Owning a Home at the Lake

Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing place to own a home. Our beautiful area is renowned across the nation as the vacation destination of the Midwest! Team Lasson is here to tell you that your dream of living at Lake of the Ozarks is certainly attainable. Yes, 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 the Lake to make your dream of living the Lake life come true. Keep reading to find out more about how you can make the Lake area your new home!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

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. Currently, the median home cost in Missouri is $196,746, and the median home price at Lake of the Ozarks is $299,500. Yes, that is 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 close to the action via land or water, investment home opportunities, having a dedicated vacation spot, or being secluded, depending on your preferences. We will 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 are 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 and events, 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 the Lake’s citizens being second homeowners, and the impact that tourism has on Lake of the Ozarks can provide the Lake with the resources it needs to offer an outstanding education system. Continually producing 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

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 will take care of you in-house with a dedicated team and the latest technologies available.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Lake of the Ozarks, to put it simply, is 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 are 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!

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

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

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

5 Ways to Save For a Down Payment

Saving for your first home can be a challenge. Not only do you need enough money for a decent down payment, but you will want to have a sizable amount in your savings account for emergencies as well. Today's blog from your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender provides some helpful ways to make sure you have enough money when it’s time to get your mortgage.

1. Reduce Your Utility Bills.

While it may not seem like a lot to save a few dollars each month on your utility bills, those numbers add up over time. Make sure you turn off lights when you leave a room, and do not leave the water running while you are brushing your teeth. Set your thermostat just a few degrees higher during the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter to save on your electric bill. You can also adjust that thermostat while you are gone for the day to save even more. Think about all your bills to see how you might be able to trim those expenses, even just a little.

2. Cut Back on Grocery Expenses.

If you are like most Americans, you walk into the grocery store and make several impulse buys. Something looks great, but then you end up with a cart full of junk food and nothing that really goes together. Plus, if you buy too much perishable food, you could end up throwing stuff away because you cannot eat it all before it goes bad. To cut back on grocery waste and impulse buys, plan your meals before heading to the store. Make a list of what you need to get and try to stick to that list. You will be surprised at how much you can save on groceries just by doing some planning ahead. You also might consider looking for coupons, or planning your meals around the sale ads to save even more!

3. Pay Attention to Unused Subscriptions.

Many people have subscriptions that they do not even use. The charges come out of your account every month without you even thinking about it. Take a look at any monthly subscriptions you may have signed up for and examine which ones you are actually using. Do you have a monthly gym membership, but can't remember the last time you went there? Cancel that membership and get some dumbbells and an exercise ball to do some workouts at home instead. How much are you paying each month for TV service? Do you only watch a few of the hundreds of channels you are paying for? Consider scaling back your package. With the streaming services available today, many people are cancelling their TV service altogether and watching their shows through Hulu and Netflix.

4. Limit the Meals You Eat Out.

One of the biggest expenses that people have, often without even realizing it, is the amount of money spent on eating out. You grab a meal here or there, grab some drinks with friends after work, and those small purchases can really add up as the month goes on. While it may seem easier to avoid cooking and just grab something quick from a restaurant, those habits are cutting into your home buying fund.

5. Decrease Your Gasoline Usage.

The cost of gasoline is another monthly expense that you will want to keep an eye on. To decrease your gasoline usage, try shopping online to cut down on the number of trips you make to the store. If that's not the best option for you, try to group your errands together. Instead of just making a trip here and there when you think about needing something, carve some time out of your day to stop at multiple stores in the same trip. You will also want to pay attention to gas prices. Look for a place on your route with the lowest price. The Gas Buddy app is a great way to compare gas prices at the stations near you. Some grocery stores even have fuel saver programs that help you save on gas when you purchase everyday items at their store.

By taking a closer look at your monthly expenses to see where you can cut back, you will be on your way to saving for a new home in no time! As your mortgage professional at Lake of the Ozarks, I am here to help you throughout the entire Lake of the Ozarks home buying process. If you are ready to get started with the pre-approval process and determine how much you can afford in a new home, give me a call at 573-746-7211 today!

