The 2014 Eldon Turkey Festival is this Weekend!

Join us for the 29th Annual Turkey Festival in Eldon!  There will be a parade, music, food, car show, demolition derby, figure eight derby and much, much more!  Don't forget to bring a canned food item for the food drive to benefit the Eldon Food Pantry.  Check out the events schedule below for some family fun you won't want to miss!

Turkey Festival Schedule

Friday, September 26 

Little Mr. and Miss Gobble / Little Mr. and Miss Turkey

• 6 PM - Royalty will be crowned at the Eldon South School stage. 

Saturday, September 27

5K Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble - 7:30 AM

• 6:45-7:15 AM - Registration in front of pool at the Eldon Airpark 
• 7:30 AM - 5K Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble Begins

Eldon Turkey Festival Parade - 10 AM 

• 8:30 AM - Parade lines up at the Eldon High School parking lot
• 10 AM - Parade begins

Eldon Community Center - 9AM

• 9 AM - Quilt show begins in the gym
• 11 AM - Art show in rooms A and B, 
• University Extension show in lobby
• Lions Club eye exams

Eldon Community Center Parking - 11 AM

• Mashburn ponies with pony rides
• Eldon Fire Department Fire House
• Emergency Management Trailer
• Missouri State Water Patrol water boat
• Phil Scritchfield Scottish Highlander Cattle
• The Car Bash 
• Staff for Life helicopter (near community center) 
• Wonder Bubbles (near community center)

First Annual Five Alarm Chili Cook-Off - 11 AM

• Join the Eldon Fire Auxiliary for their Chili Cook-Off. 
• Try some of the best chili made by 5 local fire departments. 
• $5 Admission lets you taste each chili and FILL THE BOOT for your favorite. 
• Drinks and desserts available for $1. 
• Childrens games. 

Gerbes Parking Lot - 11 AM

• Crown Power and Osage River Antique Power Association exhibits

Main Stage (Located on Maple Street next to Eldon Drug and Clotworth Building) 

• 11AM - American Gymnastics
• 11:30 AM - Maple Street Dancers
• 12:30-2 PM - Helen Russell
• 2-3:30 PM - Jake Russell

Gospel Stage (Located at the corner of North and Maple Street) 

• 11 AM - Golden Oldies
• 12 PM - Eldon First Assembly of God K Club 
• 12:30 PM - New Lift Assembly of God 
• 1 PM - Brian Mace and Co. 
• 2 PM - Rex and Missy 
• 3 PM - The Stone Sisters
• 4 PM - Jeff and Kayla

South Stage (Located at the corner of North and Maple Street)

• 11 AM - Youth Stage featuring: 
• Mule Kickers
• Eldon Gymnastics
• Several area dance and cheerleading groups
• Members of the Eldon High School Concert Choir and EHS Jazz Band
• 11:30 AM - Little Mr. and Miss Turkey & Mr. and Miss Gobble announced

Demolition Derby (Located at the Eldon Fairgrounds) 

• 3 PM - Car registration begins
• 6 PM - Demolition Derby sponsored by SkillsUSA

With great events like these, why wouldn't you want to own a home at the Lake?  As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, 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

   

7 Places to Find New Clients

Finding clients isn't just a struggle for new business owners.  All business owners have to regularly and frequently search out new clients to keep new business coming in. Depending on the industry you're in, sometimes you have to do this more often than others. Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lenders fall into that category because once a client gets a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, they're not likely to need your services again for awhile. So the big question is, how do you get these new clients? Here are 7 places to start looking for potential new clients for your business.

Places to Find Potential Clients

1. Referrals

The best place to start is with your current or past clients.  Reach out to them and ask if they know anyone in need of your services.  Maybe you have a recent success story you can share with them that they can relate to. Maybe they know of someone in a similar situation to the one you're describing and can pass you a referral.  

2. Friends and Family 

Think about who you know.  Maybe your immediate friends and family don't need your services, but maybe someone in their personal network could be a potential client for you.  You could even consider offering a referral program with some type of reward for those who bring you referrals.

3. Personal Activities

What do you do in your spare time? Look for potential customers at the gym or at your local coffee shop. If you're a parent, consider their friends' parents to be potential new clients. Make it a habit to talk to those other parents when you attend shool functions or sporting events.

4. Business Organizations

Visit different business organizations in your area and consider joining one.  Referral based organizations, such as Busniess Network International, present the perfect opportunity for gaining new clients.  Be sure to bring business cards to pass out, but remember to focus on building new relationships rather than bringing just a strong sell message.

5. Local Events 

By sponsoring local events, you can get your name out there in front of tons of potential clients. Keep your eyes out for upcoming events that you can associate yourself with or consider hosting an event yourself.  Be sure to think about what makes a good client for you and try to find events that those types of people will be attending.

6. Meetings and Seminars

Local chambers of commerce, trade associations, special interest groups, fairs and symposiums are a great way to meet new prospects.  One of the most efficient ways to get a group of prospects in one place is public speaking.  Consider offering a Q&A session or offer to be a presenter at their next function to let potential clients get a sense of your skills and personality.  If you're not the one hosting the event, you will get third party credibility from those who are hosting it.

