Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Tips to Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score has a direct impact on your borrowing power. The amount you are approved to borrow and the rate at which you borrow are both impacted by your credit score. If you're planning to buy a home near Lake of the Ozarks in the near future, it's time to focus on improving your credit score to get the best chance at mortgage pre-approval near Osage Beach, MO. Check out a few tips you can put into practice to try to raise your score!

Make Payments On Time

On-time payments are a great way to show that you're responsible with your money management. Being able to pay your bills and loans on time can help raise your credit score and make you a more attractive borrower for a home loan. 


Avoid New Lines of Credit

A new line of credit can put a temporary ding on your credit score. If you're applying for a mortgage pre-approval, it's imperative that you avoid opening any other line of credit while you're in the purchasing process. This could void your pre-approval or cause delays at closing if your offer is accepted. 


Pay Down Credit Cards

Revolving credit, like a credit card, is beneficial to have for your overall credit score. It adds to your credit diversity and shows you can handle different types of credit. It's even better if you can keep your credit utilization under 30%. Avoid maxing out credit cards and if you are above 30% of your total credit limit, make an effort to pay that debt down. 


Transfer High Interest Debts

High interest debts can eat up the payments you're making quickly. The interest that's being charged each month can be hard to get ahead of. There are ways to consolidate high interest debts into a low interest loan, which can be beneficial for paying those debts down. You can also transfer debts to a lower interest loan in order to save on those high interest rates, putting more of your payment toward the principal. 


Correct Any Errors

If there are errors on your credit report, it's important to address those with the reporting agencies to get those negative errors off your credit history. It can take some time for these corrections to go through, it's best to get on any inconsistencies in a timely manner to help improve your credit score. 

Now that you know a few ways you can improve your credit score, you're ready to prepare for your big purchase. If you're curious what your current rate would be to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com! We look forward to helping you with your home buying needs!


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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.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

5 Reasons to Pack Your Bags and Relocate to Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing place to call home! If you're curious about our thriving community, our mortgage lender in Osage Beach, MO is excited to share about our area! We've been living the lake lifestyle for years and we can't wait to share it with you. Get ready to pack your belongings -- after reading the info below, you'll be ready to relocate to Lake of the Ozarks!

1. Endless Recreational Activities

With over 1,000 miles of shoreline, the waters at Lake of the Ozarks create a fantastic place for recreation. From boating to swimming to fishing, the possibilities are endless! Whether you like being adventurous or relaxing, the Lake provides ample chances to enjoy your favorite water activities. 


2. Growing Area

Our community is thriving! With more and more people and businesses relocating to Lake of the Ozarks, we're experiencing some amazing growth. With an increase in new and exciting businesses to frequent, the horizons of our area continue to expand. 


3. Safe Community

Our area boasts a low crime rate, compared to many other cities. We are proud of the small-town mentality we have, while our community continues to grow! 

 

4. Seasonal Environment

The seasonality of our tourist destination makes for an exciting place to live. From the exciting events all summer long to the quiet and relaxing winter months, there is a nice balance that goes hand in hand with a tourist destination. 


5. Spectacular Views

The gorgeous lake surrounded by rolling Ozark hills -- it's a recipe for perfection! We also can't talk about the natural beauty without pointing out how spectacular the sunsets are over Lake of the Ozarks. It's a view unlike any other! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our area

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Starting your home search in a new area can be intimidating but Team Lasson is here to help you every step of the way! We want to help set your home search up for success with a mortgage pre-approval at Lake of the Ozarks! If you're ready to get the ball rolling on relocating, 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

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.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Mortgage Market Update - July

The lending market fluctuates on a regular basis. There are many factors that impact the current rates. Our experienced mortgage lender in Osage Beach, MO keeps up with the daily changes that impact our clients. If you're thinking about purchasing a home at Lake of the Ozarks or refinancing your home in the near future, we'd love to chat about what the current rate situation can mean for you and your loan. Check out a recent update from Mortgage Market Guide to learn more about the current market conditions:

A few weeks ago, some weak economic signals sparked increasing fears of a recession. Let's walk through what happened and look ahead to the future.

