Friday, April 26, 2019

Advantages of Buying a Vacation Home

There are a lot of second homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks. In fact, of all people who own two homes in the Midwest, 40% own one of them at the Lake of the Ozarks! There are many reasons to own a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, so we’re going to cover some of the most popular reasons, as well as some other great benefits for buying a Lake of the Ozarks vacation home.


Why Are Vacation Homes Being Purchased?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Investment and Vacation Home Buyer’s Survey from 2017 showed that there are three primary reasons people buy vacation homes.

42% said it was to provide a base for personal vacations and family retreats
18% showed that they wanted to create a home that would become their main residence after retirement.
12% stated that the home was priced competitively and they couldn’t resist.

Where are Vacation Homes Being Purchased?

The study above also noted where vacation homes were being purchased in comparison to where the primary residence was located. The most popular distance was 200 miles. Of course, there were 13% who lived less than 50 miles from their vacation home, while 21% lived 1,000 miles away or more.

The favorite locations for vacation homes were:
Beach - 36%
Lakefront - 21%
Country - 20%
Mountain - 14%
Ranch - 7%
Other - 3%

The benefit of having a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is that you can take advantage of several of these categories. There are beautiful lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as places in the country, or nestled in our Ozark mountains.

Pros for Owning Your Own Vacation Home

There are many advantages to owning a vacation home, several of the “pros” include things like:
- You can be a part of the community
- You may receive tax advantages
- You could potentially do vacation home exchanges
- You can travel lighter
- It’s a great place to retire
- Vacation homes can be rented out when you aren’t using them
It’s all yours to decorate the way you would like


Ready to Buy a Vacation Home at the Lake of the Ozarks?

Summer isn’t official around here until Memorial Day Weekend, so there is still time to start the process before summer arrives. With several weeks of summer, it is never too late to buy your summer vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and Team Lasson believes that it is the BEST time to get started. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, or fill out your application. We look forward to helping you make your dreams a reality - the lake like is the best life!

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.

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Location: Osage Beach, MO, USA

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Spruce Up Your Landscaping for Spring

Spring has sprung, and as the weather continues to show off with sunny days and warm weather, you may find the itch to get outdoors and spruce up your landscapes. If you plan to rent your vacation home through the Summer, having the landscaping in tip-top condition is vital. Here are a few things you can start doing now to give your landscaping the best chances of lasting through the Summer season, and also creating spaces where you can kick back and relax all Summer long.


Do: Keep a Regular Mowing Schedule

Your mower will be one of your most important landscape tools because regular mowing is critical for lawn care. This cutting schedule can range from once to several times per week, depending on how quickly the grass grows. Your grass does need to stay at a certain level to fight off drought and other lawn hazards, so it is important to not cut it too short.

If you will not be at your vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks often enough to keep the grass mowed, you can hire a landscape team to come in and keep things taken care of.

Don’t: Let Pests Invade Your Landscape

It can be easy to ignore the Summertime pests that can take over your landscape, but they can post an actual threat to your space. From grubs to sod webworms, chinch bugs to armyworms, there are many different types of pest infestations that can cause brown patches of grass.

Do: Feed and Fertilize Your Landscape

It is important to know what types of grass you have in your landscape and make sure that it is being fertilized properly. Warm-season grass types need a nutrient boost, which can be accomplished through an extremely quick application of fertilizer. Of course, over fertilizing can also have an adverse effect on your landscaping. Too much nitrogen in fertilizer can burn the grass, especially when temperatures are high. Slow release fertilizers are a great option.

Don’t: Water During the Hot Part of the Day

It is actually useless to water during the hottest part of the day because the water will evaporate before it ever reaches the roots. The best time to water is in the early morning while the temperatures are still low. Plants can make better use of the hydration during this time.

Do: Look for Drought Tolerant Plants

Adding color to your landscaping is the best way to really make an impact. The warmer temps during a Midwest Summer can mean that looking for drought-tolerant plants can keep the color lasting longer. New annuals or perennials are an easy place to start. They are also great at conserving water and require minimal maintenance. You can line the walkways of your landscape with colorful plants, as well as add window boxes or pots on the porch. A climbing flower on a trellis can also be a great way to get attention, but also add some privacy to areas of your landscape.


Don’t: Forget to Enjoy Your Landscape

A vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks is meant to be enjoyed. After your hard work is done, it is time to mix up a cool beverage, find a nice shade tree, and admire your work.

If you do not have a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is not too late to get started. Team Lasson knows that it is still a great time to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you are looking for a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks or buying your very first home, we would love to assist. Looking for a great place to get a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks? We can help! Visit our website to start filling out your application. We cannot wait to work with you and help you secure 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.

