Your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender: May 2025

Monday, May 19, 2025

Home Improvement - Basement Transformations

Basement Transformation: Converting Underground Space

into a Valuable Living Area

If you've been using your basement solely for storage or laundry, it might be time to reimagine what's possible. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform this space into a valuable part of your home and add functional square footage to your property. This can boost your resale value significantly while giving you a private retreat from the hustle and bustle upstairs. So, what will you turn your basement into?

Home Office or Studio

Your basement's natural separation makes it the perfect option if you need a quiet place to work or create. Consider turning a portion of it into a home office, craft room, or art studio. Just make sure to add lighting and ventilation to keep the space bright and comfortable.

Guest Suite

Add value and comfort with a guest bedroom. Your visitors will love the privacy, and you'll enjoy having a dedicated place to host friends and family. Consider adding on a bathroom or a small kitchenette to really elevate the space.

Home Theater

Basements are perfect for movie nights thanks to their natural sound insulation. Movie buffs will love being able to indulge in a true cinematic experience at home. Add surround sound, cozy seating, and dimmable lighting to bring everything together before your next big premiere or Netflix binge.

Gym or Yoga Room

Stay in shape without the expensive fitness membership. Create your own wellness zone with cushioned floors and a dedicated space for weights or mats. A sound system and good airflow can turn your basement into a peaceful escape that's ideal for yoga.

Library or Reading Nook

Take advantage of your basement's quiet atmosphere to design your own personal library. Add built-in bookshelves and warm lighting to give the space a cozy feeling. Don't forget to add comfortable seating and plush blankets to your new retreat.

Your basement has so much more to offer than just storage space for boxes. With these ideas, you can transform this space into a stunning extension of your home.

Sources: Woodgrain.com, Thisoldhouse.com

Team Lasson is here to assist with all of your home buying needs! If you’re considering taking the leap into home ownership in the near future, we’re here to help. Contact us today to explore which loan program aligns best with your financial goals.

The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks. Visit www.yourlakeloan.com or call us at (573) 216-7258 to get started today!

Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #: 493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Email: teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website: www.yourlakeloan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.

For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org

Monday, May 12, 2025

What to Watch - Easing Tariffs

Easing Tariffs and Cooling Inflation Boost Housing Market Stability

Tariffs have dominated headlines since early April, significantly impacting the financial sector. Global market uncertainty has driven U.S. mortgage bond and Treasury prices lower, pushing yields and home borrowing costs higher.

Recent developments have brought some relief as tariff tensions ease and inflation cools. The White House has paused high reciprocal tariffs and scaled back planned increases on imports from China. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has declined for two consecutive months and is expected to continue edging lower.

The housing market is showing signs of resilience. A Realtor.com report indicates a 27.5% increase in homes for sale compared to last year, a trend experts predict will persist. New and existing home sales have exceeded expectations, with March new home sales rising 7.4% to an annualized rate of 724,000, surpassing forecasts of 684,000. Home borrowing costs, which had been declining before tariff-related volatility spiked, rose but have recently started to ease.

As markets stabilize, the combination of cooling inflation, easing tariff pressures, and a robust housing sector suggests a more favorable environment for homebuyers and investors. Continued monitoring of tariff negotiations and economic data will be crucial to sustaining this momentum.

Bottom Line: Easing tariff tensions and cooling inflation are stabilizing markets, boosting housing inventory and sales, with borrowing costs showing signs of moderation, creating opportunities for homebuyers and investors.

Source: Mortgage Market Guide