Showing posts with label mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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!




Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065






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


Wednesday, October 28, 2020

How to Enjoy the Fall Colors at Lake of the Ozarks

The Fall colors are quickly approaching the peak of change as we head into November, displaying vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. Now is the perfect time to experience awe-inspiring views, enjoying crisp Fall weather, and the natural beauty that Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. There are numerous ways to experience Fall at the Lake of the Ozarks, from scenic overlooks and state parks to boat side and birds-eye tours. If you own a second home at Lake of the Ozarks now is a great time to visit, you won't want to miss this Fall beauty!

Team Lasson is here to share some of the ways we think you'll enjoy the Fall colors this year.

Boat Side

As the number one recreational activity at Lake of the Ozarks, viewing the Fall foliage from your boat is naturally an amazing way to capture the beauty of the season. So, if you haven't winterized the boat for the season quite yet, this is a great opportunity to get one-of-a-kind views while exploring the Lake. You could boat down the Aquatic trail for some unique views or cruise the main channel for more adventure while out sightseeing. 

If you're not fortunate enough to own a boat of your own, no worries! Lake of the Ozarks has fabulous cruises available for charter that will narrate stories about the history of the Lake as you leisurely take in the sights.

Birds-Eye View

One way to view the Fall colors at Lake of the Ozarks is by taking to the air! The Lake looks different from up this high, experience the awe of the "magic dragon" as you take to the skies with one of the aerial tours available. These tours are narrated and have several packages available to you to customize your viewing experience.

Scenic Overlooks

There are several gorgeous overlooks worth visiting at Lake of the Ozarks, all offering breathtaking views of the Fall colors. The first is the Ameren scenic overlook, located just off the Bagnell Dam on Upper Power Plant Rd, Lake Ozark. The second can be seen from Wilmore Lodge, also in Lake Ozark - not far from the Ameren lookout. The third overlook, Thunder Mountain Scenic Overlook can be visited in Camdenton in Bridal Cave Rd, just off Old Hwy 5. These overlooks are a fantastic place to stop along the way as you tour Lake of the Ozarks.

State Parks

Lake of the Ozarks is proud to boast two award-winning State Parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is roughly four miles south of Camdenton and offers 14 trails ranging from leisurely to challenging, overlooks, as well as historic castle ruins. Enjoy the Fall foliage as you explore this gorgeous park, taking in the vibrant colors, natural geological formations, springs, caverns, and sinkholes - not forgetting the pristine hardwood forestry and glades. 
The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is located in Osage Beach, holding roughly 17,626 acres of beautiful forestry as well as 12 hiking trails ranging from 0.8miles to 13.5miles. There are trails to accommodate many different activities such as equestrian, biking, and leisurely strolls, all offering astounding views of the Fall season.

Your Own Deck

There are many great ways to view the Fall foliage at Lake of the Ozarks, but there is one that stands out above all else - Fall views from your very own deck or porch! When you own a home at Lake of the Ozarks you'll have every opportunity to view the gorgeous Fall season at your convenience, without even leaving your cozy abode. If you own a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks, now is the perfect time to come enjoy the breathtaking Fall season and begin thinking about winterizing the home for the offseason.

If you don't own a home at Lake of the Ozarks quite yet, no worries! Team Lasson has an experienced and dedicated team of mortgage professionals that would be overjoyed to assist you in securing your mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a call today to see how we can be of assistance!

                           For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 





Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065






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

Thursday, August 6, 2020

August Events at Lake of the Ozarks!

Summer is still in full swing at the Lake, and we’ve been having AMAZING weather! If you’re looking for something fun to do while at the Lake, there is a calendar full of activities happening where you and your family can get out and enjoy the weather, family fun, and Lake of the Ozark lifestyle! Here is a fun list of things you can do through August at Lake of the Ozarks


Aug 07, 2020 - Aug 08, 2020
Hours of Operation: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evergreen
6711 Highway 54 West
Osage Beach MO 65065

Aug 07, 2020
Camden County Historical Society
206 S Locust
Linn Creek MO 65052

Aug 08, 2020
Hours of Operation: 8:30 am
Lower Spring Trail Parking Lot, Ha Ha Tonka State Park
1491 Missouri D
Camdenton MO 65020

Aug 08, 2020
Lake Ozark Speedway
50 Twiggy Lane
Eldon MO 65026

Aug 10, 2020
Hours of Operation: 12 pm
The Oaks Golf Course
1524 State Hwy KK
Osage Beach MO 65065

Aug 13, 2020 - Aug 16, 2020
Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan-Tar-A Drive
Osage Beach MO 65065
Hours of Operation: 1:00 pm – 1:00 am Each Day

Aug 14, 2020
Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
1 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Aug 15, 2020
Hours of Operation: 8 am
Surdyke's Port 20
5395 Spruce Lane
Osage Beach MO 65065
Phone: 573-348-6575

Aug 20, 2020
Hours of Operation: 5:30 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Aug 21, 2020
Hours of Operation: 5 pm to 8 pm
Bridal Cave/ Thunder Mountain Park
526 Bridal Cave Road
Camdenton MO 65020

Aug 21, 2020
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am
Multiple Locations
82 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Aug 24, 2020
Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Aug 26, 2020
Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Aug 27, 2020
Hours of Operation: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Performance Boat Center
1650 Yacht Club Dr
Osage Beach MO 65065

Aug 28-29, 2020
Friday, August 28th; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, August 29th; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Aug 28, 2020
Multiple Locations
82 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Aug 29, 2020 - Aug 30, 2020
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Lane
Sunrise Beach MO 65079 


Welcome to Lake of the Ozarks!

