Premier Areas to Buy a Lake Home

With more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, nearly 70,000 lakefront homes, and thousands of acres of pristine hardwood forests, it is easy to see why so many people are looking to purchase a home at Lake of the Ozarks. When making the investment into Lake of the Ozarks real estate, it is important to do your research or at least connect with people that know the Lake, and which areas would be the best fit for your lake living experience. There are tons of stellar areas to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks, so you want to ensure that you are buying in an area that has all of the amenities, activities, and interests that you will be wanting during your time at the Lake. Continue reading our blog for a look inside some of the premier areas to buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks. When you are ready to take the next step in making the purchase, my team of mortgage experts at Lake of the Ozarks are here for you!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

PORTO CIMA

If you are an avid golfer, there is no better place to be than Porto Cima; Lake of the Ozark's most prestigious golf and boating community. The area has fantastic membership packages offering special privileges to some of the Lake's finest dining and spas, including the renowned HK's Restaurant and Spa Shiki. As for the courses, if you are looking to play a few rounds on mastercraft courses such as The Club at Porto Cima, The Cove, Sr's, "signature" course, and The Ridge, designed by Ken Kavanaugh, a third master golf architect, then this is the area for you. These meticulously maintained golf courses are accompanied by luxurious homes, the rolling Ozark hills, and the beautiful lake itself. Porto Cima is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience that you will be telling your friends and family about for years to come.

VILLAGE OF FOUR SEASONS

The Village of Four Seasons is a fantastic area of Lake of the Ozarks for both retirees and young professionals alike. The area includes an activity center, Bark Park, campgrounds with boat launch access, fishing, hiking and biking trails, pools, community parks, as well as a swim and tennis club. All conveniently located down Horseshoe Bend, near the heart of Lake of the Ozarks, so you will never be far from fine dining, entertainment, or your private piece of paradise. This area also offers top-notch golf courses that you can access with a membership to either Porto Cima or Lodge of Four Seasons.

OSAGE NATIONAL

Another serene golfing community at Lake of the Ozarks, Osage National is home to the one and only Arnold Palmer Signature Course, featuring 18 spectacularly designed holes to test your golfing skills, all while taking in the beauty of the natural landscape of Lake of the Ozarks bluffs and waterways. In total, Osage National boasts a whopping 39 holes for you to play, so you will never miss out on a tee time again! The gorgeous clubhouse holds an elegant dining area with spectacular course views all while enjoying your favorite cocktail or dish. Osage National is the perfect place for an avid golfer!

CEDAR CREST

Cedar Crest is a private, gated community located near Bagnell Dam, down Horseshoe Bend Parkway. If you are looking to be near the heart of the action at Lake of the Ozarks, Cedar Crest is an amazing location. The well-manicured community is secluded, peaceful, and sits just moments away from the Bagnell Dam, the historical Bagnell Dam Strip, and Osage Beach and with numerous shopping and dining options. Reap the benefits of being near the heart of the Lake, all while staying secluded at Cedar Crest.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

If you have been thinking about purchasing a home at Lake of the Ozarks, now is the time to look into some of the more premier areas at the Lake. Our beautiful areas are in no short supply when it comes to accommodating and entertaining its guests and residents. When you are ready to obtain a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson would love to help you secure your mortgage and get into your dream home!

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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.

 

Owning a Home at the Lake

Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing place to own a home. Our beautiful area is renowned across the nation as the vacation destination of the Midwest! Team Lasson is here to tell you that your dream of living at Lake of the Ozarks is certainly attainable. Yes, there are prestigious areas at Lake of the Ozarks- where the barriers to entry are extravagant, however, much of the Lake is more affordable than you may realize. Team Lasson loves Lake of the Ozarks and would be honored to assist you in financing your home at the Lake to make your dream of living the Lake life come true. Keep reading to find out more about how you can make the Lake area your new home!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

AFFORDABILITY

While you will see numerous million-dollar homes lining the shoreline at Lake of the Ozarks, much of the housing market here is well within your typical price range for a home in Missouri. Currently, the median home cost in Missouri is $196,746, and the median home price at Lake of the Ozarks is $299,500. Yes, that is still a pretty penny, but think about what you are getting with that price tag as well. The beautiful scenery, an epic summer life, moments away from outdoor adventure, all while remaining close to major city hubs. Lake of the Ozarks is large enough for convenience and activity, yet small enough for privacy.