"While the Present Situation Index was relatively unchanged, the Expectations Index continued its recent downward trajectory - falling to its lowest point in nearly a decade. Consumers' grimmer outlook was driven by increasing concerns about inflation, in particular rising gas and food prices. Expectations have now fallen well below a reading of 80, suggesting weaker growth in the second half of 2022 as well as growing risk of recession by year end." The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Report.

This reading is important because if pessimism begins to negatively affect consumer spending, the chance of a recession will rise sharply as consumer spending makes up two-thirds of our economic growth.

A few weeks ago, the third and final reading of 1st Quarter GDP showed the economy shrank by 1.6%, worse than expectations of -1.5%. A recession is defined by two quarters of negative growth. The 2nd quarter is forecasted to barely grow, which means we will be in or close to a recession in the 1st half of 2022.

The silver lining about all this recession talk? It will put a limit to how high rates go. We are two weeks past the 3.49% peak in rates which ironically happened when the Fed raised the Fed Funds rate by .75%.

Bottom line: Long-term rates have stabilized but we should not expect much more improvement until inflation moderates further. With that said, if you are interested in purchasing a home, it remains a great time with rates beneath the rate of inflation.

Looking Ahead

We will receive important employment readings by way of the ADP Report and Jobs Report. The Fed wants to slow down the labor market and we have already seen layoff announcements in corporate America, so we will see if that is reflected in the coming week's figures.

We know the interest rates can seem intimidating to navigate but we've been in the industry for over 20 years and we're confident as we navigate these changes. Put our experience to work for you as you plan to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks. If you're ready to learn what kind of rate you qualify for you, give Team Lasson 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

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.

Thursday, July 7, 2022

July Happenings at the Lake

The heat of summer is here & that means it's time to talk about some upcoming July events at Lake of the Ozarks! If you love attending local events, be sure to check out a few of the top events this month. Our Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender knows events are one of the big draws to our area and we can't be more excited to feature them for you. Check out a few of the upcoming July events you won't want to miss!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CAR SHOW

May 13, 2022

Bagnell Dam Strip

Hours of Operation:

5 pm - 10 pm

Hot Summer Nights is a summertime staple for locals and visitors alike. This event is a free "cruise in" for all classic cars, trucks, and bikes held the 2nd Friday of each month from May - September on Bagnell Dam Strip. No registration is required and the event is free. Stop by for an electric atmosphere and to kick off the weekend right!


AQUAPALOOZA 2022

Jul 16, 2022

Captain Ron's Bar & Grill

Hours of Operation:

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

NEW LOCATION - Captain Ron's Bar & Grill at the 34.5 mile marker

The Lake's Largest FAMILY Boating event will be held July 16th at a new location-Captain Ron's Bar & Grill. Make time to get out and enjoy a great day on the water and on land. Live music and activities will keep you having fun all day long. This year's event starts at noon and features Black Note Band, The NoBodies, Dirt Road Addiction, and Members Only.


2022 MARINEMAX MIDWEST COAST WAKESURF OPEN

Jul 16, 2022

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Hours of Operation:

Competition begins at 9AM.

Come ride the ruins and party with us at the park! This competition is designed for all ages and skill-levels, this grassroots wake surf contest is geared towards those looking for a family friendly atmosphere. $20 registration fee for all riders, plus a $45 World Wake Association one-time event membership.  All competitors will receive a rider's jersey and be registered to win event prizes. Whether you're planning to compete or just want to watch all the action, this is the place to be!


CAR CRUISE IN & ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Jul 23, 2022

Camden County Historical Society & Museum

6:00-8:30pm

This delicious & fun event is free to attend. Cool off with an ice cream & check out the sweet rides. Ice Cream by donation and the money benefits Camden County Roach & Old Linn Creek Cemeteries. 


CHRISTMAS IN JULY 5K

Jul 23, 2022

Tri-County YMCA

It's Christmas in July! Participate in this annual 5K for a memorable run! Entry in the 5K is $35. Registration is at 6 am - Race at 7 am. Plan to get up early and get the Christmas in July event started in style!

If you want to experience some of these awesome events and more, it's time to relocate to Lake of the Ozarks! Our community would love to have you! 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 PageFollow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn



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.