Happy Labor Day from Your Lakelender!

Labor Day Weekend is here! It's Friday and vacationers are already rolling in to the Lake of the Ozarks. Soon the area will be filled with sounds of live music on every corner of the Lake and fireworks displays will be lighting up the sky.  Labor Day is always a big weekend, but do you ever think about how it started? Your Lake of the Ozark mortgage lender is here to provide you with some background on this wonderful holiday!

History of Labor Day 

Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the achievements of American workers.  The Central Labor Union planned and then held the first Labor Day celebration in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882.  The first bill for Labor Day to become a holiday was passed by the state of Oregon on February 21, 1887.  During that same year, 4 more states followed suit.  It wasn't until June 28, 1894 that Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.  

Labor Day Holiday

The first proposal of the holiday included a street parade to exhibit the strength, pride, fellowship and loyalty of the trade and labor organizations, as well as a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.  Speeches by prominent leaders were later introduced and the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909 established Labor Sunday, the Sunday preceding Labor Day, as a day dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Labor Day at Lake of the Ozarks

In celebration of this great holiday, be sure to check out the local fireworks:

• Saturday - Bear Bottom Resort from 8:30-9:30 PM
• Sunday - Lodge of Four Seasons from 6-10 PM
• BBQ and Carnival prior to Fireworks 
• Saturday - Tan-Tar-A Resort from 8-9 PM

So this Labor Day, think about the history and pay tribute to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom and leadership, the American worker.  Your Lakelender Michael Lasson would like to wish everyone a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Source: http://www.celebrate-american-holidays.com/History-of-Labor-Day.html

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your mortgage loan or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  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 

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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

5 Tips to Get a Mortgage Loan If You've Been Turned Down

Thousands of mortgage loans get rejected by lenders each year.  It can be difficult to qualify for a mortgage loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, even if you have a good credit score and a steady income. Don't get discouraged and give up though.  You can reapply for a loan, but you'll need to take some steps first.  Here are 5 tips for those of you who've been rejected for a Lake of the Ozarks home loan.

1. Find out the reason your loan was rejected. 

The first step in moving on after you've been rejected, is figuring out the reasons for the rejection. Contact your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender and ask for details on why your loan was rejected. This could range anywhere from bad credit, work history or debt load to the amount of your loan being too large.  Once you have this information, you can then figure out what needs to be done to fix the problem and get your loan approved.

2. Improve your credit score.

When you're rejected for a loan, it usually all comes back to your credit report.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, you are entitled to a free credit report.  If credit was the issue for your loan being denied, you are also entitled to know the name of the credit reporting agency that provided the data on which the decision was based.  Be sure to go over your credit report and look for any incorrect entries, accounts that aren't yours or outdated information.  If you find any of these errors, write the credit report agency and ask them to update your files.  In a marriage, it's often the case that one spouse will have serious financial problems.  If that's the case, you'll want to make sure to establish credit in your name alone.

3. Pay off your debts.

If everything on your credit score is correct, work on improving that score.  There's no way to avoid it, if you have unpaid accounts listed against your credit history, you have to pay them back. Start paying regularly in any amount you can afford and work your way up. Reach out to your creditors to rectify the situation.  Most creditors will remove negative credit data if you make a full or partial payment toward the debt.

4. Apply with a cosigner.

Applying for a loan with a cosigner means that they agree to pay back the loan if you default. You'll need to find someone willing to take a chance on you because the loan will appear on the cosigner's credit report.  Since the lender will put more weight on the credit score of your cosigner than on yours, be sure to find a cosigner that has a very good credit score.

5. Choose a less expensive home.

Another reason you loan could have been rejected is that the loan amount you're seeking is too large compared to the current appraised value of your home.  If you've been rejected for a mortgage on a more expensive home, you might qualify for a less expensive home.  By getting a pre-approval at the Lake of the Ozarks, you will know how much you can afford to spend on a home.

