Exploring Alternative Housing Options

Alternative Housing Options: Exploring Tiny Homes, Container Homes, and Other Non-Traditional Living Spaces

Are you searching for a new place to call home but finding that traditional housing just isn't the right fit? Whether you're looking for a simple home or just want something a little different, there are plenty of creative solutions. Here's a look at some popular (and surprising) alternative housing options worth exploring.

Tiny Homes

Reduce your footprint and expenses with a tiny home. These minimalist structures are often under 400 square feet, making them an energy-efficient and low-maintenance option. Bonus: they're usually mobile.  Be mindful of the property if you are looking to obtain financing for these, as some of the loan programs have minimum square footage requirements.

Shipping Container Homes

Recycled steel containers make surprisingly stylish homes. You can stack, connect, and customize these spaces to make them unique. Plus, they're ultra-durable and relatively affordable.

Prefab and Modular Homes

Prefab homes are faster to construct and usually more budget-friendly than stick-built homes. That's because they're built in a factory and assembled on-site. Today's models offer high-end finishes and plenty of customization options. Modular homes even qualify for traditional financing. This makes them an appealing middle ground option that falls right between alternative and conventional housing.

Accessory Dwelling Units

Also known as granny flats or backyard cottages, accessory dwelling units are small, self-contained homes built on the same lot as a larger house. Homeowners often use them for aging parents or adult children. They can also be an excellent source of rental income.

Skoolie Conversions

Take your home with you wherever you go by converting an old school bus into a cozy living space on wheels. Eco-conscious homeowners often outfit skoolie conversions with solar power panels and composting toilets. If you're adventurous and love DIY projects, this might be the perfect off-grid alternative housing option.

Barndominiums and Shed Conversions

Combine a workshop or garage with your living quarters to maximize functionality. Barndominiums and shed conversions offer a spacious and charming living option. Personalize your space by taking advantage of the open layout.

Alternative housing options give aspiring homeowners the freedom to think outside the box. Whether you want to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, there are plenty of unique setups to explore.

Sources: Reerin.com, Stephsellscharlotte.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

Home Improvement - Sunrooms

Four-Season Porches and Sunrooms - Extending Your Living Space Year-Round

Have you ever wished you could sip coffee on a snowy winter morning while soaking up the sun? A four-season room or sunroom might be just the thing your home is missing. These versatile spaces bring the best parts of the great outdoors inside, without the bugs, humidity, and freezing temperatures. Four-season porches and sunrooms are fully insulated, so you can heat and cool your space year-round. Plus, they come with a whole host of benefits.

Extended Living Space

Use your four-season porch or sunroom as a breakfast nook, reading lounge, or space to entertain friends. If you enjoy gardening or tending to houseplants, this setup can also double as a beautiful greenhouse.

Natural Light

Boost your mood and your vitamin D levels by soaking up the sun in your four-season room. It's a fantastic way to maximize daylight during the shorter winter months. Plus, if you install UV-blocking windows, you'll get all the benefits without the sunburn.

Energy Efficiency

With the right materials, you can enjoy your four-season room comfortably all year long without a spike in your utility bills. Opt for insulated walls and low-E glass to keep the temperature just right.

Increased Home Value

Thinking about selling your home in the future? A well-designed sunroom can boost your property's market appeal. Plus, it can increase your home's square footage and resale value.

Before breaking ground on your sunroom addition, we have a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your design. South-facing rooms get the most sun, which is great if you live in a colder climate. In warmer areas, consider east or north-facing designs to reduce summer heat. Install thermally insulated windows and quality roofing to enjoy your sunroom year-round. Integrating HVAC or ductless mini-split systems will also provide you with consistent temperature control. Consult a trusted contractor to evaluate your space and develop a design that elevates your home.

Sources: Modernglazing.com, Houzz.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.