 

OPPORTUNITY

As the vacation destination of the Midwest, Lake of the Ozarks holds great opportunities for those that own property here, like being close to the action via land or water, investment home opportunities, having a dedicated vacation spot, or being secluded, depending on your preferences. We will dive further into these opportunities below.

 

INVESTMENTS

As mentioned above, being the vacation destination of the Midwest gives Lake of the Ozarks a competitive advantage when you are looking into investment homes, or even just a way to rent out your vacation home part-time to earn some income or pay the mortgage. The housing market at Lake of the Ozarks is like no other. Every home and lot is unique, giving the "one-of-a-kind" appeal to your property/investment - a great selling point for potential renters/buyers.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

The summer season at the Lake is known nationwide and attracts masses of vacationers. The reason for this is the entertainment here is simply awe-inspiring. Take the small community vibe and hospitality, and mix that with the resources to put on stellar performances and events, you end up with an experience that can only be found at Lake of the Ozarks. From fun for the whole family to your more adult-friendly atmospheres, Lake of the Ozarks has something for all to enjoy, year-round.

 

EDUCATION

With many of the Lake’s citizens being second homeowners, and the impact that tourism has on Lake of the Ozarks can provide the Lake with the resources it needs to offer an outstanding education system. Continually producing above average results in regard to the state of Missouri, two out of three high school graduates go on to pursue higher education. The Lake's education system consists of state-of-the-art technical career centers, along with community and satellite colleges.

 

HEALTHCARE

The healthcare system at Lake of the Ozarks is also second to none. Being centrally located between two major city hubs, St. Louis, and Kansas City, provides the Lake access to high-tech medical equipment and connections that allow it to function as efficiently and effectively as it does. The healthcare system here can deal with all incoming needs of its community the moment they walk through the door. So, there is no need to ship patients seeking help all across Missouri – they will take care of you in-house with a dedicated team and the latest technologies available.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Lake of the Ozarks, to put it simply, is an astonishing place to live. When you own a home at Lake of the Ozarks, you get to enjoy the convenience of being at the heart of the action during the busy and prosperous summer season, not missing an ounce of fun. While enjoying a quiet, leisurely atmosphere, taking in all the beauty that the Lake has to offer during the off-season. The Lake is the perfect mix of exhilarating entertainment, comforting convenience, and leisurely Lake living all in one beautiful package. If you are ready to get in on the Lake life and secure your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is ready and willing to extend our years of service to 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.

How Long Does it Take to Buy a House?

Home buying season at Lake of the Ozarks is still in full swing. If you have been considering owning a home at Lake of the Ozarks, now is the time to get started. Whether you are a seasoned home buyer, or still just learning the ropes, it can be helpful to become more familiar with the process. Here is a quick overview of how long it takes to buy a home, and how Team Lasson will do what we can to make this a quick and seamless process!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

The Home Buying Process

Buying a home takes a lot of planning and preparation. To map out your home-buying timeline, here is a closer look at the steps along the way.

 

Getting Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Completing your pre-approval first can show that you are a serious homebuyer. It can also show how much you are approved to borrow. Your lenders at Lake of the Ozarks will typically ask for documentation to verify your assets, income, and credit history. During the process you will want to do a few things, like preparing a down payment, avoid taking out new loans, do not switch jobs, continue managing your monthly payments, and gathering the documents that you will need to submit.

 

Finding a Home

After you have been pre-approved for a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can start looking for the home of your dreams. It is time to find your real estate agent who can assist you in the search for the perfect home in your price range. The house-hunting process can go quickly, or it can take some time, just depending on your tastes, the location, season, the buying competition, and available homes for sale.

Negotiating a Contract

After you have found the home you are ready to purchase, your real estate agent will help you put in an offer. Negotiations with the seller could be quick or could take some time to reach a point where are parties are in agreement. Your agent will help guide you down this path.

After your contract is accepted, it will be time to schedule a home inspection, termite inspection and any other inspections you and your real estate agent deem necessary. Check with your lender as well on inspections as some government loans may require certain inspections for that program. If anything shows up during the inspection, this could add additional time to the timeline.

