Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Experts

Most people want to save money wherever they can.  That’s why DIY has become so popular.  However, when it comes to handling your Lake of the Ozarks real estate transactions, For Sale By Owner (FSBO) may actually cost you money in the end.  A real estate professional is out in the field every day.  They see how the market is trending, they know what homes are selling for, they are aware of what people in the area are looking for in a Lake of the Ozarks home.  They have been trained in handling the mounds of paperwork involved.  They know which inspections are needed and what the deadlines for different aspects of your real estate transaction are so nothing gets missed.

Should You Hire An Expert or Go DIY?

A Lake of the Ozarks real estate expert acts as your manager, advertising agent, tour guide (to show prospective buyers your home), negotiator and much, much more.  Keep in mind that this is their job.  This is what they devote their entire day to.  When going the FSBO route, you will have to pile on countless extra hours to your already busy workload, juggling family time with work time with “sell your home” time.  And, unless you have an incredibly tight grasp on what your local Lake of the Ozarks market is doing right now, you may actually end up getting less for your home than an expert negotiator could get you.  That makes the question of whether you should hire an expert or go DIY rather moot, doesn’t it?

DIY projects can save you money, depending on what kind they are.  If you’re handy with a hammer, you could build a bookshelf or a headboard for your bed.  Do you have a flare for color?  Paint a room.  But, when it comes to selling your Lake of the Ozarks home, you need to ask yourself whether you should hire an expert or go DIY with a FSBO.  You will find that hiring an expert comes with many more perks and a lot less headaches than going at it alone.  When you’re ready to sell your Lake of the Ozarks home, please give us a call.

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, visit our Featured Listings page.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

Summer is here and the Lake of the Ozarks area is hopping!  You don’t need a boat for a good time in the water.  Try some waterslide fun at Lake of the Ozarks.

Lake of the Ozarks Bear Bottom Resort

Every Saturday through Tuesday until October 1st, Lake of the Ozarks’ Bear Bottom Resort offers two of the longest open flume body waterslides in the entire state.  That’s more than 700 feet of splish-splashing, body hurling waterslide fun at Lake of the Ozarks.  From 11am to 11pm as long as the weather allows, kids 36″ or taller will be allowed to ride the waterslides as many times as they want.  If relaxing is your cup of tea, settle back at the poolside bar for one of Bear Bottom’s frozen specialty drinks.  You’ll want to stay on until after dark every Saturday night for the fireworks display.  On Sundays, anyone within 10 miles of Bear Bottom Resort can get a ride to and from the resort absolutely free, thanks to Elegant Transport (417-718-0610).

The cost for a day of waterslide fun at Lake of the Ozarks is just $10 per person.  Non-riders can lounge for free.  You can get a season pass if you plan on making this part of your regular summer program.  Just call the Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach at (573) 374-6905.  Slip-slide your way through summer with some waterslide fun at Lake of the Ozarks all the way through October.  You’re guaranteed to have a “beary” good time.

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, visit our Featured Listings page.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

According to the latest figures from Bankrate.com (as of 5/29/2013), a 30 year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) is 3.99%.  That’s the highest it’s been in the last 11 weeks.  A 15 year FRM is 3.21% while the 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is 2.97%.  These are also at their highest levels over the last 11 weeks.  This marks the fourth week in a row that both FRMs and the 5/1 ARM have increased.  The 30 year jumbo loan, on the other hand, had been steadily hovering around 4% until this week, when it jumped to 4.2%.

It’s important to keep these increases in perspective.  While it’s true that the rates are steadily increasing, they are still at incredibly low levels, making a Lake of the Ozarks home purchase much more affordable than a few years ago.  If you want to own a piece of the American dream, now is the time to start looking.  There are several homes available in the area and the interest rates on Lake of the Ozarks homes won’t remain at these levels forever.  Contact us when you’re ready to start looking.

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

From 9am to 2pm, Lake Area Master Gardeners guides will take you on a walking tour of the beautiful gardens in the area.  Not only do we have to find a way to make beauty sprout from rocky clay here in the Lake of the Ozarks region, but we also have to contend with the local deer and other critters that occasionally wander into populated areas.  This tour will show you how other gardening enthusiasts have found a creative way to battle these issues.  You’re sure to get some great ideas for your own home garden.  Local Lake of the Ozarks artists will be set up throughout the tour, putting their visions on canvas.

Tickets are on sale now at Central Bank and First National Bank locations throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region.  They are just $10 each.  Bring your questions and your walking shoes to the Willmore Lodge in Lake Ozark this Saturday for the Lake of the Ozarks Garden Walk Tour.  Take the time to enjoy the bounty that Mother Nature has provided our community.

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

Thursday, June 6th through Sunday, June 9th, the City of Warsaw will be filled with the sights and sounds of Jubilee Days.  This annual festival has everything: parades, carnival rides, pageants, classic car shows and so much more.  Rock out to the live musical entertainment.  Cheer on your favorite competitor at the Turtle Races.  Watch our lovely ladies vie for the title of Queen/Princess of the Jubilee.  And, of course, you can’t have a Warsaw celebration without fair food!

If you’re interested in competing in the Queen/Princess Contest, want to enter your classic car into the show or feel like participating in the parade, please call (660) 438-5922 or pick up an application at the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce.  Don’t miss out on all the fun.  Come to Warsaw Jubilee Days 2013 anytime between June 6th and June 9th.  It’s fun for everyone!