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Location: Osage Beach, MO, USA

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Golfers Day at the Lake of the Ozarks

Golfers Day is on April 10th, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the beautiful golf courses at the Lake of the Ozarks. The Lake area is often referred to as the premier golf destination in the Midwest, and for good reason. There is something truly incredible about playing on a course that was designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Fred Farley, Ken Kavanaugh, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Jack Nicklaus, or Von Hagge/Devlin. Of course, the natural beauty of the Lake area is also an added benefit. There are many courses at the Lake that are carved out of rock bluffs and forests, as well as sitting on the glistening shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. Here are a few details about the golf courses at the Lake of the Ozarks for those who love to play a round.


Bear Creek Valley Golf Club

Bear Creek Valley Golf Club is a par 72, 6796-yard layout. The course meanders through 250 acres of colorful Ozark forest, meadows and scenic valleys along "Little Bear Creek”.

Tees
1 - Yards: 6796 - Par: 72 - Slope: 71.5/130
2 - Yards: 6197 - Par: 72 - Slope: 69.2/126
3 - Yards: 5594 - Par: 72 - Slope: 65.6/119
4 - Yards: 4701 - Par: 72 - Slope: 67.7/117 

Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

When it comes to Missouri golf, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks golf is way above par. Home to more than 13 area golf courses carved out of Missouri's Ozark Hills.

Deer Chase

Designed by Roger Null, this 18-hole golf course offers a challenging track through the beautiful Auglaize River valley and surrounding hills.

Tees
Black - Yards: 6381 - Par: 71 -
Gold - Yards: 6029 - Par: 71 -
Green - Yards: 5090 - Par: 71 -

Eldon Golf Club

Set amid a backdrop of wooded areas, rolling, hills and creeks, Eldon Golf Club is sure to provide a pleasurable experience for golfers. Zoysia fairways and an upgraded bunker system, lead to accommodating greens.

Tees
Gold - Yards: 6373 - Par: 71 - Slope: 70.4/124
Blue - Yards: 6037 - Par: 71 - Slope: 69.0/123
White - Yards: 5542 - Par: 71 - Slope: 67.1/118
Red - Yards: 4012 - Par: 73 - Slope: 66.6/110
Orange - Yards: 4012 - Par: 71 - Slope: 65/105 

Hidden Lakes

Hidden Lakes Course was designed and built by Jim Lewis and has been ranked by USA Today as one of the best nine-hole courses in the U.S.

Tees
Blue - Yards: 3015 - Par: 35 - Slope: 35.2/NR,35.2/NR
White - Yards: 2705 - Par: 35 - Slope: 34.3/NR
Red - Yards: 2232 - Par: 36 - Slope: 33.4/NR 


Indian Rock Golf Club

Indian Rock Golf Club is part of a vibrant golfing community at the Lake of the Ozarks. Majestic rock formations guard the club's signature 17th hole while a deep, clear lake guards the front.

Tees
Black - Yards: 6380 - Par: 72 - Slope: 70.6,70.6,70.6,70.6,70.6,70.6,70.6,70.6
Blue - Yards: 6069 - Par: 72 - Slope: 69.2
White - Yards: 5674 - Par: 72 - Slope: 67.8
Red - Yards: 4800 - Par: 72 - Slope: 68.3

Lake Valley

Lake Valley features an unusual balance of six par threes, six par fours, and six par fives. The fairways are generous, and this course is considered a “must play”.

Tees
Blue - Yards: 6373 - Par: 72 - Slope:
70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124,70.9/124
White - Yards: 6064 - Par: 72 - Slope: 69.6/122
Gold - Yards: 5339 - Par: 72 - Slope: 66.3/115
Red - Yards: 4918 - Par: 72 - Slope: 68.9/121

Old Kinderhook Golf Club

Spectacular vistas, elevations and a championship layout meanders through the Ozark hills. Tom Weiskopf has designed another masterpiece in Old Kinderhook, turning the rolling topography, rock waterfalls, and flowering trees into one of the Midwest's finest courses.

Tees
Champoinship - Yards: 6821 - Par: 72 - Slope: 72.8/137
Club - Yards: 6310 - Par: 71 - Slope: 70.3/127
Member - Yards: 5794 - Par: 72 - Slope: 68.0/122
Forward - Yards: 4960 - Par: 72 - Slope: 70.0/113

Osage National Golf Resort

Osage National is Missouri’s only Arnold Palmer Signature Course. The original 18 holes, designed in 1992 by Arnold Palmer feature 7,150 yards of zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. This tranquil setting provides the backdrop for a challenging, but enjoyable golf experience. As the course motto suggests, this truly is "Missouri's Must Play Getaway" at the lake.

Tees
Gold - Yards: 7150 - Par: 72 - Slope: 75.6/145,75.6/145,75.6/145,75.6/145
Blue - Yards: 6623 - Par: 72 - Slope: 73.4/140
Black - Yards: 6125 - Par: 72 - Slope: 70.7/134
White - Yards: 6063 - Par: 72 - Slope: 69.2/129
Red - Yards: 5016 - Par: 72 - Slope: 70.5/122


The Cove

The Cove, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course, opened for play in 1971; in 1996, Golf Digest rated it as the second best public course in Missouri. In 1994, it was one of the courses used for the National Club Pro Championship.