 

The Closing Process 

Once the inspections have been completed, your Lake of the Ozarks lender will then move the loan into underwriting. It may be necessary to submit additional paperwork during this process, and an appraisal will also need to be checked off of the list.

After your mortgage has been approved, your lender will give you a copy of your closing disclosure at least three business days before the closing date. The will include loan details, fees, and terms, as well as what you’ll need to pay in closing costs to finalize the purchase.

The Timeline is Undetermined

As you can see, many different moving pieces make up the completion of a home purchase. In general, it can be done in as little as a month, but with other purchases, it could take a few months. If you are hoping to buy a home before the end of 2021, now is the time to get started. You can start the process to get pre-approved with Team Lasson by visiting our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com), and from there we can help you move towards the next step. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you purchase your dream home!

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.

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.

A Few Home Improvements That Can Help Sell Your Home

When it comes to listing your home on the market to sell, there's a good chance that you'll have a rather large to-do list. When preparing your home for sale (and purchasing another) it's important to ensure that you perform regular maintenance as needed to help it sell. Studies show that homes sell faster and at a higher price when they look fresh and well kept. As the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson understands the wants of the buyer and sellers in these types of situations. So, we're here today to give you a few relatively easy tasks that can enhance the selling experience of your Lake home.

A Fresh Coat of Paint/Stain

Over the years a home's paint can become faded, nicked, scuffed and more. By restoring them to their glory with a fresh coat of paint or stain you can really impact the visual appeal of your home. Consider redoing the cabinets, walls, decks/patios for the best, blended results. Many people love the idea of a turnkey home and doing these simple and cost-effective renovations can really go a long way in drawing their attention and making them feel good about the home.

Updated Light Fixtures

Since you've now got a fresh coat of paint/stain throughout the home, showcase it with some great lighting fixtures! Having old and outdated lighting can really spotlight the years on your home. You'll want to ensure that you have clear, bright lights that highlight the great features around your home and make it feel vibrant and inviting. Here are a few styles of lighting fixtures to consider:

• Mid-century modern
• Vintage Edison-style bulbs
• Soft gold finishing's
• Large shades
• Retro & industrial 

Landscaping

Curb appeal is essential when selling in today's home market. While adding a roof may not be within your immediate budget for sale, a little landscaping can go a long way to enhance the appearance of your home from the road. Plus, it will make the photos of your home even more enticing, making potential buyers stop and want to check out your home. Consider mulching flowerbeds, adding rock or stones, trimming shrubs, and ensuring that the yard is well manicured. 

Updated Flooring

Flooring gets a lot of wear and tear over the years. Replacing your flooring can be a great way to finish out your home renovations. It will go great with the fresh paint/stain and the new lighting will really make it shine. The labor required in this also gives you the opportunity to really identify any other maintenances that may be beneficial such as trim, baseboards, etc.

These typically inexpensive upgrades can be a great way to instantly increase the appearance of your home and therefore its appeal to potential buyers. So, now that you're more prepared to sell your current home, it's time to consider where you'll be living next - if you haven't already. Team Lasson is ready to help you finance your next home purchase with a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks. There are many beautiful lake homes to choose from, and with the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks backing you, you can't lose! Contact us today to see how we can help make your dreams of owning a lake home a reality!

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.

5 Considerations When Buying a Vacation Home at Lake of the Ozarks

While you dream of the warm Summer months on the distant horizon, you'll want to begin making preparations for your Summer vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. The resorts are immaculate, and Lake of the Ozarks hospitality is second-to-none. However, have you considered owning your own vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks? It may be more attainable than you think, and Team Lasson is here to help you every step of the way. Continue reading our blog for 5 things to consider when buying a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks.

Plan Around Your Vacation Style

One of the first things to keep in mind is what kind of vacation you'd enjoy having the most. An energetic, on-the-move atmosphere, one more private and secluded or something in-between? The great thing about the Lake is that you can have it all. From cabins and ranch-style retreats with acreage to million-dollar lakefront homes with docks and cruisers. Lake of the Ozarks can be anything you make of it!

