5 Ways to Enjoy Fall at Lake of the Ozarks

Summer may be the most popular season at Lake of the Ozarks, but Fall at the Lake will really catch you by surprise. The first day of Fall is one week away, so get ready for the Fall colors to come our way. All of those dreams about pumpkin pie, hot apple cider, bonfires, and hayrides will be here before you know it. If you have not been around for a Lake of the Ozarks Fall, you may find that you love it even more than Summer with all of the beauty and appeal that is there to be appreciated! Read on to learn about what makes Fall at the Lake so desirable and how Team Lasson is here to help get you settled into your new Lake of the Ozarks home!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

1. Fall foliage

The colors at Lake of the Ozarks are breathtaking. With 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks offers boaters some of the best fall foliage viewing opportunities in the Midwest, and arguably, the nation. Those rolling Ozark hills are painted in beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange. The colors will make you want to pour a cup of something warm and cuddle on the porch with a big knit blanket to enjoy the scenery. There are many different ways to enjoy the colors, as well. Since it doesn’t get too cold in the Fall, you can delay winterizing for a bit if you enjoy Fall boating excursions! The leaves are breathtaking from the water, and you’ll find some amazing places to enjoy them while watching the sunset over the water.

2. Fall Harbor Hop

The Fall Harbor Hop signals the unofficial end to the boating season at Lake of the Ozarks. For many, the Fall Harbor Hop is their last hurrah. The 36th Annual Fall Harbor Hop is on October 9, 2021. This is a great event to visit over 40 participating locations on the water to collect your poker hand and qualify for a big win.

3. Sense of Community

The Fall season brings out the sense of community at the Lake of the Ozarks. With school starting back up a whole new calendar of events begins. Local sporting events, school fundraisers, and other community activities are all great ways for the area to band together and celebrate the incredible place we live. When you vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks, you probably don’t get the opportunity to see how the area works together to support each other, but when you own a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you get the chance to see a whole new side of the Lake community.

4. Big Bass Bash

This amateur only fishing tournament is held on October 2-3, 2021. Like the professionals, weekend anglers will have a chance to win big prize money. There will be $100,000 given to the angler who hauls in the biggest bass! In total, over $325,000 in cash payouts! Anglers can enter online until October 2, 2021. Get the details here.

5. Festive Outdoor Activities

From Fall Festivals to great games of golf at Lake of the Ozarks, there’s something for everyone. When you move to Lake of the Ozarks, you will find that this community is a great place for enjoying the outdoors, making friends, and exploring the wonderful place we live. The Fall season is perfect for golfing - you’ll find that Lake of the Ozarks is home to some amazing courses that were designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Fred Farley, Ken Kavanaugh, Robert Trent Jones Sr. Jack Nicklaus, and Von Hagge/Devlin. You will love the Fall season when you are enjoying it from one of our 16 golf courses! Even if golf isn’t your cup of tea, you will find caves to explore, trails to hike, festivals attend to, and shopping to be done!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

What Are You Waiting For?

Lake of the Ozarks is a special and beautiful place during the Fall. If you love the area as much as we do, why not buy a second home at Lake of the Ozarks? From cozy condos to luxurious vacation homes, you will find the perfect place to call home at the Lake. Before you start the house hunting process, be sure to give Team Lasson a call! We can help you look at your finances and determine the best loan amount for you. Let’s get you pre-approved and ready to find your dream place, so that you can enjoy Fall at the Lake!

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Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

 

Fishing Month at the Lake

August is here and great fishing is upon us! There are many reasons for people to come down and stay at their vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, but one of the biggest reasons includes fishing. If you are an avid angler looking for your next trophy catch or just an occasional fisherman that enjoys spending some downtime relaxing on the water, Lake of the Ozarks should be your go-to destination for awesome Fall fishing. While you are out fishing, you will see many gorgeous homes that line the shoreline. Why not make one of them your new vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks? Here are some fun fishing facts, a few of the most common species you will find in our waters, as well as some upcoming fishing events that you won’t want to miss!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Fun Freshwater Fishing Facts

• Many fish can distinguish colors, though this is only useful in shallow water and in the daytime. Vision probably is black-and-white in deep water and at night, due to low light levels.
• A fish's eyes are usually located toward the top of the head. This results in a tendency to eat prey that is above the fish. (You'll want to take advantage of this by presenting most lures and baits slightly above the fish's eye level.)
• A fish hears by using bones in its head called otoliths. The hearing system then sends information to the brain.
• Taste buds are not always located in a fish's mouth. For instance, a good-sized catfish has 175,000 taste buds spread all over its body, with another 20,000 inside the mouth.

