Showing posts with label mortgages Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mortgages Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Final Days for a Mortgage in 2019

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s time to consider if you want to make any last-minute purchases before the year is up. When looking into investments, buying a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks may seem extravagant, but there are some great reasons why this could be a great choice for you. If you enjoy having investment properties or have been thinking about buying a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are a few reasons why you may want to invest before the end of the year!


Low-Interest Rates

This fall brought some awesome interest rates and now is still as good of a time as any to make your investment strictly based on interest rates. You never know when they are going to change, and with as low as they’ve been lately, it could be an unexpected change. Even if rates increase an extra half-point, it can make a big difference in your monthly payments as well as the lifetime cost of your mortgage.

More Inventory, Less Competition

It’s not surprising that real estate sales tend to slow down a bit during the fourth quarter. This can be for many reasons, sometimes people get busy with school and holidays, the inclement weather makes it less appealing to venture out and look and homes, and for many housing markets, it’s just a slower season. This, however, can be great news for you! With fewer people looking for homes, you have more to choose from, and may even find a home faster than you had expected.

Tax Deductions

Buying a home comes with several different types of tax benefits. One of the biggest is being able to deduct the mortgage interest from your taxes, you may also be able to reduce the amount of federal income tax withheld from your income, which could result in a higher paycheck each month. These are things that you can speak with your financial advisor about, but some closing costs and property taxes can also be tax-deductible, as well.

Low Down Payment Options

20% has been considered the magic number when planning a down payment for your mortgage. Anything less and you may end up paying an additional cost in the form of private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, there are now some options for borrowers that qualify, and even with less than 20%, you may come out ahead. Your interest rate may be affected, but you’ll never know until you start the process.


Mortgages at the Lake of the Ozarks

There is still a timeline for getting a mortgage started and finished, so if you need to get it finalized by the end of the year, is time to get started! Visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com to fill about your pre-approval information, and be sure to get in contact with us about your timeline. We look forward to working with you, and helping you purchase the vacation home of your dreams!

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, November 12, 2019

Types of Mortgages to Consider - Part 1

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or you have several scattered around in your favorite locations - purchasing a house will always be a big decision. For a large number of the population, getting a mortgage is the fastest and easiest way to complete your purchase, and that is where Team Lasson comes into play! Because there are so many different components to a mortgage, from the interest rate to the terms of the loan, it’s important to have a mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks who you can trust. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind as you work through the mortgage process, and how we can help!


Fixed vs. Adjustable Interest Rates

This will be one of the first major decisions you make in your mortgage process. Knowing how your interest rate is treated is going to make a difference in the long run, so you want to make sure you understand before moving forward. Here are a few pros and cons to the different types:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages
The pros of this type of mortgage are that the interest rate stays the same for the entire time it takes you to pay off the loan. This means that the size of your monthly payment stays the same, and it’s easier for budget planning. The cons are that should mortgage rates lower at any time during the term of your mortgage, your rate is going to stay the same throughout the term.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
Pros can include that ARMs offer a lower interest rate (which can mean a lower monthly payment) for the first few years. However, the cons are that while the low-interest rate at the beginning is appealing, there is a risk of higher interest rates down the road.

Mortgage Terms

Your mortgage term refers to the length of the loan in years. This is the agreement you make with your lender on the maximum amount of time it will take you to pay off the loan in full.

15-Year Mortgages
Pros are that a 15-year term can keep you on track to pay off your home quickly, and it can often have a lower interest rate and even cost less in total interest compared to other loan options. Cons are that this term comes with a higher monthly payment compared to options with a longer term.

30-Year Mortgages
A pro is that you will have lower monthly payments with a 30-year term, compared to a 15-year term. A con is that you could end up with a higher interest rate, and could end up paying more in interest than you would have with a shorter term.


Securing Your Mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks

Team Lasson looks forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams at the Lake. From a primary residence to a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have done it all. Now is proving to be an AMAZING time to lock in your interest rate and get your mortgage or refinance finished up. If you have questions about this, we would love to chat with you! Start by visiting our website (www.YourLakeLoan.com) and filling out the application - we look forward to helping you buy the home of your dreams!

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, May 28, 2019

Our Favorite Things About Summer at the Lake of the Ozarks

With the Summer season upon us, it’s the perfect time to start reflecting about what we love about living here. This area is more than just the place we work, it’s also where we call home. The  Lake of the Ozarks is made up of many different home types, from vacation home owners to those who reside here full-time, and each makes up this wonderful community. If you’ve been considering moving to the Lake of the Ozarks full time, or purchasing a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, here are a few things you need to know about this wonderful area.