Your Lake Location

After you decide what type of vacation you'll be having at Lake of the Ozarks, you'll want to check out several of the cities around the Lake. All offer different advantages depending on what your priorities are. Here are a few of the cities around the Lake for you to choose from:

• Lake Ozark
• Osage Beach
• Camdenton
• Sunrise Beach
• Gravois Mills
• Laurie
• Eldon
• Versailles

Think of the Amenities

There are many Homeowners Associations around Lake of the Ozarks that offer amenities to make your time in the community more relaxing and enjoyable. From pools, gyms, and playgrounds to country club memberships, spas, and signature golf courses. Some of the amenities even include maintenance as an added or low-cost benefit. Amenities like this are great for vacation homes, so be sure to check them out when looking in each community.

Floor Plans & Room Sizes

This will depend a lot on the type of vacation you're planning on having. Will it be a private getaway as a couple or an elaborate hangout for friends and family? When house shopping, try to envision just how your vacationing lifestyle is going to play out in the home. This will have an impact on the style, size, and location of the home you want to buy.

Yard Functionality

Don't forget to keep the functionality of your yard in mind. You'll want to be sure that it fits with your vacation style as well. If you have any large future plans for the grounds, such as an in-ground pool. You'll need to consider that up front when looking for the perfect vacation home as expanding or changing these features later can take time.

If you've been vacationing here for years and are interested in buying a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, we'd love to help! Contact us today to get started getting pre-qualified for your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks. Having this letter in hand will allow you to shop with confidence, plus it can give you an advantage when it comes to negotiations and being taken seriously as a buyer. Have any additional questions? Give us a call! Team Lasson is always here to help!

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.

Expert Advice for First-time Home Buyers

When it comes to buying your first home at Lake of the Ozarks, you likely won't be in a position to do it with cash this time around. Therefore, you're going to need to secure a mortgage loan in order to make that first home purchase. Obtaining your first mortgage is exciting, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges if you're not prepared. As such, the best mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is here with a little expert advice to help set you up for success.

Manage Debts Diligently

Efficiently handling your debts by making continued payments over the years or paying down a lump sum of debt can help keep your debt-to-income ratio low. Your lender will be looking at this ratio during the mortgage qualification process to determine qualifying ability. Ensuring you're handling debts such as student loans, car payments, credit cards, etc., will help you maintain a lower debt-to-income ratio.

Practice Good Credit Habits

Your credit score is a large determining factor in your mortgage qualification process. When you miss payments on debt obligations that you owe, you're negatively impacting your credit score. A good practice for maintaining good credit is to create a ledger for monthly debt obligations and ensure that they are met each month. This will allow you to qualify for better mortgage loan programs and rates.

Consider Refinancing/Consolidating Student Loans

One loan that may be near impossible to pay off before you're ready to purchase your first home comes from student loans. These large balances and payments combined with the commonly lower income of first-time homebuyers/fresh college graduates make it difficult to manage in a short amount of time. Refinancing or consolidating your student loans can be an effective way to reduce the payment amount, thus lowering your debt-to-income ratio. However, you'll have to decide whether you want to extend the length of time you're paying those debts vs. securing a mortgage loan.

Keep Good Records

There is a lot of documentation required during the mortgage loan process. So, keeping solid records of your financials such as tax returns, bank statements, brokerage accounts can help give you an advantage when it comes to document collection. You'll also find the documents useful when you're first meeting with your mortgage lender - and they'll be thankful you have them upfront too!

Save Cash for Upfront Costs

While there are loan options to finance a vast majority of a home purchase, you will still be liable to cover closing costs and applicable down payment at the closing table to finalize your mortgage loan. Closing costs can include but are not limited to, appraisals, home inspections, surveys, county/state transfer taxes, property taxes, and even homeowner's insurance premiums. So, while you're making that expense ledger for your debt obligations, be sure to allocate a little money aside to help save for these costs.

As a first-time homebuyer, you'll likely have many questions about the mortgage process. As your premier mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks, Team Lasson is here to assist you with your home financing needs. We will work with you every step of the way to get you the best financing options to suit your home buying need. So, if you're considering buying your first home at Lake of the Ozarks, we would be happy to provide you the first-class service you deserve!

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.