Your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender: June 2026

Monday, June 22, 2026

How To Design a Backyard That Functions as an Extra Room

Whether you live down south where it's warm and sunny year-round or farther north where you enjoy the beauty of all four seasons, you probably want to spend as much time as possible outside when the weather is nice. By turning a portion of your backyard into a living space, you can do just that. Here's how to add a seamless extension onto your home that combines the great outdoors with the modern comforts you enjoy.

Cover With a Pergola

Even if you love soaking up the sun, a pergola is a worthwhile investment. These stunning structures create a defined space that transforms a simple patio or deck into an outdoor room. Add optional coverings for extra protection from the elements and to create a cozy lounge area.

Add an Outdoor Kitchen

When it's a beautiful day outside, the last thing you want to do is spend it cooking and preparing meals indoors. Move your kitchen outside by installing a built-in grill. You can also add countertops, a mini-fridge, and a sink to your outdoor setup so you have everything you need to whip up an amazing dinner al fresco.

Install Weatherproof Flooring

If you don't already have a deck or concrete patio to build off of, you'll want to add weatherproof flooring to your new outdoor space. Interlocking deck tiles are easy to install because they snap together. They also come in a wide range of styles designed to mimic hardwood, stone pavers, and composite wood.

Incorporate Lighting

For a finishing touch, add ambient string lights or lanterns. Depending on your budget, you might even opt for built-in fixtures. Incorporating lighting will elevate the atmosphere of your outdoor living space and make it the perfect place to curl up with a good book long after the sun goes down.

With a little work, you can transform your backyard into a functional living space that boosts your potential resale value. More importantly, you'll have a beautiful place to unwind in the evening, host cookouts in the summer, and enjoy every season to its fullest.

Sources: bellscarpets, cavasotne, bobbykdesigns

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, June 16, 2026

Seller Concessions: How To Negotiate Closing Cost Help From the Seller

When buyers are looking for homes, it's not uncommon for them to get so preoccupied with the down payment that they forget about the closing costs. If you find yourself in this situation, negotiating seller concessions might be the right move to reduce your up-front expenses. If a seller agrees to these concessions, it means they're willing to cover part of the buyer's closing costs. Let's take a closer look at what you can ask for, when a seller might be considering this type of arrangement, and how you can position yourself for the best possible outcome.

What Do Seller Concessions Cover?

Seller concessions cover a portion of the buyer's closing costs, which may include loan fees, title costs, appraisal fees, prepaid taxes, or insurance. However, some limits may apply, depending on the type of mortgage loan you choose. For example, conventional loans usually set a percentage of the total purchase price as the cap for what you can request in seller concessions. FHA and VA loans typically have higher concession amounts, but make sure to contact your loan officer for specific details.

Why Would a Seller Agree To Pay Closing Costs?

Sellers who are eager to close quickly are more likely to agree to concessions, especially if it's a slow market or their home has been listed for a while. Sometimes, builders will also offer seller concessions to attract new residents to the neighborhoods they've designed. Of course, if any issues reveal themselves through the home inspection process, this gives you leverage to ask the seller for concessions as well.

How Can I Negotiate Seller Concessions Successfully?

The most important thing to keep in mind when you request concessions is that you'll need to be flexible and strategic about how you structure your request. Work closely with your loan officer and real estate agent to make sure you understand your full closing costs before negotiating. Then, prioritize the concessions that matter the most.

Remember, concessions aren't free money. The goal is to help you preserve cash at closing as the buyer. In some cases, the seller may agree to concessions but only in exchange for a higher purchase price. However, this situation can still work out in your favor by reducing the up-front costs and spreading other expenses out over time by rolling them into your mortgage. Make sure to review the property appraisal thoroughly, and rely on your real estate agent's expertise to make the right decision for you.

Sources: nar.realtor, zillow