Summer Sunsets Over the Lake

There’s just something breathtaking about watching the sunset in glorious colors, reflecting off of the Lake of the Ozarks, and being able to take it all in. Time slows down when you can kick back for long enough to appreciate a sunset - and that’s what the Lake area is all about. Whether you’re vacationing or living here full time, finding and making space in your life to enjoy the sunset is extraordinary.

Cruising Down the Main Channel

You can get up early in the morning, catch the morning dew, watch the sunrise, and feel that fresh summer morning air as you cruise down the channel. You can get the boat out later in the afternoon and enjoy the summer heat, or you can cruise the main channel during one of those amazing sunsets we mentioned above. Cruising the channel is exhilarating and just one amazing aspect of being able to live at the Lake.

Dining on the Deck

Which deck? Any deck! Enjoying the views, hanging out with friends, and relishing the delicious food is a Lake luxury. We have dozens of incredible lakefront restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks featuring many different menu styles from Cajun to Italian. Of course, there’s one deck that can beat them all, and that’s your own. A lakefront vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks can be the perfect place to pull out the grill, fix up your favorite dishes, and enjoy them from the comfort of your own vacation home.

Weekends With Family & Friends

When you have a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it can be a wonderful hot spot for friends and family to gather. We love getting together with the people in our lives who mean so much to us - which is just one more reason why we love the Lake of the Ozarks. Family fun doesn’t just happen on holiday weekends, but it’s certainly a great time to gather everyone together. From a full-time home to a vacation home, they are both excellent ways to enjoy time with friends and family.

Trying New Sports

It’s not all about water sports, but those play a huge role in the Lake area. Paddleboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing - we do it all around here! Of course, there are other sports as well. If you enjoy outdoor sports, there are some incredible golf courses at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as hiking trails, sports fishing, and more. If you’re wanting to try something new, the Lake offers many different sports.


We Love the Lake of the Ozarks

We just can’t say it enough, the Lake of the Ozarks in an amazing place to live. Summer really brings out the excitement, as this is when the place comes alive. However, trust us, every season has something amazing to offer. Now is still a great time to purchase a home, so if you’ve been dreaming of a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, NOW is a great time to get started. Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage company at the Lake of the Ozarks, or to fill out your application. We can’t wait to help you call the Lake area home.

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.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Merry Christmas from the Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake area always has a calendar filled with fun events and exciting adventures. From events for families with young children to sophisticated soirees that couples will enjoy, there’s a little bit of everything. As Christmas gets closer, you’ll find that the events at the Lake are gearing up with all things Merry and Bright. Below are some of the excellent events happening around the area - you won’t want to miss it!

Photo Credit: FunLake.com, Enchanted Village of Lights in Laurie

Christmas Lights at the Lake of the Ozarks

Enchanted Village of Lights
Nov 16, 2018 - Jan 01, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on weekends)
Laurie Fairgrounds
269 Fairgrounds Drive
Laurie MO 65037

Versailles Unity Circle Of Lights
Nov 21, 2018 - Jan 01, 2019, from dark until midnight
Versailles City Park
Hwy 5 and Hwy 52
Versailles Missouri 65084

St. Patrick's Festival of Lights
Nov 22, 2018 - Jan 02, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Shrine of St. Patrick | Mothers Shrine
176 Marian Drive
Laurie Missouri 65038

Deck the Docks Holiday Light Cruises
Nov 23, 2018 - Dec 29, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Celebration Cruises Grand Glaize
5085 Davis Drive
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

Osage Beach Holiday Lights in the Park
Nov 24, 2018 - Dec 31, 2018, Wed thru Sun, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Osage Beach City Park
950 Hatchery Road
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

Windermere Christmas Light 5K
Dec 08, 2018, at 5:30 pm
Windermere Baptist Conference Center
1650 Koehler Drive
Roach MO 65787

Christmas Entertainment at the Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas on Main Street
Nov 23, 2018 - Dec 22, 2018
Main Street Music Hall
5845 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

SBLT Youth Production Holiday Play
Dec 07, 2018 - Dec 08, 2018, at 7:00 pm
Sunrise Beach Community Center
15133 N. Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach Missouri 65079