Don't panic, it may take time to fix these Lake of the Ozarks mortgage issues.  Begin collecting the financial data you need to change your rejected loan into an approved loan.  Most scoring systems allow buyers to make multiple mortgage applications within a 30-day period without any negative impact on their credit score.  Overcoming a bad loan situation is possible, you just have to work at it. It's really about keeping your emotions in check and getting a good game plan together!

Sources:
http://www.marimarkmortgage.com/blog/qualify-for-home-loan/3-tips-to-get-a-mortgage-if-you-have-been-turned-down
http://realestate.msn.com/9-tips-if-youve-been-rejected-for-a-home-loan
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/what-to-do-when-your-mortgage-is-rejected-2.aspx

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

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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 Recharge Your Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is an important part of life.  The majority of our time is spent working, so its important that you feel you're contributing, are valued and most importantly feel happy in your role and work space. If you ever feel like you don't want to get out of bed and go to work, remember these helpful tips.

1. Keep your eyes on the prize. 

Setting measurable goals is key to business success.  Whether it be the number of homes built, a percent increase in revenue or the number of Lake of the Ozarks mortgage loans approved, completing these goals will make you feel accomplished.  Its also important to tie these goals into the bigger picture and focus on that vision to inspire you to complete them.

2. Have a clear understanding of expectations. 

A clear understanding of what is expected of you at work is important, as well as knowing what the company is trying to achieve. Talk to your manager to make sure you have a daily routine down and so you know what you contribute to the company.  If you can do your job and then a little extra, you can help the company progress, giving you greater satisfaction.

3. Remember that communication is key. 

Open communication is the most important factor leading to a happy work environment.  Many problems in the workplace stem from a lack of communication.  Making an effort to build good relationships with other team members can contribute greatly to long-term job satisfaction because closer relationships make it easier to share ideas and achievements.

4. Schedule a power hour. 

Having an hour of uninterrupted hour each week will recharge you.  Use a Friday power hour to organize and prioritize for the coming week.  Or use a midweek power hour to catch up on industry reading or write handwritten notes to clients.

5. Create new challenges.

Join an organization to meet new people and gain a fresh perspective.  Try presenting a seminar to a community group or local club to share your expertise.  Start a blog and commit to at least one post per week.  Trying something new will give you a break from the daily grind and mix things up for some more excitement.

6. Set boundaries to balance work and life. 

With the advancements in technology, we have access to email and calls 24/7.  The lines between professional and personal time have blurred and both sides can suffer from this. Knowing when to go home is a simple yet important factor in avoiding burn-out over the long term.  Put in a solid days work instead of trying to cram everything in and you'll feel fresh, more enthusiastic and more motivated. Then you also need to condition yourself to not constantly check emails and voice mail when you're off work.

Following these tips can reignite your passion for what you do.  Pass them along to your team and start making a happier workplace for everyone.  Lakelender Michael Lasson is here to help you with your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage and make that part of your life a little easier.  I would love the opportunity to help you manage your mortgage loan or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

Sources:
http://www.mmgweekly.com/w/w.html?SID=25e2a30f44898b9f3e978b1786dcd85c
http://www.aprg.com.au/for-you/career-building-tips/job-satisfaction-tips

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

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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

4 Tips to Better Business Writing

First impressions can sometimes make or break a deal in the business world.  It's crucial that you make a good impression when reaching out to new clients and referral partners.  In the business world, sometimes these first impressions aren't even in person, but rather over the phone or through email.  Avoiding poor grammar, cliches and "business speak" in your writing is extremely important. Here are 4 tips from MMG Weekly that can help improve your writing!

1. Keep it simple! 

Long, run-on sentences can be confusing to clients. If something is too wordy, it may even be skimmed over.  The ability to simplify a complex topic or sentence can actually be seen as a sign of intelligence and leadership.  

2. Check for any spam issues. 

Besides ensuring your email gets to the intended recipient, spam checker tools can help improve your writing.  They will eliminate marketing and sales jargon such as "opportunity," "free" and "winning."

3. Avoid Cliches. 

You don't want to come off as unimaginative or unoriginal by using cliches.  You also don't want to come off as dry and boring; so keep those common expressions to a minimum.

