Monday, February 23, 2015

2015 Polar Plunge is this Weekend!

The 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge is this weekend! From activities for the kids to supporting a great cause, this event is one you won't want to miss. Show your bravery and support local Special Olympics athletes. All proceeds from the event go to benefit Special Olympics Missouri's year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In conjunction with the annual plunge into freezing waters, there will be a run/walk and also a Pee Wee Plunge! Your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to provide you with all the details!

Pee Wee Plunge - Friday, February 27 at 6:30 PM


To help celebrate the 20th anniversary, this year's event includes the 1st annual Pee Wee Plunge. The event is open to any kiddo through 9 years of age. It will be held at the indoor pool at Tan-Tar-A Resort. There is a $25 registration fee and each "Pee Wee" will recieve an official event t-shirt and a $5 off coupon for hte Timber Falls Waterpark at Tan-Tar-A. If your child decides to fundraise, and they raise $100, they will also recieve a fun hat. For more information on how to register, please contact Crystal at cschuster@somo.org or 573-256-6367.

Polar Bear Strut - Saturday, February 28 at 10 AM 


Show your support for Special Olympics Missouri by walking or running through the frigid winter streets. Participants must raise a minimum of $50 by event day. Registration for the event is from 8-9:30 AM. The strut will begin at 10 AM. For more information or to register, please visit: http://somo.kintera.org.

Polar Plunge - Saturday, February 28 at 2 PM


This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid winter waters. Participants must be at least 10 years or age and have raised a minimum of $75 by event day. Registration is from 12-2 PM, with the Parade of Costumes Lineup at 1:50 PM and Judging from 2-2:30 PM. The plunging will occur from 2:30-4 PM. Tan-Tar-A Resort is hosting a Post Plunge Party from 4-7 PM in Windgate Hall. For more information or to register, please visit: http://somo.kintera.org/.

Happy Plunging Everyone! Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender likes to stay involved in the community and keep you updated with information on the great events going on here at the Lake. Also, if you're in need of a new home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing contact Lakelender Michael Lasson at 573-746-7211. Opening the doors to your Lake Home!

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


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

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Location: Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

6 Reasons You May Want to Refinance

Have you ever thought about refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks? If done correctly, refinancing can save you a lot of money. So how do you know if refinancing is the right option for you? Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender is here to help! Here are 6 reasons you may want to refinance from Credit.com:

1. Lower Your Interest Rate


Generally, if you can lower your interest rate by at least 2%, you should consider refinancing. Since interest rates are currently at a historic low, chances are you can get a much better rate by refinancing now. You could end up saving a lot of money in interest paid over the period of your loan.

2. Switch Loan Type


With many different types of Lake of the Ozarks home loans available, some loan types are better for some people than others. If you currently have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you may want to switch to a fixed rate mortgage (FRM). This allows you to lock in a low rate for a long time. On the other hand, you may be able to reduce your current payments by switching from a FRM to an ARM.

3. Avoid Balloon Payment


Some mortgages have a large payment due at the end of the loan term, usually 5-7 years, called a "balloon payment." Essentially, this type of mortgage is a short-term loan that is setup like a long-term loan for the first few years. You may need to refinance your loan in order to avoid paying this large expense.

4. Stop Paying Private Mortgage Insurance 


When more than 80% of the home's sale price is borrowed, sometimes the borrower is required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). If the home's value has increased, you can use this amount to refinance and stop paying that PMI.

5. Cash Out Home Equity


Home equity is often used as a way to finance a remodeling project, college tuition, car purchase or a vacation. If your home's value has increased, you can refinance to cash out that extra amount. You would actually be refinancing your mortgage for more than you currently owe on it and then pocketing the difference.

6. Consolidate Debts


If you have a lot of high interest debts, you may be able to save money by consolidating those debts into a mortgage. Auto loans, credit cards, second mortgages and other debts can all be included in your refinance.

If you have more questions about whether or not refinancing your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage is a good option for you, contact me at 573-746-7211. 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 


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
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Friday, February 13, 2015

14 Valentine's Day Trivia Questions to Test Your Knowledge

Since the 5th century, people have been celebrating a day of romance. Each year people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their "valentine." In honor of Valentine's Day, your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks brings you some Valentine's Day Trivia Questions. See how many answers you can get right!

1. Which of the seven ancient wonders was a gift of love from a king to his queen? 


A. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
B. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
C. Lighthouse of Alexandria
D. Colossus of Rhodes

2. What is the name of the king that made Valentine's Day a national holiday in England? 


A. Henry VIII
B. Henry VII
C. Edward VI
D. Richard III

3. Who wrote "Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all?"


A. Shakespeare
B. Homer
C. Tennyson
D. Napoleon

4. The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives approximately how many letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day? 