Lake of the Ozarks Fish

There are many fish in Lake of the Ozarks, but here are a few of the “Best Bets” from the Annual Prospects Report from the MDC

• Largemouth Bass
• White Bass
• White Crappie
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Paddlefish
• Bluegill

Fishing Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Fishing is enjoyed at Lake of the Ozarks all year long, but prime times are in the fall and spring months. Makes plans to come out to Lake of the Ozarks this fall to participate in these great events!

34th Annual Reel Help For Kids Bass Tournament

Sep 11, 2021
Public Beach #2 Lake of the Ozarks
711 Public Beach Rd.
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 314-865-1300

Local 148 Operating Engineers 2021 Reel Help For Kids Charity Bass Tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Grand prize drawing of $2,500. Cash prizes for Top Stringers, Big Bass, and Guys & Gals Great Attendance Prizes. For more information visit https://www.local148.com/bass/

10th Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Sep 12, 2021
Captain Ron’s
Lake Rd 5-50
Sunrise Beach MO 65079
Phone: 660-351-2791

Kid’s Derby is open to the public. Registration is held between 12 pm – 1 pm. For more information visit https://lakewestchamber.com/

Osage Beach Fishing Derby

Oct 02, 2021

Osage Beach City Park Lake Front
950 Hatchery Road
Osage Beach MO 65065
Phone: 573-302-7460

The City of Osage Beach Fishing Derby will be held on October 2nd at the Osage Beach City Park! Join us at this free event which includes prizes and a hot dog lunch! All equipment will be provided. Open to all children ages 15 and under and their families. For more information visit www.osagebeach.org

Fall Big Bass Bash

Oct 02, 2021 - Oct 03, 2021

Lake Wide
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 314-703-8462

The Big Bass Bash is a bass tournament designed for amateurs only. Its unique format allows the weekend angler a chance to win big money like the professionals. Unlike most fishing tournaments which have a team arrangement where prizes are based on total weight, the Big Bass Bash format is distinctive in that it only takes one fisherman just one big bass to win.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Need a Fishing Cabin?

If you need a getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is ready to help you secure the perfect spot. Now is a great time to get a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would be honored to help you secure the home of your dreams. From quaint cabins in quiet waters to luxury homes with elaborate docks - there is a little bit of everything, don’t let the right home get away from you!

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Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

5 Ways to Help Speed Up the Mortgage Process

One of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life is purchasing a home. To get there, you are going to have to go through the mortgage approval process. The mortgage process can often feel like a long and daunting event, but it does not have to be. While there are always aspects of the mortgage process that cannot be controlled, there are so many things that you can set the pace for. Team Lasson wants to help you purchase your Lake of the Ozarks Vacation home, and we want to help you get everything in order as fast as possible. This real estate market has been busy, to say the least, so anything that you can do to help speed it up on your end is going to be very helpful.

1. Review Your Credit Report

The first big hurdle in the mortgage approval process is your credit score, which is a big determining factor in your mortgage. A low credit score could affect your interest rate, costs or even cause your application to get denied. Before you start the Lake of the Ozarks home loan process, be sure to review your credit report. Make sure you are aware of what your credit score is. Talk to your mortgage professional about correcting any mistakes that may have been made on your credit report and if there are any ways you can improve your score before you take the next step in the home buying process.

2. Have Your Documents in Order

Your credit score is just one of the factors that a Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender will take into account. Your lender is also going to need documentation on your income, assets, and monthly debt payments. Your debt-to-income ratio also plays an important role in the mortgage approval process. You can improve your chances by paying off some debts prior to applying for a mortgage loan. Talk this over with your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks first. However, if that is unrealistic, just ensure you do not take on any new debts while going through the mortgage process.

3. Get Pre-Approved

This can speed up your mortgage process exponentially. When you have a pre-approval letter in your hand while house hunting, you are essentially saying “this is how much my lender is willing to lend me right now.” This means that your lender has reviewed your information and has decided that you would be approved based on some initial basic information about your financial status.

4. Finalize Negotiations Quickly

This will be done with your real estate agent, but it can really slow down the buying process if both parties aren’t communicating quickly. There will be a variety of negotiations that happen between the buyer and seller, and as you get these notifications from your agent, it’s important to respond quickly and not let these things sit around for too long. Properties are selling quickly these days, and it’s important to keep this process moving - there are plenty of other buyers ready to swoop in.

 

5. Have the Home Appraised

The home appraisal plays a critical role in the mortgage approval process. A mortgage lender is not likely to lend more money than what the property is worth. If the appraisal determines that the property is not worth the asking price, you will either have to renegotiate with the seller, bring in additional funds at closing or find a different property.

