Wednesday, October 28, 2020

How to Enjoy the Fall Colors at Lake of the Ozarks

The Fall colors are quickly approaching the peak of change as we head into November, displaying vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. Now is the perfect time to experience awe-inspiring views, enjoying crisp Fall weather, and the natural beauty that Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. There are numerous ways to experience Fall at the Lake of the Ozarks, from scenic overlooks and state parks to boat side and birds-eye tours. If you own a second home at Lake of the Ozarks now is a great time to visit, you won't want to miss this Fall beauty!

Team Lasson is here to share some of the ways we think you'll enjoy the Fall colors this year.

Boat Side

As the number one recreational activity at Lake of the Ozarks, viewing the Fall foliage from your boat is naturally an amazing way to capture the beauty of the season. So, if you haven't winterized the boat for the season quite yet, this is a great opportunity to get one-of-a-kind views while exploring the Lake. You could boat down the Aquatic trail for some unique views or cruise the main channel for more adventure while out sightseeing. 

If you're not fortunate enough to own a boat of your own, no worries! Lake of the Ozarks has fabulous cruises available for charter that will narrate stories about the history of the Lake as you leisurely take in the sights.

Birds-Eye View

One way to view the Fall colors at Lake of the Ozarks is by taking to the air! The Lake looks different from up this high, experience the awe of the "magic dragon" as you take to the skies with one of the aerial tours available. These tours are narrated and have several packages available to you to customize your viewing experience.

Scenic Overlooks

There are several gorgeous overlooks worth visiting at Lake of the Ozarks, all offering breathtaking views of the Fall colors. The first is the Ameren scenic overlook, located just off the Bagnell Dam on Upper Power Plant Rd, Lake Ozark. The second can be seen from Wilmore Lodge, also in Lake Ozark - not far from the Ameren lookout. The third overlook, Thunder Mountain Scenic Overlook can be visited in Camdenton in Bridal Cave Rd, just off Old Hwy 5. These overlooks are a fantastic place to stop along the way as you tour Lake of the Ozarks.

State Parks

Lake of the Ozarks is proud to boast two award-winning State Parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is roughly four miles south of Camdenton and offers 14 trails ranging from leisurely to challenging, overlooks, as well as historic castle ruins. Enjoy the Fall foliage as you explore this gorgeous park, taking in the vibrant colors, natural geological formations, springs, caverns, and sinkholes - not forgetting the pristine hardwood forestry and glades. 
The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is located in Osage Beach, holding roughly 17,626 acres of beautiful forestry as well as 12 hiking trails ranging from 0.8miles to 13.5miles. There are trails to accommodate many different activities such as equestrian, biking, and leisurely strolls, all offering astounding views of the Fall season.

Your Own Deck

There are many great ways to view the Fall foliage at Lake of the Ozarks, but there is one that stands out above all else - Fall views from your very own deck or porch! When you own a home at Lake of the Ozarks you'll have every opportunity to view the gorgeous Fall season at your convenience, without even leaving your cozy abode. If you own a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, now is the perfect time to come enjoy the breathtaking Fall season and begin thinking about winterizing the home for the offseason.

If you don't own a home at Lake of the Ozarks quite yet, no worries! Team Lasson has an experienced and dedicated team of mortgage professionals that would be overjoyed to assist you in securing your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a call today to see how we can be of assistance!

                           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






**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, October 20, 2020

Owning a Home at Lake of the Ozarks

Purchasing a home at Lake of the Ozarks is a dream that many share- and understandably so, it's renowned across the nation as the vacation destination of the Midwest! While it may seem like a pipedream, we're here to tell you that your dream of living at Lake of the Ozarks is certainly obtainable. There are prestigious areas at Lake of the Ozarks- where the barriers to entry are extravagant, however, much of the Lake is more affordable than you may realize.

Team Lasson loves Lake of the Ozarks and would be honored to assist you in financing your home at Lake of the Ozarks, to make your dream of living the Lake life come true. Continue reading to find out more about how you can make the Lake area your new home.

Affordability

While you will see numerous million-dollar homes lining the shoreline at Lake of the Ozarks, much of the housing market here is well within your typical price range for a home in Missouri. The median home cost in Missouri is $159,500, the median home price at Lake of the Ozarks, $177,400. Yes, that's still a pretty penny, but think about what you are getting with that price tag as well, the beautiful scenery, an epic summer life, moments away from outdoor adventure, all while remaining close to major city hubs. Lake of the Ozarks is large enough for convenience and activity, yet small enough for privacy.