4. Don't forget to proofread. 

Style and grammar issues give the impression that you don't pay attention to important details. Always be sure to proofread your materials and ask someone else you trust to look over them as well.  Spell check can be very handy, but it can also miss a lot of things, so don't rely solely on those types of tools.  As you are proofreading, keep in mind the three tips above: simplify, eliminate marketing jargon and avoid cliches.

Be sure to pass along these tips to your team, colleagues and clients!  As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'm dedicated with providing you the best service not only when it comes to your finances, but by providing helpful information.  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

5 Ways to Expand Your Network

Networking is all about building relationships by sharing information and finding sources of support. It's time to step out of your comfort zone, expand your network and meet new people that could help you reach your goals.  Going up to a stranger can be an intimidating task; so the next time you find yourself standing alone, try some of these networking tips!

1. Bring a Wingman  

Many people don't like going out alone or walking into a place by themselves.  One way to overcome this fear is to bring a friend along.  Together you can meet new people and expand both of your networks.  Try choosing a friend in a different industry than yours and use your conversation to draw others in.

2. Participate in Alumni Events

Alumni chapters are a great way to stay connected and network outside your industry.  These events often include graduates from all different majors and its a fun way to learn from people you don't normally interact with. You have a shared interest in the school you attended, so you can always talk about your experience there if you can't come up with a conversation starter.

3. Volunteer Time

Charity events are great places to meet people with similar interests and passions.  Choose an organization with a cause you care about and volunteer for even just a few hours a month.  Not only will you meet new people in different industries, you will be helping your community and those in need.

4. Host Your Own Event

Rather than attending events where you don't know anyone, have those people come to you. People are naturally drawn to the host, even if its just to say thanks for hosting.  Plus you are in your space and will be more comfortable than in a foreign location.  Conversation will flow more easily and the pressure of finding people to talk to will be removed.

5. Join a Business Organization

Lakelender Michael Lasson is a member of the Lake Business Builders Business Network International (BNI) Chapter.  This is a great way to get to know other business professionals in your area.  Communicating with those business professionals in diverse markets, you get feedback on how your business is perceived by others outside of your industry.  It's also a good mental exercise.

As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'm committed to providing you with not only updated economic information and business tips, but also information on all the local events!  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!

Source: http://www.success.com/article/8-ways-to-expand-your-network-today

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

Miller County Fair Starts Tomorrow

It's that time of the year again...the Miller County Fair is back!  Lakelender Michael Lasson brings you the scoop on this wonderful family-friendly event here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Join us July 22-26 for live music, contests, shows, carnival and more! Check out the fair highlights below.

Photo From: Miller County Fair's Facebook Page

Parade 

Kick off the Miller County Fair by attending the annual parade Tuesday evening at 6:15 pm. The parade will start at the South Elementary School and continue downtown finishing back at where it started. See local 4-H groups, community floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn wagons, and much more. This year's theme is "Sew it, Grow it, Show it”.

Compact Figure 8 Challenge 

Join the crowd on Tuesday night for some rough and tough action. For more information contact Gary Jones at 573-289-1236.

Carnival 

Ready to ride?  Fun Time Shows will be the carnival for our fair this year.  The carnival will be open Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Armbands will be available nightly for $20.00 for unlimited riding from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm.  You can purchase these same armbands for $15.00 each in advance at various locations through-out Miller County.

Little Royalty Contest 

The Little Mr. & Miss and the Prince and Princess will be selected on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm at the EHS Fine Arts Auditorium (Admission is $5.00 for adults 13 and over and $1.00 for 6 – 12 year olds). Children from Miller and the adjoining counties between (and including) the ages of four and seven will be competing for the titles.

Photo From: Miller County Fair's Facebook Page

Pageant

The Miss Miller County and Miss Miller County Teen Scholarship pageants will kick off on Monday night at 7:00 pm for the talent portion. It will take place at the EHS Fine Arts Building. The pageant will conclude on Wednesday night at 8:00 pm with formal evening wear, also to be held at the EHS Fine Arts Building(Admission is $5.00 for adults 13 and over and $1.00 for 6 – 12 year olds).