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

While teams from all over the country will begin to meet up on Thursday evening, check-in doesn’t begin until Friday.  DJ Leo Case will be playing the Blues Friday evening from 5pm to 10pm and all day Saturday.  After breakfast is served on Saturday (6am to 10am), first turn in for judging begins at 12pm.  Contestants will be judged on their chicken, ribs, brisket and pork creations in the following categories: KCBS, People’s Choice, Dessert and Kid’s Q.  Prizes will be awarded to the top five placing entries in each category, with a $400 cash prize to the Reserve Champion and $800 to the Grand Champion overall.  Awards will be handed out at 4pm on Saturday.

It’s not too late to enter the Lake of the Ozarks Blues and BBQ Weekend if you would like.  Download an entry form here.  You’d better hurry, though.  Check-in is only a couple of days away.  Even if you don’t enter the contest, you can be a participant.  Just come to 1000 Bagnell Dam Blvd. this Saturday.  You can be a judge to decide which BBQ is the People’s Choice winner.  Sounds tasty to me!

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

Shawnee Bluff Winery, located at 2430 Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark, will be open from 10am to 9pm.  Listen to live music as you enjoy a free wine tasting from 5pm to 8pm.  Learn about the wine-making process, find out which local wines you like best and generally have a relaxing good time.

Casa De Loco Winery, located at 442 Riverbird Lane in in Camdenton, will be open from 10am to 8pm.  Their free wine tastings and live music take place between 1pm and 4pm.  You will learn more about the winery’s history.

Not to be confused with Shawnee Bluff Winery, Shawnee Bluff Vineyards is located at 8 Tolwood Road in Lake Ozark.  They are open from 10am to 6pm and will also be holding free wine tastings.  While you’re there, you can sign up for their VIP club.

Celebrate Mother’s Day a day early or simply bring out your inner wine lover.  Come to the first Lake of the Ozarks Wine Tourism Day this Saturday, May 11th.  Become more educated in how wines are made as well as discover which ones you like the most.  Everyone’s taste is different.  Make a day of it and visit all three Lake of the Ozarks wineries.  Just make sure you drink responsibly.

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARKS HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

The Magic Dragon Street Meet shuts down regular traffic along Bagnell Dam Strip during regular show hours from May 3-5.  Only foot traffic will be allowed so that spectators can go from car to car, truck to truck and motorcycle to motorcycle for an up close and personal view of some of the best looking vehicles ever made.  These vehicles will be on display both Friday and Saturday, with judging to take place Sunday morning.  In addition to the flashy cars, trucks and motorcycles, there will be live music, lots of vendors and tons of food.  Admission is free.

The second car show, Generation Next Magic Dragon, will take place Saturday, May 4th at Monarch Plaza in Lake of the Ozarks.  As the name suggests, this is where the next generation of classic cars will be.  Both imports and domestic cars will be on display.  A DJ will be playing great music and awards will be handed out to contestants, including a 2013 Chevy Camaro for the grand prize winner.

Travel between the two different car shows is easy.  So, why limit yourself?  If you love motorized vehicles of all types and ages, come to the Lake of the Ozarks Street Meet Nationals this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the historic Bagnell Dam Strip.  Visit the past and see the future all in one place.

FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

The Sharing and Caring Foundation is a local organization that raises money for various charities throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area who, in turn, provide services and support for members of our local community.  Some of the Camden County charities they have helped in the past have included Camden County Child Advocacy, the Children’s Learning Center, Feed the Children, the Lake Area Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Share the Harvest Food Pantry, Citizens Against Domestic Violence and Medical Missions for Christ.  Their mission is not to be the sole source of money for any one individual organization but, instead, to provide additional funds needed in times of critical need for a variety of local non-profit charities.

For just $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 10 years old, you get to join in the taste testing and vote on which yummy dessert you like the best from local Lake of the Ozarks bakers.  A silent auction will be held by Bryant Auction to help raise even more money.  Kids of all ages can work off their sugar rush by participating in any of the many fun family activities planned for the evening.

The Lake of the Ozarks Chocolate for Charity event takes place from 5pm to 7pm this Saturday, April 27th in Camdenton.  For more information, please call Tiffany at (573) 346-7934.  Eat some chocolate for charity.  How sweet!

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARKS HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle

Beginning next Saturday, April 27th, the Camden County Museum will be hosting a new Town and Country Market on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9am to 4pm.  You will be able to get the freshest produce around from local Lake of the Ozarks farmers.  Bring home fresh baked goodies made by local bakers.  You can even pick up some unique jewelry, clothing and other items made by local artisans.  Booth space is available.  For anyone interested in selling their items at the market, please contact Yetta at (573) 280-1958.

If you love shopping at a farmer’s market, you’re in luck.  The new Lake of the Ozarks Town and Country Market is set to take place once a month until August, with the first one taking place next Saturday, April 27th, 2013.  After you’re done picking up some goodies at the market, take a tour of the Camden County Schoolhouse Museum to learn about our area’s rich history.  Make a day of it!

FEATURED LAKE OF THE OZARK HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this lake home and others in the area, click here.

Crist & Sharon Fanning, Your Link to the Lake Lifestyle