Your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender: February 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Things You Should Know Before Buying a Historic Home

Historic homes, with their original hardwood floors, intricate millwork, and vintage fireplaces, exude a charm and character that newer ones simply can't replicate.

At Flat Branch Home Loans, we recognize that each old house has a unique story, often decades in the making. If you're thinking about buying an historic home, it's crucial to understand the beauty and responsibilities that accompany it. Here's what every homeowner should know before making an older property their own.

What Defines a Historic Home?

A property might qualify as historic if it is over 50 years old and retains architectural integrity or cultural significance. Some older homes are listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places or are located within designated historic districts.

Not all older homes carry this official designation. However, for those that do, renovations, financing considerations, and long-term planning can be affected.

We can assist you in understanding how a home's historic designation may influence your loan options.

Local Preservation Rules May Apply

Properties in historic districts may be subject to local preservation ordinances that limit certain exterior—and occasionally interior—changes.

This could affect:

Window or door replacements
Exterior paint color choices
Additions or structural changes requiring approval

These regulations aim to preserve the character of the established neighborhood and may influence your renovation plans. Prior to making an offer, consult your local municipality or preservation board to understand permissible changes.

The Importance of Thorough Inspections

Historic homes often feature aging systems and materials warranting careful evaluation. Common concerns include:

Outdated electrical systems
Older plumbing
Insulation gaps
Foundation settling and uneven floors
Roofing wear
Presence of lead paint or asbestos
Water damage
Mold
Structural integrity and structural problems

Hiring an inspector with expertise in older homes can help uncover potential issues and estimate future maintenance costs. Understanding these factors upfront supports informed decision-making and helps avoid surprises later.

Potential Financial Incentives

Historic homes may qualify for tax credits or incentives for approved renovation work. These programs vary by state and locality and often require adherence to specific renovation standards.

While these benefits can offset costs, understanding the guidelines before starting major improvements is essential.

Budgeting for Ongoing Maintenance

Historic homes require thoughtful care. Replacement materials may need to match original features, and repairs might cost more than in a newer home. Establishing a dedicated maintenance budget can safeguard both your investment and the character of the historic home over time.

The Reward: A Home with a Story

Owning a historic home means becoming a steward of its history. You preserve craftsmanship, architectural style, and local history for future generations.

With proper preparation—and the right lending team—you can embrace the beauty and character of a historic home while feeling confident in your investment.

Considering buying a historic home? Team Lasson is here to guide you every step of the way to becoming a homeowner.

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

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Simple Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do

Owning a home can be a lot of work, but regular home maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Breaking tasks down by area of the home makes upkeep more manageable and helps ensure nothing important gets overlooked. Small, routine checks completed throughout the year can improve efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and protect your home’s long-term value.

We’re in the business of making processes easier, so we’ve put together a few practical seasonal home maintenance checklists that homeowners can easily tackle.

Kitchen Maintenance

The kitchen contains some of the most frequently used appliances in your home, making routine maintenance especially important.

Wipe down refrigerator shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces

Clean refrigerator door seals to ensure a tight, energy-efficient close

Check that refrigerator temperature is set between 37–40°F

Why it matters: Keeping your refrigerator clean and properly sealed helps it run efficiently, reduces energy use, and can extend the life of the appliance.

Bathroom Maintenance

Bathrooms generate a lot of moisture, which makes ventilation and cleanliness critical.

Turn off power and remove the bathroom exhaust fan cover

Wash the vent cover, remove dust buildup, and gently clean fan blades

Test airflow to confirm the fan is ventilating properly

Why it matters: A clean exhaust fan removes moisture more effectively, helping prevent mold, mildew, and damage to walls and ceilings.

Laundry & Utility Area Maintenance

Laundry rooms and utility spaces often get overlooked, but regular upkeep can prevent breakdowns and safety issues.

Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks, bulges, leaks, or lint buildup from the dryer

Clean the washing machine drum or run a cleaning cycle if recommended by the manufacturer

Make sure appliances are level to reduce vibration and wear

Why it matters: Proper laundry appliance maintenance helps prevent water damage, improves drying efficiency, and reduces the risk of appliance failure or fire hazards.

Outdoor & HVAC Maintenance

Exterior systems are exposed to the elements year-round and benefit from seasonal attention.

Shut off power to the outdoor AC unit and rinse exterior fins gently with a garden hose

Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the base

Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit

Why it matters: Proper airflow allows your HVAC system to operate efficiently and prepares it for warmer weather, reducing strain and potential repair costs.

Why Seasonal Home Maintenance Matters

Staying consistent with routine home maintenance can:

Improve overall energy efficiency

Extend the life of appliances and your HVAC system

Help preserve your real estate value over time

These simple tasks don’t require special tools or professional service, but together they make a noticeable difference in how your home performs.

Build a Simple Home Maintenance Routine

Organizing maintenance by room or system makes it easier to stay proactive. Tackling a few small tasks each season can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or maintaining a long‑owned home, consistent seasonal maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and keep everything running smoothly.