Fishing Month at the Lake

August is here and great fishing is upon us! There are many reasons for people to come down and stay at their vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, but one of the biggest reasons includes fishing. If you are an avid angler looking for your next trophy catch or just an occasional fisherman that enjoys spending some downtime relaxing on the water, Lake of the Ozarks should be your go-to destination for awesome Fall fishing. While you are out fishing, you will see many gorgeous homes that line the shoreline. Why not make one of them your new vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks? Here are some fun fishing facts, a few of the most common species you will find in our waters, as well as some upcoming fishing events that you won’t want to miss!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Fun Freshwater Fishing Facts

• Many fish can distinguish colors, though this is only useful in shallow water and in the daytime. Vision probably is black-and-white in deep water and at night, due to low light levels.
• A fish's eyes are usually located toward the top of the head. This results in a tendency to eat prey that is above the fish. (You'll want to take advantage of this by presenting most lures and baits slightly above the fish's eye level.)
• A fish hears by using bones in its head called otoliths. The hearing system then sends information to the brain.
• Taste buds are not always located in a fish's mouth. For instance, a good-sized catfish has 175,000 taste buds spread all over its body, with another 20,000 inside the mouth.

Lake of the Ozarks Fish

There are many fish in Lake of the Ozarks, but here are a few of the “Best Bets” from the Annual Prospects Report from the MDC

• Largemouth Bass
• White Bass
• White Crappie
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Paddlefish
• Bluegill

Fishing Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Fishing is enjoyed at Lake of the Ozarks all year long, but prime times are in the fall and spring months. Makes plans to come out to Lake of the Ozarks this fall to participate in these great events!

34th Annual Reel Help For Kids Bass Tournament

Sep 11, 2021
Public Beach #2 Lake of the Ozarks
711 Public Beach Rd.
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 314-865-1300

Local 148 Operating Engineers 2021 Reel Help For Kids Charity Bass Tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Grand prize drawing of $2,500. Cash prizes for Top Stringers, Big Bass, and Guys & Gals Great Attendance Prizes. For more information visit https://www.local148.com/bass/

10th Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Sep 12, 2021
Captain Ron’s
Lake Rd 5-50
Sunrise Beach MO 65079
Phone: 660-351-2791

Kid’s Derby is open to the public. Registration is held between 12 pm – 1 pm. For more information visit https://lakewestchamber.com/

Osage Beach Fishing Derby

Oct 02, 2021

Osage Beach City Park Lake Front
950 Hatchery Road
Osage Beach MO 65065
Phone: 573-302-7460

The City of Osage Beach Fishing Derby will be held on October 2nd at the Osage Beach City Park! Join us at this free event which includes prizes and a hot dog lunch! All equipment will be provided. Open to all children ages 15 and under and their families. For more information visit www.osagebeach.org

Fall Big Bass Bash

Oct 02, 2021 - Oct 03, 2021

Lake Wide
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 314-703-8462

The Big Bass Bash is a bass tournament designed for amateurs only. Its unique format allows the weekend angler a chance to win big money like the professionals. Unlike most fishing tournaments which have a team arrangement where prizes are based on total weight, the Big Bass Bash format is distinctive in that it only takes one fisherman just one big bass to win.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Need a Fishing Cabin?

If you need a getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is ready to help you secure the perfect spot. Now is a great time to get a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would be honored to help you secure the home of your dreams. From quaint cabins in quiet waters to luxury homes with elaborate docks - there is a little bit of everything, don’t let the right home get away from you!

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

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

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

How Long Does it Take to Buy a House?

Home buying season at Lake of the Ozarks is still in full swing. If you have been considering owning a home at Lake of the Ozarks, now is the time to get started. Whether you are a seasoned home buyer, or still just learning the ropes, it can be helpful to become more familiar with the process. Here is a quick overview of how long it takes to buy a home, and how Team Lasson will do what we can to make this a quick and seamless process!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

The Home Buying Process

Buying a home takes a lot of planning and preparation. To map out your home-buying timeline, here is a closer look at the steps along the way.

 

Getting Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Completing your pre-approval first can show that you are a serious homebuyer. It can also show how much you are approved to borrow. Your lenders at Lake of the Ozarks will typically ask for documentation to verify your assets, income, and credit history. During the process you will want to do a few things, like preparing a down payment, avoid taking out new loans, do not switch jobs, continue managing your monthly payments, and gathering the documents that you will need to submit.

 

Finding a Home

After you have been pre-approved for a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can start looking for the home of your dreams. It is time to find your real estate agent who can assist you in the search for the perfect home in your price range. The house-hunting process can go quickly, or it can take some time, just depending on your tastes, the location, season, the buying competition, and available homes for sale.

Negotiating a Contract

After you have found the home you are ready to purchase, your real estate agent will help you put in an offer. Negotiations with the seller could be quick or could take some time to reach a point where are parties are in agreement. Your agent will help guide you down this path.

After your contract is accepted, it will be time to schedule a home inspection, termite inspection and any other inspections you and your real estate agent deem necessary. Check with your lender as well on inspections as some government loans may require certain inspections for that program. If anything shows up during the inspection, this could add additional time to the timeline.