Carols in the Cavern
Stark Caverns
125 Cave Dr.
Eldon Missouri 65026

  • 9th St Christian Church Choir, Dec 09, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Eldon Girl Scouts, Dec 14, 2018, at 7:00 pm
  • School of the Osage, Dec 19, 2018, at 7:00 pm
  • Jake Wesley Rogers, Dec 22, 2018, at 7:00 PM
  • Michael Walton, 9th Street Christian Church Worship Minister, Dec 23, 2018, at 6:00 pm

'That's Christmas To Me' - Greater Lake Area Chorale
Dec 09, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
442 US-54
Camdenton Missouri 65020

Lake Area Community Orchestra
Royal Theatre
107 S Monroe St.
Versailles MO 65084
Dec 09, 2018, at 7:00 PM 
Lake Ozark Christian Church
1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Dec 11, 2018, at 7:00 pm

"The Nutcracker" Play
Dec 14, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018, evening & afternoon times available
Royal Theatre
107 S. Monroe St.
Versailles Missouri 65084

Christmas with The Nelsons
Dec 14, 2018, at 6:00 pm
The Lodge at Port Arrowhead Convention Center
3080 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Children's Christmas Play - “We Wish You a Merry Spendmas!“
Dec 15, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Camden County Museum
204 South Locust
Linn Creek Missouri 65052


Christmas Parades at the Lake of the Ozarks

Lake Ozark Christmas Parade
Dec 08, 2018, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Eldon's Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec 08, 2018, at 5:00 PM
Rock Island Park
Downtown Eldon
Eldon Missouri 65026

Christmas Shopping at the Lake of the Ozarks

Versailles Christmas on the Square
Dec 08, 2018, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Downtown Versailles
100 E Newton Street
Versailles Missouri 65084

Old Tyme Christmas in Linn Creek
Dec 15, 2018, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Camden County Museum
206 South Locust
Linn Creek Missouri 65052

Christmas Dining at the Lake of the Ozarks

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 08, 2018, from 8:00 am - 11:00 am
HK's at the Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Breakfast with Santa at OYC
Dec 15, 2018, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
500 Yacht Club Landing Dr.
Lake Ozark MO 65049

Christmas Dinner at The Lodge of Four Seasons
Dec 23, 2018 - Dec 25, 2018
HK's Restaurant in The Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Christmas Day Buffet at Tan-Tar-A
Dec 25, 2018, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tan-Tar-A Resort | JB's Boathouse
494 Tan Tar A Drive
Osage Beach Missouri 65065


Other Christmas Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook
Nov 22, 2018 - Dec 23, 2018
The Ice at Old Kinderhook
678 Old Kinderhook Dr.
Camdenton Missouri 65020

Christmas for Kids
Dec 15, 2018, at 5:30 pm
The Lodge of Four Seasons; Granada Room
315 Four Seasons Drive
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

As you can see, this month is filled with Silent Nights and Decking the Halls. If you’re looking for some new traditions to add to your family, we would welcome you to come and see what’s happening at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you’re vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks and find that you love this area as much as we do, maybe it’s time to buy a home here! Team Lasson provides great options for mortgages at the Lake of the Ozarks and we would love to assist you in buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

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, June 7, 2018

Bad Mortgage Advice Homeowners Actually Believe

As a new homeowner, there are a lot of things you're going to have to learn. One of those things is your mortgage. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about mortgages. Today's blog from your favorite Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender discusses some of the bad advice you might hear about getting a mortgage.

1. Don't Bother Getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval. 


You might have heard that a pre-approval isn't really important. People will say a pre-approval isn't "real" and doesn't guarantee you a mortgage. They will say that if you've only just begun looking for a home, it isn't necessary to worry about the mortgage part of things just yet. Unfortunately, that's bad advice. While a pre-approval might not be "official," it can prevent problems down the road. By getting a pre-approval, you'll know how much you can qualify for, and then you can just look at homes in that price range. A pre-approval also gives you a leg up if you find a property and are competing with other buyers that haven't even started the mortgage process yet. A pre-approval tells sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home.

2. Always Go with the Lowest Interest Rate. 


While obtaining the lowest interest rate possible may seem like great advice, the interest rate isn't the only thing you should be concerned with. You need to take into consideration other associated fees. Each mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks can charge different fees for their services, and this could affect your overall payment amount. You also need to understand that while an adjustable-rate mortgage may give you the best interest rate to begin with, those rates change with the market and could go up significantly. It's important that you take everything into careful consideration instead of just focusing on the interest rate itself.

