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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Mortgage Facts: How Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) Influence Rates

 Mortgages can be complex if you don't have a professional mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks to help you better understand some of the intricacies. That's why I'm here, to share my years of experience and help educate you on mortgages so that you can make informed decisions. In this week's blog, we're going to cover Mortgage-Backed Securities and how they can influence rates. 

What is an MBS?

A Mortgage-Backed Security (MBS) is an investment, similar to a bond that consists of a bundle of home loans bought from banks that issues mortgages. These asset-backed securities provide investors with periodic payments that work similarly to the ones you'd receive from bond coupons.

How they Work

MBS places banks as the middleman between homebuyers and investors. The better the mortgages, the better the MBS performs. So, it's a win-win for granting quality mortgages to home buyers and investors alike. Investors buying MBS are basically lending money to home buyers. To be sold on the market, an MBS must be issued by a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) or private financial company. There are many regulations and due diligence performed analyzing each mortgage being sold in the bundle to ensure quality standards are met. As for how they influence rates, mortgage rates are set based on financial markets when they open each day. When MBS prices drop, rates are raised, and when prices rise, rates are lowered. 

Types of MBS

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO):

This type of MBS is made up of multiple pools of securities. These "tranches" are reviewed and given credit ratings to determine the rate of return to investors.

Pass-Throughs:

This type of security is set up similar to trusts in which mortgage payments are collected and "passed through" to investors. Since they're set up as trusts, these typically have stated maturities of five, 15, and 30 years. These maturities can vary depending on the number of principal payments on the mortgages that make up the pass-through.

Team Lasson: Your Mortgage Professionals at the Lake

I hope that you have learned some valuable information about the mortgage industry, how MBS work, how they can influence mortgage rates. As the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, I take pride in assisting my clients not only in obtaining top-tier mortgages for their homeownership needs but educating them as well so they can make the most informed decisions possible. With that being said, if you're looking to obtain a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing your home to take advantage of our great rates, give me a call!


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.

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Thursday, February 18, 2021

Tips for Protecting Your Vacation Home During Freezing Temperatures

 Owning a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks is a privilege. You've got a prime destination to vacation to during the Spring/Summer months. However, if you leave your Lake home unattended during the Winter, it's wise to ensure it's prepared to handle the frigid elements. In this week's blog, the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, Michel Lasson, is here to give you a few tips to keep your home protected during the offseason. 

Winterizing Your Home: Pipes & Indoor Maintenance

You'll want to ensure that your home is well insulated. Checking for any drafts and sealing holes or cracks with some form of insulation (foam works wonderfully), weather stripping, or caulk. You should also add insulation or a source of heat around areas of the home with piping. You can utilize heat tape, or even blankets to help insulate these areas to prevent pipes from freezing. To go a step further, keep a small trickle of water running from faucets; this allows water to continue to flow. Be sure to check the thermostat before you head out, keeping it set between 55 - 60 degrees. You could also consider installing a water leak detection system to notify you in the event of a leak. 

Outside Maintenance

Clear your gutters of any debris to prevent ice dams on your roof. Installing gutter screens or "helmets" can prevent leaves and other items from clogging your gutters while your away. It's also advised to trim overhanging limbs from trees in case they fall under the weight of snow or ice. Damage sustained from large branches falling on your home is a costly and unpleasant ordeal. Doing preventative maintenance now could save you a lot of headaches later on. To help prevent your outdoor plumbing fixtures from freezing, we recommend disconnecting and storing any hoses, as well as shutting off the water to these sources. Be sure to drain the lines and hoses as well to prevent any existing water from freezing within them. 

Warding Off Pests

Discard any food that is not in an airtight glass or metal container. Empty, clean, and defrost your refrigerator/freezer to prevent mold or other bacteria from forming while your away. Inspect the foundation of your home to ensure there are no openings for animals seeking shelter from the cold to enter into. Trimming overhanging branches also helps mitigate any pest problems. Animals aren't the only things that could be lurking to get inside your vacation home. Asking a local home service company or neighbor in the area to keep an eye on your vacation home is also a proactive way to stay ahead of any non-animal pests seeking shelter or a quick buck. Of course, installing a security system and displaying signs of surveillance on your property are also good deterrents. 

Photo Credit: FunLake
As we mentioned, owning a second home at  Lake of the Ozarks is a privilege, but it also comes with some extra requirements to ensure that it is safe during the colder months when you're not around as much. We hope that these tips have provided you with additional insights to keep your home safe while you're away. Having peace of mind that your home is safe and will be ready for use once the Spring/Summer season rolls around is a wonderful feeling.

If you don't yet own a home at the Lake but are interested in making 2021 that year, give Team Lasson a call! We'd be happy to help you secure a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks with our award-winning service and great financing options!


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.