Opportunity

As the vacation destination of the Midwest, Lake of the Ozarks holds great opportunities for those that own property here, like being moments away from the action via land or water, investment home opportunities, as well as having a dedicated vacation spot. We'll dive further into these opportunities below.

Investments

As mentioned above, being the vacation destination of the Midwest gives Lake of the Ozarks a competitive advantage when you're looking into investment homes, or even just a way to rent out your vacation home part-time to earn some income or pay the mortgage. The housing market at Lake of the Ozarks is like no other, every home and lot is unique, giving the "one-of-a-kind" appeal to your property/investment - a great selling point for potential renters/buyers.

Entertainment

The summer season at the Lake is known nationwide and attracts masses of vacationers. The reason for this is the entertainment here is simply awe-inspiring. Take the small community vibe and hospitality and mix that with the resources to put on stellar performances, events and demand attention, you end up with an experience that can only be found at Lake of the Ozarks. From fun for the whole family to your more adult-friendly atmospheres, Lake of the Ozarks has something for all to enjoy, year-round.

Education

With many of its citizens being second homeowners and the impact that tourism has on Lake of the Ozarks provides the Lake with the resources it needs to provide an outstanding education system. Continually boasting above average results in regard to the state of Missouri, two out of three high school graduates go on to pursue higher education. The Lake's education system consists of state-of-the-art technical career centers, along with community and satellite colleges.

Healthcare

Relative to education above, the healthcare system at Lake of the Ozarks is also second to none. Being centrally located between two major city hubs, St. Louis and Kansas City, provides the Lake access to high-tech medical equipment and connections that allow it to function as efficiently and effectively as it does. The healthcare system here can deal with all incoming needs of its community the moment they walk through the door, so there is no need to ship patients seeking help all across Missouri - they'll take care of you in-house with a dedicated team and the latest technologies available.


Why Move to the Lake?

Lake of the Ozarks, to put it simply, is just an astonishing place to live. When you own a home at Lake of the Ozarks, you get to enjoy the convenience of being at the heart of the action during the busy and prosperous summer season, not missing an ounce of fun. While enjoying a quiet, leisurely atmosphere, taking in all the beauty that the Lake has to offer during the off-season. The Lake is the perfect mix of exhilarating entertainment, comforting convenience, and leisurely Lake living all in one beautiful package. If you're ready to get in on the Lake life and secure your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is ready and willing to extend our years of service to you.


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






**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, October 14, 2020

Buying an Investment Home at Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing place to own a second home, plus there are many benefits to having an investment property. The big question that pops into most people's minds is, "Are these types of homes a good investment?" We're here to tell you the reasons an investment home at Lake of the Ozarks is a sound decision with a multitude of benefits.

When looking to secure your second home mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, ensure you have an experienced and knowledgeable lender that can help navigate these complex transactions - Team Lasson is always here to help.

Vacation vs. Investment Home

One of the biggest factors to consider when purchasing a second home is, how will the property be used a majority of the time? This is where the vacation home vs. investment home status comes about. A vacation home is a home that is used primarily for your enjoyment, not having the goal of earning an income. An investment home is categorized as a home that is primarily used to earn an income by keeping it rented out.

This is not to say that you cannot rent a vacation home out a few months throughout the year, but there are limits on the number of days the property can be rented without it affecting the status of the home. Just as an investment property can also be used by you to vacation, but its primary function is to remain rented out to earn an income.

Financial Benefits

Owning a true investment property is a great way to earn extra income. If you have a mortgage on the home you may not be netting a whole lot of income directly right off the bat, depending on the mortgage loan terms. However, there are a couple of options; having your second home mortgage paid for by your renter or a consistent revenue stream where you are obtaining most of the rent payment back in your pocket (if the loan payment is lower than rent or the property is owned free and clear).

Another benefit of owning an investment property is that some of the expenses are tax-deductible - although, you will want to discuss the specifics of these items with your accountant. Some investment home expenses that can be written off include mortgage interest, mortgage insurance, depreciation, etc.

You also have the flexibility to change the status type of your home over the years, so if it began as an investment property but you decide that you'd like to use it as your primary home in retirement, you're able to change the classification through proper procedures (visit with your mortgage lender and accountant regarding this topic.)

Property Management

Since this is not a primary home for you it may be difficult to keep routine maintenance and cleaning up to par while you engage in your typical week by yourself. It would require many extra trips to the property after hosting or if something needs maintenance. While it can certainly be done, hiring a property management company to facilitate anything from care and maintenance to listing and renting schedule.