What to Watch - 2025 Outlook

Cooling Inflation, Rising Inventories Boost 2025 Outlook  

Cooling inflation, slowing home price growth, an expected rise in home sales, and growing home inventories are key trends to watch in the near future. High prices coupled with frothy borrowing costs have been challenging the sector, but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Inflation, as measured by the Fed's favorite gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures, just recently fell to a four-year low, due in part to eased supply chain issues, moderated demand from high interest rates, and declining financial services costs. This lower rate also reflects favorable base effects, meaning this year's smaller price increases look even smaller when compared to last year's unusually large spikes. For the consumer, the price of gas at the pump has declined, and while not an inflation problem, egg prices have fallen dramatically from the high prices seen in late January and early February.

Slowing inflation tends to boost bond prices and push home borrowing costs lower.

In its May Home Values and Sales Forecast Report, Zillow reports that home values are projected to fall by 1.4% this year, revised up from the previous expectation of a 1.9% decrease. Home values are declining in specific areas, particularly in the Sun Belt, but national prices are still trending upward, albeit more slowly, a positive for housing.

On the supply front, the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) reports that total housing inventory registered at the end of April was 1.45 million units, up 9.0% from March and 20.8% from one year ago (1.2 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 4.4-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 4.0 months in March and 3.5 months in April 2024. With increased supply, buyers have more options and time to decide, though they have not been as active as they typically are during this time of year.

Bright Outlook for 2025: Existing home sales are expected to climb to 4.12 million units in 2025, marking a promising 1.4% increase from 2024, according to the NAR, even if slightly lower than the prior forecast of 4.2 million. Zillow highlights that a growing housing supply, reduced policy uncertainty, and gradual improvements in affordability are paving the way for a stronger, more vibrant home sales market, offering hope and opportunity for buyers and the housing sector alike.

Source: Mortgage Market Guide

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

Flat Branch Flex Funds

Flex Funds is a program that functions as a grant to assist first-time homebuyers with closing costs or a down payment.

With Flex Funds, buyers can receive up to $4,000 in assistance toward closing costs or their down payment. Closing costs are the fees associated with a home loan, and the down payment is the initial payment made on the loan.  

In order to use Flex Funds, the home purchase must be a single-family residence, a primary residence purchase, purchaser must be a first-time homebuyer (as defined by Fannie Mae), purchaser’s income must be at or under 80% of the area medium income, purchase must be Fannie Mae Home Ready or Freddie Mac Home Possible eligible, and borrower must meet 3% minimum required contribution.

Flat Branch Home Loans is a dominant mortgage company in the Midwest and is growing throughout the country. Flat Branch Home Loans employees live, work, and play in the communities they serve, and consider every borrower they work with family, not a file.  We believe in making the homebuying process easier. Programs like Flex Funds allow homebuyers to achieve homeownership and build wealth.

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

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

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

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

Tariffs, Inflation, Economic Activity, Consumer Sentiment and Housing

WHAT TO WATCH:

Home borrowing costs, economic activity, inflation, and tariffs will dominate headlines in the coming months, and their outcomes could significantly influence consumer sentiment toward achieving the American Dream of homeownership.  

Fixed mortgage rates, particularly the 30-year, have eased from their multi-year peak of nearly 8% in fall 2023 but remain stuck just above 6.5%.

According to Fannie Mae's March Commentary, rates are expected to decline throughout 2025, potentially sparking a modest uptick in housing activity. “We think mortgage rates will dip even lower within the next quarter, closing the year around 6.3%, which could entice some sidelined buyers back into the market,” said Mark Palim, Fannie Mae's Senior Vice President and Chief Economist.

Economic activity plays a critical role in shaping housing markets, driving prices, affordability, supply, and demand. Robust job growth, rising wages, or new industries can ignite housing demand, while slowdowns, triggered by recessions or high interest rates, often cool it off.

Meanwhile, inflation and tariffs cast a shadow of uncertainty over consumers and businesses alike. Inflation erodes purchasing power from both the demand and cost sides, while tariffs disrupt supply chains and inflate prices. Together, they create a double whammy, prompting businesses to pause investment and hiring, and leaving consumers hesitant to spend as they await clarity.

The bottom line? The interplay of falling mortgage rates, economic momentum, and the inflationary pressures of tariffs will determine whether the housing market gains traction or stalls. For aspiring homeowners, the path to the American Dream hinges on how these forces align in 2025.

Source: Mortgage Market Guide

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