Youth Livestock Shows 

Join area youth as they compete in the Bottle Calf, Goat, and Sheep Shows on Tuesday, July 22. The Hog Show will be on Wednesday July 23 and the Beef Show will be on Thursday, July 24. Friday will be the final day with the Rabbit and Poultry Shows and the Livestock Auction.

4-H/FFA Exhibits 

Items created by local 4-H and FFA members will be on display during the week of the fair.

Truck & Tractor Pulls 

A Garden & Lawn Tractor Pull will be held Wednesday evening, beginning at 6:30 pm.  This event is sponsored by the Sleeper Lawn Tractor Pullers Association.  For information, call Joe Prater at 573-434-1014.  Thursday night come out to enjoy the Sanctioned Truck & Tractor Pull sponsored by the Mid Missouri Truck & Tractor Pullers Association.  Friday night will feature a stock Truck and Tractor Pull, beginning at 7:00.

Photo From: Miller County Fair's Facebook Page

Demolition Derby 

Join us on the final night of the fair for the ever popular Demolition Derby starting at 7:00 pm.

Lion's Club & 4-H Consessions

You'll want to include a stop at the Lion's Club or 4-H concessions stands when planning your night at the fair.  You can choose a delicious pork dinner, 1/4 lb. hamburgers, bratwursts, hot dogs, pizza, Frito Lay snacks, a cool soft drink or bottle of water and much more.  Best of all, you will find all of our concession items featured at great prices.

For more information, please visit: www.millercountyfair.com.
Photo Credit to: Miller County Fair's Facebook Page.

As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'm committed to providing you with not only updated economic information and business tips, but also information on all the local events!  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

How Much is a Down Payment on a House?

Some people stress about the amount of cash they will need to become homeowners at Lake of the Ozarks.  Depending on where you get your loan, you will see anywhere from 3.5% to 20% down payments. You will need to consult with a lender to evaluate your individualized Lake of the Ozarks mortgage loan options, but before doing that, you should consider these pros and cons of various down payment scenarios laid out by Realtor.com.

Larger Down Payments are Ideal for Lenders

A mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks' job is to make an educated guess about whether you will manage to repay your loan responsibly by evaluating your credit profile, your debt-to-income ratio, your job history and your assets.  With a 20% down payment, you are investing a significant amount of your own money in your home and therefore the lender's risk is reduced.

Buyer Advantages of 20% Down 

Private mortgage insurance provides insurance to the lender in case you default on your loan.  If you put down 20%, you eliminate the need to pay for this insurance.  Other advantages of a 20% down payment on your new home at the Lake of the Ozarks include:

• A 20% down payment will qualify you for a slightly lower interest rate than a borrower who makes a smaller down payment.  
• You'll be borrowing less which will make your monthly payments lower.
• You will instantly have 20% equity in your home, which you can borrow against in the future or get back as part of your profit when you sell. 

Keep in mind though, that 20% of an average home could be around $40,000.  It can take years to save that amount of money and you will need additional cash for closing costs, cash reserves in case of an emergency and moving costs. While you are working to save up that money, home prices and interest rates may have risen increasing the cost of your purchase.  

Pros and Cons of Smaller Down Payments

If you make a down payment of 5-10%, you will be able to become a Lake of the Ozarks homeowner faster since you won't have to save as much cash.  It's a smart idea to keep a robust savings account to cover emergencies and even anticipated expenses of home ownership such as maintenance and repairs. However, there are definitely some disadvantages to this option as well:

• You will need to pay PMI to your lender, which increases your monthly payments. 
• Your home loan will be larger, so your monthly payments will also be larger. 
• Your interest rate will be a little higher than for someone who makes a 20% down payment. 
• In order to qualify for a mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, your maximum debt-to-income ratio must be 43% or less, so a smaller down payment will make it harder to qualify for a loan. 

This decision depends on a variety of factors including home prices in your market and your personal income.  As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I will help you make the best choice in the context of your individual financial plan.  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