the right foot and get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks today! To get started, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

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Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Reasons a Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step In Buying a Home

Buying a home is an exciting but complex process, and for most people, it's the biggest purchase they will ever make. As a result, it's crucial to approach the process with a clear understanding of your financial capabilities. That's why our experienced mortgage lender in Lake Ozark, MO encourages you to secure a pre-approval as the first step you take when buying a home.

A mortgage pre-approval indicates the amount of money you can borrow based on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors. Here are some reasons why getting a pre-approval should be your first step in buying a home:

 

Know Your Budget

A pre-approval will give you an accurate idea of how much house you can afford. This can help you narrow down your home search to properties that are within your budget, saving you time and effort. It's essential to set realistic expectations for your home search, and a pre-approval can help you do that.

 

Be Taken Seriously by Sellers

When you make an offer on a home, sellers want to know that you can secure the financing needed to close the deal. Having a pre-approval letter in hand shows that you're a serious buyer and can help you stand out in a competitive market.

 

Move Quickly When You Find the Right Home

In a competitive housing market, homes can go quickly. Having a pre-approval in hand can help you when you find the right home. You'll be able to make an offer right away and potentially close the deal faster, giving you an advantage over other buyers who haven't yet secured financing.

 

Identify Potential Issues Early

Obtaining a pre-approval can also help you identify any potential issues with your credit or finances that may affect your ability to secure a loan. If there are any issues, you'll have time to address them before you start house hunting.

Getting a mortgage pre-approval at Lake of the Ozarks should be the first step you take when buying a home. It gives you an accurate idea of your purchasing power, helps you stand out as a serious buyer, and allows you to move quickly when you find the right home. It also helps you identify potential issues early. Before you start your home search, make sure you have a pre-approval in hand. If you’re ready to get your mortgage pre-approval, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

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Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Meet The Team -- Team Lasson!

We are excited to feature our dedicated team! Team Lasson takes great pride in our hard work and community involvement. Whether you already live in the area or you are looking to relocate to Lake of the Ozarks, our experienced mortgage lenders in Lake Ozark, MO are here for you! Take a look below to learn more about our amazing team members!

MEET OUR TEAM:

Michael & Michelle Lasson

Michael and Michelle Lasson are Senior Loan Officers at First State Bank Mortgage in Osage Beach, MO, in the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.  They began their mortgage careers in 2001 with a small mortgage company and have worked together as Team Lasson since the beginning.

Prior to the mortgage industry, Michael worked for a publishing company where he sold advertising for 10 years. During that time, he established numerous relationships with local real estate agents, and still works with many of them today, helping their clients through the mortgage lending process. 

Michelle worked for a real estate attorney for two years and a title company/law firm for nine years.  With her extensive real estate and mortgage industry experience, Michelle knows how to make loan process as smooth as possible and assists their clients every step of the way.

Michael and Michelle united their families in 1999 and have six children between the two of them.  They are also fortunate to have nine wonderful grandchildren.  Michael and Michelle enjoy spending time with their family and going camping as much as possible.

Having struggled through an adverse experience buying their first home together, Michael and Michelle made it their goal to make the mortgage loan experience as simple as possible for their clients.  They focus on providing prompt communication with both clients and real estate partners to ensure everyone knows where they are in the mortgage loan process, with the goal of getting the borrowers into their new home as quickly as possible.

Michael has received numerous nominations and awards during his career, including multiple honors as: 

  • Affiliate of the Year by Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS®
  • Best Mortgage Provider by Lake Lifestyles Magazine
  • Best Mortgage Provider by Missouri Magazine

Michael and Michelle are also active members of the following organizations:

  • Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS®, where they each serve on multiple committees
  • Lake of the Ozarks Board of REALTORS®
  • Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, where Michael serves on the Board
  • Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Eldon Chamber of Commerce

Toni Butler

Toni is the mortgage loan processor for Michael and Michelle Lasson. As a member of Team Lasson, she works closely with the loan officers to get their borrowers’ questions answered as quickly as possible.
She has been in the mortgage industry for about 30 years and has been a loan processor for 10 years. Toni really enjoys helping borrowers through the mortgage lending process and getting them into their new properties, it is very rewarding and gratifying for her.
Toni lives at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks and just loves it! She spends her free time swimming, boating, gardening and visiting the gorgeous beaches in Florida. She has two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter that she simply adores!

Our team is a proud member of our amazing community and we cannot wait to help you make your goals of homeownership a reality! Team Lasson works day in and day out to make sure you are informed and comfortable throughout the entire home buying process! Experience the difference when you work with the best mortgage lender in Lake Ozark, MO. To get the ball rolling and get pre-approved, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

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Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

A Basic Guide to the Loan Process

Buying a home is a major milestone and one that may seem intimidating. Our team of mortgage lenders at Lake of the Ozarks is here to make the process much easier to tackle! Whether it's the first home you're buying or you've purchased several homes throughout the years, Team Lasson is here for you. We know the process can be overwhelming but we're here to break down the basics and help you feel more at ease about your big purchase!


Mortgage Pre-Approval

The first step of buying a home is getting pre-approval on your mortgage. This step is important as it gives you an idea of a loan amount you can afford, therefore helps drive your home search. It also comes in handy as you're in negotiations since a seller will typically lean toward a buyer with a pre-approval in hand. 


Find Your Home & Make an Offer

Once you know how much you can afford in a home based on your pre-approval, you are ready to start looking for properties within your budget. It can help to have a list of wants and needs in a home to help drive your property search, as well. Once you find the right home, you make an offer. 


Application & Processing

After your offer is accepted by the seller, you will officially apply for your mortgage and your information will go into loan processing. The next step is underwriting. Your loan information will be sent to underwriting for final approval. 