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Friday, February 12, 2021

Ideas to Update Your Vacation Home for the Spring & Summer Months at the Lake

 Owning a second home at Lake of the Ozarks in and of itself is a great accomplishment and one that you should feel a great sense of pride in. You have a prime place to vacation, to unwind, and plenty of activities to enjoy right in your backyard. So, why not get the most out of your lake home experience by enhancing your vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks. In today's blog, we're giving a few inexpensive home renovation ideas to help you spruce up your lake home in time for the Spring and Summer months.

Add an Outdoor Living Space

Every lake home should have an outdoor area that is comfortable, stylish, and functional for enjoying the lake life. After all, you'll be spending plenty of time out on the water, and it can really enhance the appeal of your lakefront home. Pouring a small concrete patio, setting up a small pavilion, or using natural landscaping, benches, and stone pathways can add a great deal of eye appeal to your property. If you'd rather not DIY a project like this, you can always count on the contractors at the Lake to come up with a collaborative design and complete the work for you.

Lighting: Indoors & Out

Replacing your old lighting fixtures can really enhance the entire home - inside and out! Adding solar lights to line a pathway leading to the water or other appealing areas around your property can do wonders. Plus, it creates a gorgeous view from the water as well. Consider highlighting your natural landscape, gardens, and shrubs to create an alluring atmosphere for your home. 

A Fresh Coat of Paint

New paint is always a great and typically more inexpensive way to freshen up an area. It can be used to complement or contrast other features of your home to create one-of-a-kind spaces that are unique to your taste. 

Update the Kitchen

You don't have to do a complete overhaul of your kitchen to maximize its appeal in your lake home. Adding small DIY's such as updated cabinet fixtures, paint, and small home decor items can go a long way in revitalizing your kitchen area. 

Update the Flooring 

Traditional flooring can take on extra wear due to the added exposure to water and sun that comes from living on the lake. There are several types of flooring that can help mitigate this: porcelain tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring are all resistant to water and work great for lake homes.

Photo Credit: FunLake


We hope that you have enjoyed your read and found valuable ideas to help update your vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks. Team Lasson enjoys living the lake life and is proud to be able to share the experience with other homeowners. If you're in need of additional cash for any home renovations, talk to us about refinancing your home at Lake of the Ozarks. If you're still in need of a lake home, we can help you purchase a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks as well. 




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.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

A Romantic Getaway: Valentine's Day at Lake of the Ozarks

How will you be celebrating this special day with your special someone? Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so now is a great time to begin planning your romantic celebration at Lake of the Ozarks! As the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, we have the details on some great local places to celebrate! Continue reading for some romantic inspiration!

Romantic Valentine's Adventures at Stark Caverns

If you're interested in doing something a little different this year, rather than just a fancy dinner, Stark Caverns in Eldon is offering a specialized Sweetheart Black Light Tour (02/01 - 02/28) and a Dessert & Dancing package (02/05 - 02/13). The Sweetheart Tour will include breathtaking views of this award-winning cave, an elegant champagne reception with chocolate tasting, and a complimentary keepsake photo. While the Dessert & Dancing will include beginner dance lessons from a professional ballroom instructor, a champagne reception, and a decadent dessert tasting courtesy of Cakes Baby in Eldon. 

Valentine's Day at the Regalia

An exquisite Valentine's Day dinner for two hosted in the chic Royal Catch Bar & Grill. This event will come filled with an array of gourmet entrees for your enjoyment. You'll enjoy a romantic candlelit atmosphere will an optional wine pairing. This breathtaking dinner will be served on February 13th & 14th with seatings at 5pm & 7pm. We have limited spots available, so reserve early!

Valentines's Dinner for Two at Ozark Yacht Club

The Ozark Yacht Club invites you to a night of romance in our prestigious Anchor Room. This dinner for two includes your choice of Whisky Peppercorn Steak, Jalapeno Chicken, or Off-Shore Trio, accompanied with our Lakeside Salad, choice of sides, and chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne. We'll also have live music performed by the amazing Drew Stevens! Reservations are recommended, reserve your spot with us today at 573-552-8401!

FREE Wedding Vow Renewal at Bridal Cave

Bridal Cave would like to cordially invite you to celebrate Valentine's Day with us to renew your wedding vows. This event will be held Sunday, February 14th from 9am to 4pm. This is an amazing opportunity to re-profess your love for your special person in an awe-inspiring atmosphere. You'll also receive some complementary benefits for the special occasion.

While we're on the topic of love, wouldn't you love to purchase a new home at Lake of the Ozarks? Or would you love to save some money on your current mortgage payment? Well, with the low-interest rates, Team Lasson is ready to help you take advantage of whichever you'd love the most! We hope that you have enjoyed your read and found some romantic inspiration for Valentine's Day this year. 




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.


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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA
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