The 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Magic Dragon Street Meet is this Weekend!

If you own a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, then you already know about all the great events the area has to offer including the Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals!  Join us again this year for Central Missouri's Largest Car Show, the only car show that gives away a new muscle car! This weekend, cruise the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip for a unique show with all makes and models, from cars to trucks to motorcycles.  The 2014 event promises to be the best ever, so don't miss this legendary weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Magic Dragon Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 1
Noon - COB..........Aces High Poker Run
Noon - 5 PM..........Street meet Participant Registration at Willmore Lodge Visitor Center

Friday, May 2
8 AM - 11 AM..........Vendor Registration at Big Lot on the Bagnell Dam Strip
10 AM - 8 PM..........Street Meet Participant Registration at Willmore Lodge Visitor Center
12 PM - 5 PM..........2014 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Show Hours
6 PM - Late Night..........Enjoy tunes from Cool 102.7

Photo from: www.magicdragoncarshow.com

Saturday, May 3
6 AM..........Street is closed to regular traffic - Registered Show Vehicles ONLY
8 AM - 4 PM..........Street Meet Participant Registration at Willmore Lodge Visitor Center
8 AM - 7 PM..........2014 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Show Hours
8 AM - 7 PM..........Kids Zone - located at Big Lot at the north end of Bagnell Dam Strip
10 AM..........Make-N-Take Model Event at the White House on Bagnell Dam Strip
5 PM..........Poker Run Winner Announcement at the Main Stage
5 PM..........50/50 Raffle Winner Announcement at the Main Stage
5 PM..........Lake Ozark Daybreak Rotary Car Giveaway at the Main Stage
5 PM - Late Night..........Enjoy tunes from Cool 102.7

Sunday, May 4
8 AM - 1 PM..........2014 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Shows Hours
9 AM - 11 AM..........Judging - Vehicles to be judged must be in designated area no later than 9 AM
1 PM..........Awards at Main Stage

For more information on the event visit:  http://www.magicdragoncarshow.com

Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to live, not only because of great events like these, but the area has so much more to offer!  If you are thinking about purchasing at home at the Lake of the Ozarks, give me a call for all your financing needs.  I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. I'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the FIRST Class Service you deserve.  And if you already own a home, talk to me about refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Eldon Chamber Presents Their 2014 Annual Dinner Awards Ceremony!

Eldon is the gateway to the Lake of the Ozarks, making the Eldon Chamber of Commerce a great organization to get involved with!  Come to the 2014 Annual Dinner Awards Ceremony to see what the organization is all about.  The event will take place at Shawnee Bluff Winery this Thursday, April 24th starting at 5:30 pm. Check out the schedule for the event below!

Red Carpet Arrival: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cast: Chamber Members & Guests
Featuring: Cash Bar & Social Hour

Silent Auction: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Featuring: Items & Services Provided by Generous Chamber Businesses

Dinner Buffet: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Featuring: Carmelized Beef Tenderloin,
Honey and Applewood Bacon Tilapia

Awards & Election: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Presentation of Board of Directors/Officers & 2014 Awards

The RSVP deadline is today, so call 573-392-3752 to purchase your tickets now!  You don't want to miss this grand event!  The Lake Area is composed of so many great towns; so whether you own a home at the Lake of the Ozarks or in Eldon or Camdenton, the Eldon Chamber of Commerce is a great way to get involved in the great community here at the Lake!

When it comes to your Lake Ozark home financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. I'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the FIRST Class Service you deserve!

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

6 Tips to Save Money Without Changing Your Lifestyle

The end of the month always seems to creep up on you and you're wondering where all your money has gone.  You don't think much about where your money is actually going or how to lower those monthly car or house payments at the Lake of the Ozarks that are eating up all your income.  How can you end each month with more money, but without giving up the small luxuries you enjoy? These 6 tips below might just be the answer you've been looking for!

1. Trim Your Bills.

You can save on electricity just by turning off the lights when you leave a room.  Turn off the water while brushing your teeth to save on your water bill.  Keep the thermostat just a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter to save on your electric bill. Always adjust your thermostat a few degrees when you leave the house too.  In addition to utilities, you probably have a car payment, mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, and more!  Look into refinancing options to lower payments.  Even if it's just a few dollars a month, those dollars add up.
 

2. Examine What You're Using and Not Using

Many people have subscriptions to things they never use, such as gym memberships or a vast television channel subscription.  There's even an 80/20 rule that says people spend 80 percent of their tv-viewing time watching only 20 percent of their channels.  Consider scaling down your package or even switching to online streaming to cut the costs.  If you only use the gym once or twice a month, look into the walk-in fees rather than paying for a membership each month.  Do you have a pile of magazines stacking up that you never have time to read?  Consider cancelling your subscriptions or at least narrowing them down to the one you read the most.  