7. Advertising

After going through all the above networks to find new clients, it's time to start advertising.  Reach outside your current networks and try to make new connections.  You can do this through traditional advertising or with online marketing.  You'll want to decide who your best potential customers are, figure out where they are and then decide which medium is best to reach them with.  If you're going for a younger demographic, Social Media marketing is a great way to reach out to those prospects.

Business development should be incorporated in your day to day work flow.  Keep in mind that approaching everyone you meet with a sales type attitude isn't the best way to gain new clients. You want to first build a relationship with these prosects because you want them to know they can trust you.  When it comes to mortgage lending, Lakelender Michael Lasson is here to help you every step of the way.  Dedication and first class service is guaranteed!

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 

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

    

Things NOT to Do When Getting a Home Loan

Once you have been approved for a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, it should be smooth sailing right?  Not exactly.  While the hard work of building up good credit and saving for a down payment & closing costs is behind you, the process isn't complete. It's important to remember that your lender will recheck your credit just before the settlement date and verify details such as employment to make sure nothing has changed throughout the mortgage process. Here are a few things to avoid during this time to ensure a smooth settlement.

Things to Avoid During Home Buying Process

1. Don't deposit any cash into your bank accounts.
2. Don't buy any furniture or appliances.
3. Don't apply for any new credit cards.
4. Don't close any credit cards or lines of credit.
5. Don't consolidate debt onto one credit card.
   
6. Don't max out or go over your credit card limit.
7. Don't pay off any loans, unless required by lender.
8. Don't open new bank accounts or change your existing ones.
9. Don't make any major purchases such as a car, boat, pool or jewelry.
10. Don't transfer any balances into different accounts.
11. Don't finance any elective medical procedures.
12. Don't open a new cell phone account.
13. Don't dispute any credit issues; if an account shows disputed on your credit report, it must be paid off.
14. Don't skip a payment or make a late payment.
15. Don't change jobs if you can help it.
16. Don't co-sign on a loan for someone else. 

Purchasing a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks can be a very exciting time.  You probably want to get everything in order financially and start purchasing new items to go in your home. However, its better to wait until after the settlement to make any changes that will affect your credit score or anything else that pertains to deciding whether or not you can make payments on your new home.

Sources:
http://mymortgageinsider.com/tips-from-top-25-real-estate-and-mortgage-pros-on-google/
http://www.realtor.com/advice/eight-things-avoid-buy-home/
http://blog.credit.com/2014/01/the-worst-things-you-can-do-before-buying-a-home-74570/

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 

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 Things You Must Know About Moving Companies

When its time to move to your new home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you want to make sure your stuff is in good hands.  Before hiring the first moving company you can find, be sure to check them out.  Kiplinger.com has a great list of things you should consider and check out before hiring someone to move your stuff.

1. Beware of Crooks. 

The Better Business Bureau received more than 9,300 complaints about movers in the U.S. in 2013. One of the most common complaints was a bait-and-switch tactic.  The mover would quote a specific price and then hold your possessions hostage unless you paid some unexpected fee.

2. Get Everything in Writing. 

Before hiring a mover, you should get estimates from at least three different companies and be skeptical if one is much lower than the others.  Movers should offer to visit your home in order to assess the job.  The cost for an instate move is typically dependent on the number of hours it will take.  If you're moving across state, the weight and distance will most likely be used to calculate the cost.  Be wary if the mover is not interested in details, requires a large deposit or accepts cash only, which leaves no record of a transaction.

3. Check Out Their Reputation

Don't rely entirely on word of mouth.  Start by going to the Better Business Bureau's website to see if any complaints have been made against them and if they have been resolved. If you are moving to a different state, your mover should be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).  You can go to www.protectyourmove.gov to search for movers registered with the Department of Transportation or use www.moving.org to get quotes from companies that have passed the American Moving and Storage Association's background checks and licensing and insurance requirements.

4. Update Your Insurance Coverage. 

Call your homeowners or renters insurance provider to see whether your policy covers your belongings while they're in transit.  You'll most likely find that your policy covers the same things it would if your items were in your home.  For example, if the truck bursts into flames, your policy may reimburse you.  However, if your items are broken or damaged by the mover, you probably won't be covered.  Interstate movers are required to offer two kinds of supplementary liability insurance.  These include released value coverage at no extra cost which ensures you a rate of 60 cents per pound or you can purchase full value insurance which will cover the repairs or replacement of the damaged items.  You have 9 months to file a claim if you discover something is broken or scratched while unpacking.

5. Call for Help. 

If a mover is holding your stuff hostage, call the FMCSA at 888-368-7238.  For any other type of complaint, you can contact the National Consumer Complaint Database of the FMCSA.  To find local consumer protection offices go to www.protectyourmove.gov.

If you're planning a future move to the Lake, I'm here to help with all your Lake of the Ozarks home loan needs.  When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the FIRST Class Service you deserve.  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

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 

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 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 

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 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 

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