The Lake Lifestyle

The appeal of the lake lifestyle at Lake of the Ozarks is hard to ignore, from the fun-filled, action-packed summers to the crisp, cozy, and scenic fall season, there's so much to experience year-round. Cruise the Lake on your boat, go fishing, explore parks and caves, or enjoy a night out on the town. There's fun for everyone at Lake of the Ozarks, no matter your definition, and as the vacation destination of the Midwest, is sure to attract plenty of attention to your investment property.

So, if you've considered owning a second home at Lake of the Ozarks, either as a vacation property or investment home, it's a great time to capitalize on the opportunity. Interest rates are near historical lows, which only further benefits you as a homeowner or investor. Team Lasson and our staff are mortgage experts at Lake of the Ozarks, so when you're ready to purchase your very own investment property at the Lake, let our team help.

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






**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, October 7, 2020

Premier Areas to Buy a Home at Lake of the Ozarks

Many people seek to purchase a home at Lake of the Ozarks, and with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, nearly 70,000 lakefront homes, and thousands of acres of pristine hardwood forests, it's not hard to see why! However, not all Lake of the Ozarks homes are the same. When making the investment into Lake of the Ozarks real estate, it's important to do your research or at least connect with people that know the Lake, and which areas would be the best fit for your lake living experience.

There are tons of stellar areas to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks, ensure you're buying in an area that has all of the amenities, activities, and interests that you'll be wanting during your time at the Lake. From rolling golf courses, sprawling areas of forestry, or lake frontage, Lake of the Ozarks has so much to offer. Continue reading our blog for a look inside some of the premier areas to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks, and when you're ready to take the next step in making the purchase, my team of mortgage experts at Lake of the Ozarks are ready to rock n' roll!

Porto Cima

If you're an avid golfer, there's no better place to be than Porto Cima, Lake of the Ozark's most prestigious golf and boating community. The area and it's fantastic membership packages include special privileges to some of the Lake's finest dining and spas, including the renowned HK's Restaurant and Spa Shiki. As for the courses, you're looking to play a few rounds on mastercraft courses such as The Club at Porto Cima, The Cove,  a Robert Trent Jones, Sr's, "signature" course,  and The Ridge, designed by Ken Kavanaugh, a third master golf architect. These meticulously maintained golf courses are accompanied by luxurious homes, the rolling Ozark hills, as well as the beautiful lake itself. It's certainly a one-of-a-kind experience that you'll be telling your friends and family for years to come.

Osage National

Another serene golfing community at Lake of the Ozarks, Osage National is home to the one and only, Arnold Palmer Signature Course, featuring 18 spectacularly designed holes to test your golfing skills, all while taking in the beauty of the natural landscape of Lake of the Ozarks bluffs and waterways. In total, Osage National boasts a whopping 39 holes for you to play, so you'll never miss out on a tee time again! The gorgeous clubhouse holds an elegant dining area with spectacular course views all while enjoying your favorite cocktail or dish. Osage National is the perfect place for an advantageous golfer!

Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest is a private, gated community located near Bagnell Dam, down Horseshoe Bend Parkway. If you're looking to be near the heart of the action at Lake of the Ozarks, Cedar Crest is an amazing location. The well-manicured community is secluded, peaceful, and sits just moments away from the Bagnell Dam, the historical Bagnell Dam Strip, as well as Osage Beach and it's many shopping and dining options. Reap the benefits of being near the heart of the Lake, all while staying secluded at Cedar Crest.

Village of Four Seasons

The Village of the Four Seasons is a fantastic area of  Lake of the Ozarks for both retirees and young professionals alike. The area includes an activity center, Bark Park, campgrounds with boat launch access, fishing, hiking and biking trails, pools, community parks, as well as a swim and tennis club. All conveniently located down Horseshoe Bend, past Cedar Crest, near the heart of Lake of the Ozarks, so you'll never be far from fine dining, entertainment, or your private piece of paradise. This area also boasts some top-notch golf courses that you can access with a membership to either Porto Cima or Lodge of the Four Seasons.

We hope that you have enjoyed our insight into some of the more premier areas to purchase a home at Lake of the Ozarks. As you can see, the Lake is in no short supply when it comes to accommodating and entertaining its guests/residence. When you're ready to obtain a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is ready and willing to put our area knowledge and mortgage expertise to work for you!

 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






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