3. Cut Back on Grocery Waste.

Plan your meals before heading to the store. If you head in with no idea of what you're looking for, you will end up with a cart full of junk food. You'll end up with way more items than you intended on buying therefore blowing your grocery budget for the month. Only buying what you need will not only reduce your spending, but will also reduce waste of perishable food items.

4. Reduce the Number of Times You Eat Out

At the end of a long day, no one wants to take the time to cook a meal.  Sometimes it seems easier to just order takeout or go to a restaurant, but those habits are wasting away your income. Consider buying a Crock Pot to save some money and time with the food preparation.  You can throw in some chicken breasts and broth before work and dinner is just about ready when you walk in the door that evening.

5. Compare Prices and Shop Around

While in the store, you should always look at the unit sticker when trying to decide between two similar items.  The price of the best option might be higher, but gives you more for your money. Buy generic when you can; occasionally the quality won't be the same, but for the most part you are just buying the brand name on the same product.  Compare Wal-Mart's prices to your local grocery store to make sure you are getting the lowest prices in town.  On certain items such as toilet paper and trash bags that you use regularly, consider buying in bulk to save you money in the long run.  Check the paper ads and stock up when these items go on sale!  You may be paying more this month, but next month you won't have to buy it at all.

6. Skimp on Gasoline

With gas prices dramatically changing everyday, this is definitely an area of your monthly budget that you will want to keep an eye on.  To save on gasoline, consider shopping online, but if that's not an option, bundle your errands together.  Pick a time when you can go to several stores in the same trip rather than going to a different one each day and wasting gas.  Pay attention to gas prices while you are out and about.  Try to find the one on your route with the lowest price, but don't go out of your way to find one.  Most of the time the money you save at the cheapest gas station doesn't make up for the gas you burn looking for it.  There is even an app for your phone called Gas Buddy to help you find the nearest gas stations with the lowest prices.  Some stores such as Hyvee have programs that save you money on groceries and your gas, so look into those.  If you are shopping there anyway, you might as well same some money on gas.  Maintaining proper inflation in your tires will not only extend the life of your tires, it will also help you improve your car's fuel economy.

Maybe its your crazy shopping sprees or outrageous mortgage payment preventing you from ending the month with money to spare.  Unfortunately I don't have a cure for you shopaholics, but I can help you with your mortgage questions.  Call me today to discuss how to lower your house payments by refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks! When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. I'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the FIRST Class Service you deserve!

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Getting to Know Michael Lasson, Your LakeLender!

Getting a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big step to take.  It is important to find someone you can trust that will help you make the best decisions for you and your family.  We decided to ask Lakelender Michael Lasson a few questions about himself so you can get to know him better before choosing him to help you with this important aspect of your life.

1. Where did you go to school?
I attended Brother Rice High School in Chicago Illinois.  Then in July of 1993, I moved to Central Missouri.

2. Tell us about your family.
I am married to a wonderful woman, Michelle.  I have 6 children, Krystopher, Kristina, Andrew, Amber, Dareth and Becca, as well as a daughter-in-law, Megan.  I also have 3 beautiful grandchildren, Easton, Kayden and Hudson.  

3. What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to 70's and 80's country mostly, plus a variety of others.  However, you won't find me listening to any heavy metal or rap; I don't like that at all!

4. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy camping with the family and of course playing with the grandchildren.  Being a dad and a grandpa is one of the best experiences you'll ever have!

5. What is something about you that no one else knows?
I am deathly afraid of heights!  I love the Chicago Cubs, but am also told that I am a closet St. Louis Cardinals fan.

6. What motivates you at work?
Being able to help people is what motivates me most.  Being at the closing and knowing that because of my actions these people have purchased the primary home or vacation home of their dreams  And because of my help, they will be making lifelong memories in their new home at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

7. What is your favorite restaurant?
We have some of the best food here at the Lake of the Ozarks and nothing is better than Baxter's or Wobbly Boots!  But when I am traveling, I enjoy stopping at a Waffle House or Cracker Barrel. When I visit back home in Chicago, I have to go to Portillos; they have just great Chicago food! Arby's would have to be my favorite fast food place.  I also love White Castle, but my wife hates it!

8. Who is the one person that you admire most?
Actually, there are two people that come to mind.  I admire my wife Michelle because she is a great wife, mom, grandma and daughter, and just a good caring person.  I would not be the person I am today without the guidance of her.  For business, I also admire Bob Gattermeir.  I have always liked the way that he does his business and he is always very helpful in helping those around him succeed whether it affected him or not.  He is a really good people person with a heart that cares.

9.  What is your favorite movie and why?
I enjoy mostly comedies and then some musicals. My all time favorites would include Grease, Smokie the Bandit the original and Hair Spray.  Most recently, I really enjoyed Frozen.  I love them because they are uplifting and make me laugh.

10. Are you involved in any charitable groups?
I split up a lot of my time with the Bagnell Dam Association of Realtors and we have done several charitable things over the past 15 years or so.  In the past, I have been involved with the Eldon Lake Ozark Soccer Association (ELOSA), Eldon Baseball Association, and I'm sure I will be again as my grandchildren grow up in the ranks.        