Tees
Blue - Yards: 6567 - Par: 71 - Slope: 71.4/136
Gold - Yards: 5879 - Par: 71 - Slope: 69.6/120
Red - Yards: 4659 - Par: 71 - Slope: 70.8/124 

The Oaks

The Oaks Course was designed by world-renowned architects Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge. This championship layout carved out of the natural Ozark hills, places a premium on accurate shots and strategic course management.

Tees
Blue - Yards: 6432 - Par: 71 - Slope: 72.1/134,72.1/134
White - Yards: 6003 - Par: 71 - Slope: 70.1/128
Yellow - Yards: 5317 - Par: 71 - Slope: 65.9/117
Red - Yards: 3931 - Par: 70 - Slope: 62.5/103

The Ridge

The Ridge opened in 1991 and now is considered one of the finest courses in the Ozarks. The course features beautiful scenery with panoramic views of the Lake, while its hills and valleys boast more than 180 feet of elevation change, natural rock walls, and a spring-fed lake.

Tees
Blue - Yards: 6416 - Par: 72 - Slope: 71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130,71.4/130
White - Yards: 6020 - Par: 72 - Slope: 69.3/124
Yellow - Yards: 5461 - Par: 72 - Slope: 66.6/120
Red - Yards: 3943 - Par: 72 - Slope: 71.0


Ready to Hit the Green?

If you love playing golf at the Lake of the Ozarks, we could not agree more. This is only one of the great reasons to have a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you do not have a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson would be glad to help. Ready to get started on your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage? Visit our website to submit your mortgage application and get started. Now is a great time to buy a home, and we look forward to assisting. Happy golfing!

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.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Location: Osage Beach, MO, USA

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Container Gardens for Garden Month

April is Garden Month, and now is a great time to try out your green thumb and grow a few things. While there are many homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks who own primary residences, there are also a large number of homeowners who own vacation homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. It may be hard to try your hand at a garden if you only come back on the weekends, so we have a few fun suggestions for trying out container gardens, as well as some long lasting plants that will make it between your visits.



Basil
This flavorful herb is easily grown indoors or out, and on the plus side, you can use it to cook with! These plants need direct sunlight at some point throughout the day, so if you decide to keep it indoors, you will want to place it by a window. You may also want to keep them outdoors when you are away from your vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks so that it can get water and sun while you are not there to take care of it.

Aloe
This could be an excellent plant to keep on hand at a lake home! The large leaves can provide soothing gel for cuts and burns, plus it is a very forgiving houseplant. Allow the plant’s soil to dry completely in between waterings. This could vary depending on the humidity in your home, but it could mean watering it as little as every two to three weeks!

Snake Plant
This is also known as a ribbon plant and is a succulent with thick, waxy leaves. It loves to live in a pot, and thrives on being ignored - making this the perfect plant for your vacation home! It can add beautiful splashes of green without requiring a lot of care.

Bromeliads
This bright foliage loves plenty of bright light, so place near a big lakefront window where the afternoon sun will shine on it. With enough light, it will produce pretty flowers.

Jade
Jade is a low-maintenance succulent houseplant.

Pothos
This plant is a member of the philodendron family and is a fast-growing plant. It has striking and variegated leaves and is quite low maintenance.

Rabbit’s Ear
This is a moderately fast-growing plant and has hairy leaves that help prevent against water loss due to evaporation.

Rubber Plant
There is a reason you find these to be common houseplants.

Dieffenbachia
This is also known as Dumb Cane, and it has dramatic large leaves in many variegated forms which makes this a beautiful indoor plant. You can prune it to keep it from getting “leggy” but it is relatively maintenance free other than that!

Philodendron
This beautiful plant has heart-shaped leaves and is a fast-growing houseplant. The deep green leaves will look beautiful in your home, and better yet, they do not require a lot of maintenance!

Spider Plant
The spider plant is an extremely easy plant to grow. It also produces smaller plantlets that can be rooted in potting soil and start a whole new plant!

Cactus
This should come as no surprise, many cacti and succulents thrive in warm, sunny environments, and do not require high maintenance when it comes to watering.

Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are epiphytes, which means that they can grow without soil. This makes Tillandsia one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. Just mist your plants once a week or so to keep them nice and healthy.


Making Your Vacation Home at the Lake of the Ozarks Cozy

Houseplants can be a warm and cozy way to make your vacation home feel like home, and Gardening Month is the perfect time to try your hand at it! The trick is to find plants that are easy going and do not require a lot of maintenance. If you do not have a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, there is still time to start the process. Team Lasson is here to help, and we believe that this is an amazing time to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as submit your financing application!

 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.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Location: Osage Beach, MO, USA
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