Loan Approval, Funding, & Closing

Once your loan is approved, you will move into the Closing and Funding stages. The final step is closing! This is where you officially sign for the purchase of your home and gain rightful ownership of the property! 

The Escrow/Title Company designated in your Sales Contract will typically handle the closing process with the buyer and seller to ensure all parties have presented the agreed-upon amounts and completed the terms of the contract and loan. Team Lasson is usually present for all in-person closings to assist the buyer with any questions they may have with regard to the loan paperwork. After the closing process has been completed by all parties, you are now the proud owner of your new property!

These steps may seem overwhelming at first but our experienced team of mortgage lenders in Lake Ozark, MO is here every step of the way. Our team guides you through each step of the process for a smooth and seamless transaction! If you are ready to get started on a pre-approval for your mortgage, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

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Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Stop Waiting for the Market to Turn – Buy Today & Refinance Down the Road

Are you exhausted trying to time the real estate market? You are not alone! Many potential home buyers at Lake of the Ozarks have been holding out for the "right time" to buy. Interest rates and home prices seem to be dropping slightly in recent months. It is coming to light that there is not going to be a major change in the market, as many foresaw months ago. Buyers are getting impatient with timing the unknowns of the real estate market. Our Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lenders want to point out an option that will get you into your home sooner and allow you to finally stop trying to time the market -- buy now and refinance later! It is a great solution for many current buyers!


Buy Today!

The current market is by no means at historical lows, but slightly lower than recent months. This is in regard to both interest rates and home prices. Secure your mortgage at a rate today and take advantage of the recent lull in rates. Buying now also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the drop in home listing prices, compared to the past year or more. The best part of all... you get to move into your home in the very near future! We are closing within 30 days or less for many of our customers!


Refinance Later!

When the market changes for the better in the future, you can refinance your home to take advantage of the more appealing rates. This gives you the chance to make an advantageous move for your finances when interest rates are better while getting what you really want now. By the time you're ready to refinance, you'll have built some equity in your home along the way, making a refi an even more appealing option!

It's a Win-Win!

Take advantage of this solution to the "timing the market" issues you've been facing as a home buyer! You can get into the home you love now and refinance for a better rate down the road. It truly is a win-win for buying a home! Team Lasson has a great deal of experience in refinancing at Lake of the Ozarks. We can help you navigate your purchase now and your refi at a later date. If you are ready to get started on a pre-approval for your mortgage, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Ring in the New Year at Lake of the Ozarks

New Year's Eve is closing in and Team Lasson is excited for 2023! This holiday is a popular time to get together with friends and family to celebrate the past year and look forward to the next. Our mortgage lender in Lake Ozark, MO is here to showcase a few local events you can participate in to ring in the new year in style!

New Year's Eve at the Lodge of Four Seasons

December 31st

4:00pm - 1:00am

Lodge of Four Seasons

Join the Lodge of Four Seasons for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Dinner in HK's Restaurant and Bar is from 4:00pm-10:00pm, live music by Sax Man Mike Byington from 7:00pm-10:00pm, and the after party with dancing, party favors, and complimentary champagne toast is from 10:00pm-1:00am. Make reservations at 573-365-8700.


New Year's Eve Dinner at Seven Springs Winery

December 31st

5:00pm - 10:00pm

Seven Springs Winery

Seven Springs Winery is celebrating in style this year! The winery will be serving up delicious steak, lobster, and wine. Starla and Scotty will be playing your favorite tunes from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Make reservations to attend at 573-317-0100.


New Year's Eve Celebration at The Encore

December 31st

7:00pm - 12:00am

The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar

Don't miss this night of dinner, dancing, and fun. The Encore is hosting an exciting New Year's Eve party with Madd Hoss Jackson & Marcus Words. Enjoy live music, a light appetizer buffet, and drinks as you ring in the new year! Make reservations at 573-693-9973. 


Party Like a Pirate New Year's Eve Bash

December 31st

7:00pm - 12:00am

Margaritaville Lake Resort

Ring in 2023 in style! This event includes one night accommodations, an open bar from 7:00pm-1:00am, a dinner buffet, and a midnight champagne toast for two. There will be a costume contest for the best dressed pirate! Call 573-348-3131 for reservations. 

If these events sound like a blast, it is just a small taste of the events you can find throughout the year at Lake of the Ozarks. Experience all the amazing perks of living in our area when you purchase a home at Lake of the Ozarks! If you are ready to get started on your home search, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Reasons to Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Your Home Search

Starting your home search is an exciting time! Our Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender is here to make your home buying process a breeze. Getting pre-approved for a home loan should be your first step. Team Lasson is here to tell you why!

Determine Budget

A pre-approval provides you with an amount you can borrow. This can help you determine your mortgage budget, which will help guide your home search within that range. 


Advantage in Negotiations 

A buyer with a pre-approval from their mortgage lender is a much more appealing buyer than someone without. Sellers will likely lean toward your offer over other offers that do not have a pre-approval. This step gives you an advantage over other buyers. In this competitive real estate market, every advantage helps!


Realistic Search

There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home that you later find out you cannot afford. A pre-approval can help you avoid that heartbreak by knowing how much of a home you can afford before starting your home search!


Speeds Up Closing

When you find your dream home, you are likely going to want to act fast. Being pre-approved with your lender will speed along the home buying process and get you to the closing table faster. 

Set yourself up for a successful home purchase when you get pre-approved! Our mortgage lender in Lake Ozark, MO looks forward to helping you get pre-approved and off on the right foot in order to search for a home with confidence. If you are ready to get started with a mortgage pre-approval at Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049






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