A. 1,000
B. 10, 000
C. 5,000
D. 2,000

5. Which Roman emperor beheaded a priest named Valentine for performing marriage ceremonies? 


A. Balbinus
B. Tacitus
C. Gallienus
D. Claudius II

6. How many saints named Valentine are officially recognized by the Catholic Church? 


A. 2
B. 3
C. 5
D. 7

7. Which pope declared February 14 as Valentine's Day? 


A. Pope Pius XI
B. Pope Gelasius I
C. Pope John Paul II
D. Pope Gregory I

8. The British Library in London displays a love poem that is considered to be the oldest and earliest record of a Valentine. Who wrote it? 


A. Napoleon Bonaparte
B. John Keats
C. Charles, Duke of Orleans
D. William Shakespeare

9. Which book was published in 1797 to help British men write verses of love and affection for Valentine's Day? 


A. The Young Man's Valentine Writer
B. Poems and Prose for the Gentleman Scribe
C. Inspired Verses for Your Valentine
D. How to Write Love Notes for Dummies

10. Which woman mass-produced the first Valentine's Day cards in America? 


A. Louisa May Alcott
B. Isabella Mary Beeton
C. Esther Allen Howland
D. Ann Radcliffe

11. Which Shakespeare play has the lines, "Good morrow, 'tis Saint Valentine's Day'? 


A. A Winter's Tale
B. Macbeth
C. Romeo and Juliet
D. Hamlet

12. How did the "X" in "XOXO" come to represent a kiss? 


A. When pirates found a treasure map, they would kiss the "X" that marked the spot for good luck.
B. When people couldn't write their names, they would sign an "X" and then kiss it in good faith.
C. Young girls used to write "Mrs. X" and then kiss the "X" when dreaming of their future husbands.
D. To "seal the kiss" and the marriage vow between a couple he married, St. Valentine would mark an "X" in the ground.

13. Which country does NOT celebrate Valentine's Day? 


A. Australia
B. France
C. Greece
D. Mexico

14. On what date did the St. Valentine's Day Massacre occur? 


A. February 14, 1930
B. February 1, 1925
C. February 14, 1922
D. February 14, 1929


**ANSWERS**
1. B - Hanging Gardens of Babylon
2. A - Henry VIII
3. C - Tennyson
4. A - 1,000
5. D - Claudius II
6. B - 3
7. B - Pope Gelasius I
8. C - Charles, Duke of Orleans
9. A - The Young Man's Valentine Writer
10. C - Esther Allen Howland
11. D - Hamlet
12. B - When people couldn't write their names, they would sign an "X" and then kiss it in good faith.
13. C - Greece
14. D - February 14, 1929

Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day! If you and that special someone are in need of a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing, feel free to give me a call at 573-746-7211.

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


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
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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

First State Bank Mortgage is Honoring Our Heroes

The Home Loan You Deserve


As a small token of our appreciation, First State Bank Mortgage would like to offer a discount on closing costs to Missouri's first responders. These heroic men and women have stood bravely in the face of danger and we are eager to offer them superior home financing solutions and resources.

First responders that submit a loan application during the month of February that ends in a closed loan will receive $250 off closing costs!



Contact your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender today to learn more about our many loan programs!
  • First Time Homebuyer Programs
  • FHA, USDA & VA 
  • Homes for Heroes Program
  • 5% Down Conventional Loans
  • Jumbo Loans
  • ...AND MORE! 

In addition, for every loan application submitted in the month of February that ends with a closed loan, a $50 donation will be made to C.O.P.S.


We are happy to show our support through such an honorable organization. Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (C.O.P.S.) provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

When it comes to your Lake of the Ozarks financing needs, Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender Michael Lasson is committed to working with you every step of the way! I'll discuss your financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first class service you deserve and I guarantee. Opening the doors to your Lake home!

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


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

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Friday, January 30, 2015

Home Buying Basics

So you've decided to purchase a home, now what? There are many important things to consider throughout the home buying process, especially if you are a first-time home buyer. A home purchase is probably your largest financial transaction to date, so its important that you make the right decisions. With the assistance of your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender and real estate agent, buying a home should be an efficient, pleasant and ultimately rewarding experience. First State Bank Mortgage has some home purchasing basics to help keep you on track!

Real Estate Agent


You can count on your real estate agent to take care of the following:
  • Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way.
  • Show you the homes that fit your personal needs. 
  • Help you determine the difference between a "good buy" and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might be hard to sell in the future. 
  • Negotiate the best deal for you. With a Pre-Qualification letter from your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks in hand, your real estate agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the seller, and may make the difference between the acceptance of your offer or someone else's, even if your offer is lower!