 

The Closing Process 

Once the inspections have been completed, your Lake of the Ozarks lender will then move the loan into underwriting. It may be necessary to submit additional paperwork during this process, and an appraisal will also need to be checked off of the list.

After your mortgage has been approved, your lender will give you a copy of your closing disclosure at least three business days before the closing date. The will include loan details, fees, and terms, as well as what you’ll need to pay in closing costs to finalize the purchase.

The Timeline is Undetermined

As you can see, many different moving pieces make up the completion of a home purchase. In general, it can be done in as little as a month, but with other purchases, it could take a few months. If you are hoping to buy a home before the end of 2021, now is the time to get started. You can start the process to get pre-approved with Team Lasson by visiting our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com), and from there we can help you move towards the next step. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you purchase your dream home!

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

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

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

August Events at the Lake!

Summer is still in full swing at Lake of the Ozarks, and we have been having great weather! If you are looking for something fun to do while at the Lake, there is a calendar full of activities happening where you and your family can get out and enjoy the weather, family fun, and Lake of the Ozarks lifestyle! August is a huge month, so here is a fun list of things you can do through August at Lake of the Ozarks.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Best Dam Blood Drive

Aug 03 – Aug 04, 2021

Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce

739 US-54

Camdenton, MO 65020

ZZ Top with George Thorogood

Aug 06, 2021

Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

2629 North Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

Best BBQ Birthday Bash

Aug 06 – Aug 07, 2021

Hours of Operation: 9:15 am

Laurie Fairgrounds

269 Fairgrounds Drive

Laurie, MO 65037

Best Dam 5K Fun Run/Walk

Aug 07, 2021

Hours of Operation: 7:00 am – 11:00 am

Old Kinderhook Resort

Old Kinderhook Dr.

Camdenton, MO 65020

Best Dam Motorcycle Ride

Aug 07, 2021

Hours of Operation: 9:00 am

Zach Wheat American Legion Post 624

852 American Legion Dr.

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

Best Dam En Plein Air Art Festival

Aug 09 – Aug 14, 2021

5513 Osage Beach Pkwy

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Missouri’s Ice Cream Day

Aug 10, 2021

Hours of Operation: 9:15 am – 9:00 pm

Various Locations

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Best Dam Fireworks Display

Aug 10, 2021

Hours of Operation: 8:45 pm

Lake Wide Event

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Best Dam Birthday Bash

Aug 11, 2021

Hours of Operation: 8:00 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

Camdenton, MO 65020

Shinedown with Pop Evil

Aug 11, 2021

Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

2629 North Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

Kane Brown

Aug 12, 2021

Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

2629 North Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

Missouri Bicentennial 200th Birthday Party & Hot Summer Nights

Aug 13, 2021

Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Bagnell Dam Strip

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Willie Nelson & Family

Aug 16, 2021

Hours of Operation: 6:30 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

2629 North Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

Crossover Music Festival

Aug 20 – Aug 22, 2021

Hours of Operation: 6:00 pm

Ozarks Amphitheater

2629 North Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

Run What you Brung Poker Run

Aug 20, 2021

Hours of Operation: 8:30 am

Begin at Captain Rons

82 Aloha Ln

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

12th Annual Mini Shootout

Aug 20 – Aug 22, 2021

Hours of Operation: Begins 5:00 pm on Friday the 20th

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

1491 Missouri D

Camdenton, MO 65020

Float Your Boat

Aug 22, 2021

Hours of Operation: 1:00 pm

Captain Rons

82 Aloha Ln

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

The Great Shootout Treasure Hunt

Aug 23, 2021

Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm

Captain Ron's

82 Aloha Ln

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

Shootout on the Strip Meet & Greet

Aug 25, 2021

Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm

Bagnell Dam Strip

1 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, 65049

Shootout Car, Truck & Bike Show

Aug 26, 2021

Hours of Operation: 12:00 pm

Bagnell Dam Strip

1 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, 65049

Shootout Poker Run

Aug 27, 2021

Hours of Operation: 8:00 am

Begin at Captain Rons

82 Aloha Ln

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

33rd Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout

Aug 28 – Aug 29, 2021

Hours of Operation: 8:00 am

Begin at Captain Rons

82 Aloha Ln

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Welcome to the Lake!

Whether you are visiting us this month or a regular at the Lake, we hope that you have a wonderful and safe vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. If you are vacationing and decide that you could see yourself living here, Team Lasson is ready to assist as your local Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender. You can visit our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) to learn more about our company and get the pre-approval process started by completing the online application! This is an amazing time to take advantage of the low-interest rates and purchase a home, and we would love to have you here at the Lake!

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

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

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