Don’t Forget to Stay In Touch

When you are in the process of purchasing a home, one of the most important things you can do is stay in touch with your mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks. We want to help you close on this home as quickly as possible, but if there are delays in communication, this can slow things down.

If you are ready to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks, we are ready to assist! This has been an amazing time to buy and refinance homes - and if you are looking for a good rate, it may be worth it to do it now. You can visit our website to submit an application or learn more about our company, we look forward to working with you, and helping you close as fast as possible!

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Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

When is the Best Time to Buy A Lake Home?

It seems like everyone is flocking to Lake of the Ozarks and purchasing lake homes one after another, but the real question is, “When is the best time to buy a lake home?” There are many factors that come into play when you are choosing a time to buy, and they could depend on the market, what is available, and even the interest rates. The best mortgage lender at the lake is here this week to look at a few of these factors that will help guide you into the best choice for your buying needs.

What to Remember When Buying During Peak Season

There can be many highlights to purchasing a home during peak season. For the Lake of the Ozarks area, peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of the most popular reasons for purchasing during the peak season is because there are generally more homes on the market. However, this year is a little different. Not only are there more homes to choose from during the peak buying season, but homes are selling faster than they are getting listed!

The competition for buying lake homes is through the roof. Homes sell a lot faster during the peak season as everyone wants to get a contract on their favorite listing before others do. You may also find the prices are higher during the peak season because of the higher competition.

What to Remember When Buying During the Off Season

Off season at Lake of the Ozarks is through the fall months into early spring. Although, during the past year there really was not much of an off season because so many people moved to the Lake area. There is still traffic all through the year as different homeowners enjoy the quiet serenity of the Lake during those months. Some of the pros of buying during the off season are that you can generally get a home with smaller competition. Purchasing a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks during the winter allows you to see what the area looks like when things are slower and more relaxed.

A few downsides to purchasing a vacation home in the winter may be things like the lake levels being lower through the off season, the wildlife and plants hibernating, and the slower environment creating a different feel than it does during the hustle and bustle of summer.

When do You Want to Buy?

All in all, the best time to purchase a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks comes down to two things:

• When are you ready to buy? 
• What homes are available?

As summer is arriving, if you have the money ready and find a home on the market that could be perfect for you, then now is the best time to buy! Team Lasson has been assisting many homebuyers as they secure their dream homes at the Lake. We are experiencing an incredible market as we speak, so if you have considered buying a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website to learn more about us and fill out an application to begin the process!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Mortgage Facts: How Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) Influence Rates

 Mortgages can be complex if you don't have a professional mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks to help you better understand some of the intricacies. That's why I'm here, to share my years of experience and help educate you on mortgages so that you can make informed decisions. In this week's blog, we're going to cover Mortgage-Backed Securities and how they can influence rates. 

What is an MBS?

A Mortgage-Backed Security (MBS) is an investment, similar to a bond that consists of a bundle of home loans bought from banks that issues mortgages. These asset-backed securities provide investors with periodic payments that work similarly to the ones you'd receive from bond coupons.

How they Work

MBS places banks as the middleman between homebuyers and investors. The better the mortgages, the better the MBS performs. So, it's a win-win for granting quality mortgages to home buyers and investors alike. Investors buying MBS are basically lending money to home buyers. To be sold on the market, an MBS must be issued by a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) or private financial company. There are many regulations and due diligence performed analyzing each mortgage being sold in the bundle to ensure quality standards are met. As for how they influence rates, mortgage rates are set based on financial markets when they open each day. When MBS prices drop, rates are raised, and when prices rise, rates are lowered. 

Types of MBS

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO):

This type of MBS is made up of multiple pools of securities. These "tranches" are reviewed and given credit ratings to determine the rate of return to investors.

Pass-Throughs:

This type of security is set up similar to trusts in which mortgage payments are collected and "passed through" to investors. Since they're set up as trusts, these typically have stated maturities of five, 15, and 30 years. These maturities can vary depending on the number of principal payments on the mortgages that make up the pass-through.

Team Lasson: Your Mortgage Professionals at the Lake

I hope that you have learned some valuable information about the mortgage industry, how MBS work, how they can influence mortgage rates. As the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, I take pride in assisting my clients not only in obtaining top-tier mortgages for their homeownership needs but educating them as well so they can make the most informed decisions possible. With that being said, if you're looking to obtain a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing your home to take advantage of our great rates, give me a call!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Tips for Protecting Your Vacation Home During Freezing Temperatures

 Owning a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks is a privilege. You've got a prime destination to vacation to during the Spring/Summer months. However, if you leave your Lake home unattended during the Winter, it's wise to ensure it's prepared to handle the frigid elements. In this week's blog, the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, Michel Lasson, is here to give you a few tips to keep your home protected during the offseason. 