When it comes to your financing needs, Michael Lasson is commited to working with you every step of the way. He'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates on your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage loan and back it up with the First Class Service you deserve!  Now is a great time to consider purchasing or refinancing a home, so give him a call today at 573-746-7211 or send an email to mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have.

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

3 Secrets to a Better Business Mind

It's commonly held that intelligence is set from birth, meaning there's no way to "boost" brainpower. However, many studies prove just the opposite. A combination of lifestyle adjustments and mental exercises can not only increase intelligence, but also improve general brain health.  The following tips can help boost mental activity and increase your intelligence…all of which helps your business!

1. Keep Memorizing.  There is no shortage of contemporary studies that show a powerful correlation between a strong working memory and overall intelligence. A good memory has also been shown to slow down mental aging. Start small by memorizing your to-do list or daily schedule, then step it up a notch and memorize scripts that can help you during meetings with clients. If you want to take it to another level, try learning a new language and use it to expand business contacts in your community.

2. Mix it up.  Do you have the exact same routine every single day? Falling into rigid patterns promotes mental passivity, or the opposite of stimulation. So, try mixing things up a bit. Challenge yourself by participating in new activities. Join a softball league, a reading club, or even a theater group, which are not only fun but also great ways to expand your connections in your community. At the very least, play around with your daily schedule. The point is that too much regimen can dull the senses.

3. Exercise.  In his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, author John J. Ratey, M.D., says if you want clear thinking, stress reduction, relief from depression, and more confidence in yourself, you only have to do one thing: exercise. All of which is sure to result in a better bottom line for your business, too!

Start implementing these easy tips today to benefit not only your brain, but also your business.  Feel free to pass these tips along to your team, clients, and colleagues so their brains can benefit as well!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Mortgage Loans Made Easy with Michael Lasson

Many people find themselves overwhelmed with the home financing process, as your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender,  it is my job to ensure that you receive the best loan for your situation as quickly and easily as possible!

Here's an overview of the loan application process

1. STEP ONE - Pre-Approval  Call me first.  Why?  By giving me some general financial information, I can help you determine how much you will be able to borrow.  Having a pre-approved mortgage loan could give you more power when you're looking for a  home and negotiating the purchase price.  I will also review your credit report and evaluate your debt-to-income ratio.  This information will allow you to make an educated choice for your future financial security.
2. STEP TWO - Application & Processing  When you've made your decision on a home or property and have a contract with the Seller, the next step is to complete your loan application.  I try to make this process very simple by allowing you to complete this process online or in our office.  If you choose to do it online, you select "Full Application" from Apply Now drop-down menu on the left sidebar of my website and complete the application.  For those clients that are not comfortable completing their application, we will set up a time that is convenient and complete the process in our office.
3. STEP THREE - Loan Approval, Funding & Closing Your Real Estate Agent or the Seller will designate an Escrow/Title Company to handle the funding of your loan, along with many other factors which make your purchase go smoothly.  The Loan Closing is an exciting meeting where you will complete the final paperwork to purchase the home from the seller, sign your mortgage documents and receive the deed and keys to your new home!  We will coordinate with the escrow team and you'll sign the final papers at their office.

Now, How Do I Help You Get the Best Loan??

Customer service is my highest priority.  Throughout the loan-application process, I will provide you with regular updates on your loan process. You can also e-mail me with questions or new information anytime. If you need immediate assistance, I am just a phone call away!  I do my very best to be available to answer any questions that you may have about your mortgage loan process.

I can make you Lake of the Ozarks Home Mortgage Simple, Straightforward, Cost-Effective, and FAST!  As your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, I will work hard to help you buy your next home or property.

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

Will Fed's New Leadership Impact the Housing Market?

One of the biggest questions in the weeks ahead is: What will the Fed do?

Remember that the Fed is now purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based) to help stimulate the economy and housing market. This is down from the original $85 billion per month that the Fed had been purchasing. The minutes from the Fed's recent meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee revealed a lack of consensus on this topic. If economic data continues to be weak, the Fed may have to rethink the tapering it has begun.

In addition, the minutes also provided mixed signals about the Fed Funds Rate. Some Fed members indicated that they felt uncomfortable with the ongoing accommodating stance, which suggests they may be leaning towards higher rates sooner rather than later. However, other Fed members continued to believe that rates should remain low for the foreseeable future.

Finally, let's not forget that the Fed is undergoing a change in leadership. That said, new Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen pledged last month to continue her predecessor's policies by scaling back stimulus in "measured steps." She said she's "committed to achieving both parts of our dual mandate: helping the economy return to full employment and returning inflation to 2 percent while ensuring that it does not run persistently above or below that level."

The bottom line is that any news story involving the Fed may impact home loan rates in the coming weeks and months. I will continue to watch the latest economic reports, as well as statements made by Fed members.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

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

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

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com