3. Borrow the Maximum Amount You're Approved For. 


Who doesn't want the biggest and best house they can qualify for? You got approved for the loan, so why not use it all, right? Wrong. It's always best to live just under your means; you never know when life will throw you a curve ball of expenses. You could experience a layoff or medical issues. If you're spending everything you have on your mortgage, there's nothing left for emergency expenses. This can easily cause you to default on your loan and could even result in foreclosure. Be sure to come up with a budget and don't purchase a house with a payment that you're not comfortable making.

If you're thinking about purchasing a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, your first step should be to talk to a mortgage professional like me. As your lender, I'll work with you every step of the way, making sure to give you the best advice for your unique situation. Give me a call at 573-746-7211 to get started on your Lake of the Ozarks home financing today!

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.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Understanding Escrow Accounts

As a first-time home buyer, you're introduced to a variety of terms that you may have never heard before. As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'm here to help you understand every aspect of the mortgage process. Today's blog focuses on escrow accounts, what they are and what it has to do with you and your mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks.

What is an Escrow Account? 


In the mortgage industry, an "escrow account" refers to an account setup by your lender to hold the money that will pay certain property-related expenses. This includes your homeowner's property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Many lenders require this account to ensure that these expenses are being paid in full and on time.

How Does an Escrow Account Work? 


A portion of each month's mortgage payment will go into this account to cover these expenses. Rather than receiving a big bill once or twice a year to pay these expenses, they will be paid through your lender out of this account. This breaks up the payment into smaller pieces so that you don't have to come up with all the money at once. Instead, you are able to pay all your mortgage-related expenses in one easy monthly payment. It's just less bills that you have to worry about.

Escrow Account Advice 


While escrow accounts are often required by your lender, that's not always the case. In the event an escrow account is not mandatory, you should consider electing to have one. Without one, you will have to plan on paying these large expenses yourself. You will need to carefully budget for these expenses so they don't catch you by surprise. If you fail to pay your property taxes, you could be fined, have a tax lien placed on your property or even face a foreclosure on your property.

For any questions regarding escrow accounts or home loans at the Lake of the Ozarks, give the best mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks a call at 573-746-7211. I'm here to work with you every step of the way! I'll discuss your options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first-class service you deserve. Let me help you into your dream home at the Lake of the Ozarks!

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.

Friday, October 20, 2017

3 Common Reasons People Don't Qualify for a Mortgage

You have decided you're ready to take the next step in your life and purchase a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. The challenge now is going to be a qualifying for a mortgage loan. Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender is here to make you aware of some of the common reasons people don't qualify for a mortgage. This can help you get all your ducks in a row and be prepared for the loan approval process.

1. Bad Credit or No Credit at All. 


Your credit is one of the most important factors that goes into determining if your mortgage application is approved or not. If you have bad credit or no credit at all, you could have a difficult time getting home financing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Before applying, be aware of your credit score. Take a look at your credit report and correct any errors. Make sure to pay your bills in full and on time to avoid hurting your credit. If you don't have any credit at all yet, work on building some good credit before attempting to apply for a home loan. This is why it's important to start planning early for a home purchase. It can often take some time to get your credit cleaned up.


2. Unsubstantiated Income. 


Unsubstantiated income is income that you can't prove or verify is actually what you say it is. When you apply for a mortgage, your lender is going to look at your current employment and income. This factors in to how much you are able to borrow and how likely you are to make your monthly payments. If you aren't able to provide documentation of a stable income, you might have a difficult time getting approved. (This is why you shouldn't change jobs during the mortgage process either.) This is a common issue for self-employed buyers because they don't have the proper paperwork. Necessary documents include profit and loss statements, as well as tax returns that are filed properly and timely.

3. No Money for a Down Payment. 


While there are programs now that require a no/low down payment, not having any money to put down makes you a bigger risk. Your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks wants to know that you have sufficient income and assets to make your monthly payment on time and in full. Your down payment is an investment, which shows you are "invested" in this transaction. While the traditional 20% down isn't necessary, you'll want to have 3-5% to put down, depending on the type of loan for which you apply. Another reason to start planning for your future home early, you need time to save for a down payment.

If you think you're ready to apply for a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, give me a call at 573-746-7211. I'm here to work with you every step of the way, from filling out your application to getting you through the closing. I'll discuss your options, offer competitive rates and back it up with the first-class service you deserve!

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.