Winterizing Your Home: Pipes & Indoor Maintenance

You'll want to ensure that your home is well insulated. Checking for any drafts and sealing holes or cracks with some form of insulation (foam works wonderfully), weather stripping, or caulk. You should also add insulation or a source of heat around areas of the home with piping. You can utilize heat tape, or even blankets to help insulate these areas to prevent pipes from freezing. To go a step further, keep a small trickle of water running from faucets; this allows water to continue to flow. Be sure to check the thermostat before you head out, keeping it set between 55 - 60 degrees. You could also consider installing a water leak detection system to notify you in the event of a leak. 

Outside Maintenance

Clear your gutters of any debris to prevent ice dams on your roof. Installing gutter screens or "helmets" can prevent leaves and other items from clogging your gutters while your away. It's also advised to trim overhanging limbs from trees in case they fall under the weight of snow or ice. Damage sustained from large branches falling on your home is a costly and unpleasant ordeal. Doing preventative maintenance now could save you a lot of headaches later on. To help prevent your outdoor plumbing fixtures from freezing, we recommend disconnecting and storing any hoses, as well as shutting off the water to these sources. Be sure to drain the lines and hoses as well to prevent any existing water from freezing within them. 

Warding Off Pests

Discard any food that is not in an airtight glass or metal container. Empty, clean, and defrost your refrigerator/freezer to prevent mold or other bacteria from forming while your away. Inspect the foundation of your home to ensure there are no openings for animals seeking shelter from the cold to enter into. Trimming overhanging branches also helps mitigate any pest problems. Animals aren't the only things that could be lurking to get inside your vacation home. Asking a local home service company or neighbor in the area to keep an eye on your vacation home is also a proactive way to stay ahead of any non-animal pests seeking shelter or a quick buck. Of course, installing a security system and displaying signs of surveillance on your property are also good deterrents. 

Photo Credit: FunLake

As we mentioned, owning a second home at  Lake of the Ozarks is a privilege, but it also comes with some extra requirements to ensure that it is safe during the colder months when you're not around as much. We hope that these tips have provided you with additional insights to keep your home safe while you're away. Having peace of mind that your home is safe and will be ready for use once the Spring/Summer season rolls around is a wonderful feeling.

If you don't yet own a home at the Lake but are interested in making 2021 that year, give Team Lasson a call! We'd be happy to help you secure a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks with our award-winning service and great financing options!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

Considering a Mortgage at the Lake in 2021?

If you hadn't heard, 2020 was a record-breaking year for real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you weren't able to get in on the real estate action last year, don't worry! 2021 is still looking to be an advantageous year to buy a home at  Lake of the Ozarks. With the low-interest rates and motivated sellers, this could be the year to obtain your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, and Team Lasson would be thrilled to assist! Continue reading to find out a few ways to make 2021 the year you move to the Lake!

Interest Rates

If you've been considering buying a home at the Lake, we're sure you've likely heard about the low-interest rates last year. Well, the good news is that they are still fantastic! The market is subject to change at any point in time, and without a crystal ball, it is hard to predict when or how they will change exactly. However, they are low now, so jumping on the opportunity could save you from paying higher rates in the future. 

The Housing Market

With record sales last year, the housing inventory is looking a little slim right now. However, that means even more incentive to begin getting prequalified for a mortgage so that when the right home does become available on the market - you're ready to put in a confident offer. It's also advised to contact a local realtor to help you identify any potential prospects as soon as they are listed. Getting these two items lined out now can greatly benefit your home purchase at the Lake. 

Start Now

If you're not quite ready to be prequalified (or not sure if you are) you can begin preparing by tracking your spending, saving for the down payment and closing costs, and compiling some documentation for your lenders such as financials, and any known liabilities that you may have outstanding. This can provide you with faster prequalification's with your local lender. Plus, it's tax season - so you'll likely be receiving some of these documents in the mail as we speak, if not already. 

An Advantageous Time to Buy

Although the housing inventory is low right now, the low-interest rates, motivated sellers, and slower season at the Lake this time of year make for an advantageous setting to buy real estate at Lake of the Ozarks. There is the potential to snag a great deal on your new dream home, and at a low-interest rate. This means more bang for your buck! Plus, there's time to get the home secured and just how you like it before the Summer season hits. So, you'll be able to enjoy all the excitement from your new home at Lake of the Ozarks. Ready to get started? Contact us today with any questions or to begin your prequalification process and be one step closer to homeownership at the Lake!

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.