Whether you’re visiting us this month or a regular at the Lake, we hope that you have a wonderful and safe vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. If you are vacationing and decide that you could see yourself living here, Team Lasson is ready to assist as your local Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender. You can visit our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) to learn more about our company and get the pre-approval process started by completing the online application! This is an amazing time to take advantage of the low-interest rates and purchase a home, and we would love to have you here at the Lake!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 




Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065






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


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

A Look at the Home Buying Process Part 1

Buying a new property at the Lake of the Ozarks can be an exciting time, but there are inevitably going to be questions through the process. As your mortgage lenders at the Lake of the Ozarks, we look forward to being here with you through the home buying process. Here are a few things you can expect through the process, as well as a few things you can do to get prepared.


Start Early

When you realize that you want to own a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks or anywhere, one thing you can do is start researching the real estate market in your target area early. We suggest that you contact a local real estate agent to help you with your research. You can also look through different websites to see real estate listings, and then make notes of the particular homes that you are interested in.

Learn About Your Target Budget

This is where your favorite mortgage team at the Lake of the Ozarks comes into play! The best way to determine your ideal budget is by filling out an application on our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) and we will help you with the pre-qualification process.

This step can often get missed by homebuyers, but it will save you time and even heartache by doing it now. If you can get your prequalification for a mortgage completed before hunting for a home, you will be in a much better position when you make an offer on a new property because the seller will know you are a serious buyer!

Find Your Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is going to be another important partner when purchasing your home. They will be able to provide you with helpful information about the homes in the area, and their knowledge, negotiating skills, and familiarity with the area are going to be invaluable. If you haven’t found a real estate agent yet, Team Lasson knows some amazing agents in the area we could refer.

Start The Hunt for the Home of Your Dreams!

After you have the above steps completed, it is time to start looking for homes. It can be helpful to take a notebook so that you can remember details about the homes that you visit. You will see a lot of houses as you search, and it will be amazing how they can start to run together. You may even want to take pictures or video to help you remember details.


Ready to Buy a Home?

The Lake community is such a wonderful place to be. If you are considering purchasing a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be honored to assist you through the process. Now is a great time to make an investment on a property, and the Lake area is a booming place to get involved. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks or fill out an application. We look forward to working with you!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211





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

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Quick Tips For Understanding Your FICO Score

When the time comes to apply for a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, your lender will need to determine the likelihood of you making your payments. Lenders use the FICO Score (credit score) to determine your credit risk. Today we are going to talk about how your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender can help you understand what this number means, and how it affects your home buying capabilities.


What is a FICO Score?

FICO Scores are the most widely used credit scores. This type of credit score was created by the Fair Isaac Corporation, which specializes in “predictive analytics.” Predictive Analytics means that they take information and analyze it to predict what is likely to happen. They also create credit scores, but FICO itself is not a credit reporting agency. They will use the information provided by Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. In the end, the FICO Score, along with other details, will be used to assess credit risk and help your lenders determine whether or not to extend credit.

How is a FICO Score Determined

FICO Scores range from 300 to 850. In general, scores above 660 indicate good credit, while those below 620 indicate not so good credit. The score takes into account information from 5 different areas, each carrying a different weight in the equation:
Payment History - 35%
Current Level of Indebtedness - 30%
Types of Credit Used - 10%
Length of Credit History - 15%
New Credit Accounts - 10%

The importance of any one of these factors is also determined by the overall information on your credit report. For example, if you have not been using credit very long, your score will be factored differently than those with a longer credit history.

Understanding a FICO Score

One of the first things that a mortgage lender will want to know is whether or not you have paid past credit accounts on time. The next important point is how much you currently owe (your debt to income ratio). One good thing to remember is that having credit accounts and owing money on them does not necessarily mean that you are a high-risk borrower. Another aspect that plays into your FICO Score is the length of your credit history. In general, a longer credit history will increase your FICO Score. Your credit history takes into account how long your credit accounts have been established, including the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account and an average of all your accounts. Credit history also looks at how long specific accounts have been established and how long it has been since you used certain accounts. The next step is to look at what types of credit you have, including credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts, and mortgage loans. New credit accounts will also come into play. Research shows that opening several credit card accounts in a short period represents a greater risk. Collections, past-due accounts, late payments and charged off accounts have a negative impact on your score and can significantly decrease it.