Mortgage Lender


You can count on your Lake of the Ozarks home loan officer to do the following: 
  • Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. This decision can end up saving you thousands of dollars throughout the years. 
  • Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process. 
  • Keep  your real estate agent informed of the loan process. Note: Your personal information is always kept confidential; only deal points and progress are shared with your real estate agent. 
  • Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money not only upfront, but also throughout the years to come. 

Yourself


The following are items you will need to count on yourself for: 
  • Keep your real estate agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop. 
  • Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.
  • Enjoy purchasing your home, but remain objective throughout to make the decisions that are best for you. 
  • Make sure you are pre-approved for your home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks as early as possible. this will put the power of financing behind you so that you can focus on choosing the right home for you! 

When it comes to your financing needs, Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender Michael Lasson is committed to working with you every step of the way! I'll discuss your financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first class service you deserve and I guarantee. Opening the doors to your Lake home!

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


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
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Friday, January 23, 2015

Are You Really Listening?

Active listening is a very important part of business relationships. By being a good listener, you're demonstrating respect to everyone in a conversation. It also helps ensure you are receiving complete details and clarity of the message. Whether you're communicating over the phone or in person, these 6 active listening strategies will keep you tuned in to the conversation!

1. Power Down. 


Don't let technology distract you while you're trying to listen. Email pop ups and cell phone notifications disrupt the conversation and distract both you and the speaker. Put your phone on silent, close your laptop and turn your desktop monitor away from you. Your messages will still be there when your conversation is over.

2. Sit Up. 


How you physcially carry yourself carries through into your energy and attentiveness. Be sure to have good posture, sit up straight and give the speaker your full attention. If you are on the phone, consider standing up to be more alert and attentive.

3. Don't Interrupt. 


Hold your clarifying questions until the speaker is done rather than interrupting the conversation. If you get the speaker off track, you may miss something important he was planning to say. Jot down your questions instead, so that you don't forget. They may even get answered along the way.

4. Cue You are Listening. 


Simple verbal cues like "uh-huh" and "okay" show the speaker that you are still present in the conversation and not just zoning everything out. If you are in person, an occasionall nod goes hand in hand with making eye contact.

5. Summarize Key Points. 


When the speaker is done, summarize his or her key points to show that you were actually listening. State with, "What I'm hearing you say is..." or "If I'm understanding you correctly..."

6. Clarify. 


Ask questions that provide additional details about a situation. You can also clarify what actions or outcomes the speaker anticipated by having the conversation with you.

Active listening is something that I, your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender strives to do. I will listen to your financing needs and discuss home loan options or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks with you. I'm committed to working with you every step of the way!

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


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
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Friday, January 16, 2015

Time to Start Thinking About Taxes

It's Tax Season and now is the time to start getting your documents in order. You should always consult with your tax professional for the best advice on your individual tax circumstances. However, You can use this overview brought to you by the Mortgage Market Guide to get started.

Look Back to Plan Ahead


Dig out your 2013 tax return for a review of the detailed information you collected last year. There are things in you will need to collect again this year in regards to itemized deductions, business use of home or car and equipment depreciation. For more information on tax preparation, please visit: www.irs.gov.

Gather Documentation 


Receipts, invoices, canceled checks, online bill pay or automatic deduction logs, mileage logs and other documents are needed to substantiate deductions. If applicable, you'll need to gather documentation for the following:
  • Charitable Gifts
  • Equipment Purchases
  • Memberships to Professional and Trade Organizations
  • Mileage for Business
  • Mileage for Volunteering 
  • Office Supplies
  • Phone and Date Bills
  • Subscriptions to Professional and Trade Publications
  • Utility Bills (for Business Use of Home) 

Plan for 2015 


To make the gathering process a lot smoother next year, devise a meaningful and easy-to-follow record system. Having one place to keep you records will make it easier next year. However, you'll have to dutifully put invoices, receipts and other documentation in there as it comes in. A file folder or box works fine if it is easily accessible. Electronic scanning and storage also works, but may take more time. 

If you deduct mileage expenses, keep a small notebook and pen in your glove compartment or center console. Commit to keeping track of every business-related mile traveled, along with the date and purpose of travel. You could also use a notebook app on your smartphone to keep track of this information digitally. Tallying your mileage at the end of each month rather than waiting until the end, will save you time. Having this system in place will assist you in substantiating expense and deduction claims going forward. 

Like any other important documents, you should store all tax-related records in a secure location for at least 5 years in case the IRS asks for further information. As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I want to provide you with useful information to help you with your finances. If your in need of a new home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks or are thinking about refinancing, give me a call at 573-746-7211 today!

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


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
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