Buying a Home at the Lake of the Ozarks

Your FICO Score is not only used to determine whether or not you will be approved for a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks but will also determine what interest rate will be offered to you. If you have questions about your credit score and how it affects your plans to purchase a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, let us know! You can fill out an application on our website at www.yourlakeloan.com as well as contact us directly to learn more. We look forward to helping you with this next step in your life!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211





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

Thursday, January 2, 2020

New Year’s Resolutions that Help with Homebuying

2020 is here, and if you have been considering purchasing a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks we would love to assist. As people finalize their resolutions, set goals, and think about what they want to achieve in 2020, this is a great time to start planning for your vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for, start, walkthrough, and finish the mortgage process!


1. Evaluate Your Finances

If you considering a real estate purchase in 2020, the very first step is to take a look at your finances and start working with your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks. Take a look at what you earn, your expenses, and how much you have in savings. This can help you determine whether you are ready to buy a home or what you need to do to be ready.

2. Be Smart With Credit

Your credit score will be key when determining your interest rate. Taking the appropriate steps to improve your credit can make a huge difference when it comes to buying a home. Set up a meeting with your mortgage lender to discuss the different steps you can take to help with your credit score.

3. Keep Your Goal in Sight

Once you have evaluated your finances, you can see where there is room for improvement, or get the green light to pursue your purchase. If you are saving money for your downpayment, you can start by reducing optional expenses at the start of the year, and set up a monthly automatic deposit into your savings account.

4. Start the Pre-Approval Process

Even before starting the house-hunting process, the most important thing you can do is secure your pre-approval letter from your Lake of the Ozarks lender. The information in the application will allow us to determine the maximum amount you are qualified to borrow for a home loan. When you have your pre-approval letter prior to looking for a property, it can make the process smoother, faster, and it can be very helpful in competitive markets.

5. Organize Your Paperwork

There can be a lot of paperwork involved when buying a home, so it’s important to get organized as early as possible. When you are applying for your home loan, you’ll want to have copies of your tax returns, paycheck stubs, bank and asset statements and W-2 information. There may be additional documents that you will need, so having a system for organizing your paperwork can be key.

6. Build a Team You Trust

When you are purchasing a home, the team that you count on to help you through the process can make all of the difference. You can count on Team Lasson to help you navigate the home buying process! Our team has over 20 years of experience helping individuals purchase the home of their dreams, and we look forward to helping you through the process.


2020 Is Your Year!

Owning a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a dream come true for so many homebuyers! If you have been thinking about making an investment in a vacation home, there is no time like the present! In fact, now is one of the best times to purchase a home! The market has been great for our homebuyers and we want you to be one of them. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and you can also fill out your pre-approval application as well (www.YourLakeLoan.com). Happy New Year from Team Lasson! We look forward to working with you this year!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211





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

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Factors That Influence Interest Rates

Interest rates have been doing some amazing things over the last few months! Team Lasson has been assisting many in securing a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, and if you’ve been considering buying a home, there are many reasons why NOW is the time to get started! However, several factors can influence the interest rates above and beyond what is considered “standard.” Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward on your hunt for a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks.


Credit Score

Your credit score is going to be one of the best indicators of how reliable you will be in paying off your loan. It will take into account your payment history, amounts owed, types and length of credit, and new credit inquiries. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the credit score, the better rate you’ll qualify for.

The Downpayment Amount

The larger the amount you choose to pay upfront on your home will not only decrease the amount of the loan but can also help you get a better interest rate. Mortgage lenders at the Lake of the Ozarks see less of a risk when you're more invested in the property.

The Type of Property

The type of property you're purchasing will also have an effect on the interest rates you're offered. A condominium unit or investment property will sometimes have a higher interest rate than a single family residence or primary/second home will.

The Loan Type & Term

Rates can vary depending on the type of loan that you choose, such as Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, etc. Also, the term of your loan can impact the rate. While 30-year mortgages are the most typical, choosing a 15-year mortgage could get you a lower rate. This would also lower your overall costs, but you would be making higher monthly payments.

Loan Amount & Home Price

The price of the home minus the amount of your down payment will determine the loan amount or the amount you will need to borrow. Typically, your rate will be higher if you're taking out a particularly small or a particularly high loan.

The Interest Rate Type

There are two basic types of interest rates: fixed and adjustable. Fixed rates never change throughout the life of the loan. Adjustable rates will start at a fixed rate for some time and then can increase or decrease depending on the market. You can typically get a better initial rate on adjustable-rate mortgages, however, you then risk the chance of it increasing significantly over the life of the loan.


Ready to Buy a Home?

Team Lasson is here to help with all of your mortgage needs. From buying a primary residence to a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would consider it an honor to walk through the process with you. Now has proven to be an excellent time to buy a home, so if you’ve had a lakefront home at the Lake of the Ozarks on your bucket list NOW is the time to get started! Visit our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) to submit your application - we look forward to assisting you!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211





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