Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

On January 1 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff.” The bill  will be signed shortly by President Barack Obama. Below is a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill. Real Estate Tax Extenders Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to January 1, 2014. Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012. Leasehold Improvements: 15 year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.   Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: The 10% tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.   Permanent Repeal of Pease Limitations for 99% of Taxpayers Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that red...

The number of appraisal complaints have risen in recent years due to decreasing home values that began back in 2007 and continued after the Home Valuation Code of Conduct in 2009.  Although the market is more stable, you can still get caught in a sticky situation if your appraisal comes in low.   The job of an appraiser is to gather information, analyze it and make a report.  A low appraisal may not be inaccurate, but it can prevent a lender from approving a loan for the home. An appraisal is a report of the value of a home compared with comparable properties in the surrounding area.  Finding comparable properties can be tricky and cause a lower appraisal, especially if you are in a neighborhood with foreclosures or short sales.  Another factor is that your neighborhood does not have a comparable home and they are forced to look at surrounding areas where market conditions are not the same. How to challenge a low appraisal The appraisal dictates the...

Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate would like to introduce their newest team member, Diana Finley.  Diana lives in Osage Beach and is very active within the Lake Community .  As well as being a graduate of the Real Estate Institute and having received the Leadership Award from the Bagnell Dam Board of Realtors, Diana is also an adjunct professor at State Fair Community College and has been a broker since 2003.  She has worked in all aspects of real estate sales.  Originally from Rolla Missouri , Diana brings an in-depth knowledge of the area as well as professionalism and dedication.  She is a graduate from Central Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing.  In addition, she graduated from University of Kansas with a Master’s Degree in Healing Arts.  Diana moved to the area in 1998 from Kansas City and along with 7 year old daughter Sophia are members of Osage Hills Church .  Diana volunteers for ...

Lately, I have been seeing a wide variety of photos with a strange little elf playing tricks and games with my friends children - I can't help but wonder, what's all the fuss?? Well, let me tell you - there is a great reason for fuss over this skinny little bendable elf!!  This tradition is perfect for revitalizing the magic of Christmas!!  Here is the summary of the Elf on the Shelf Tradition. We all know that Santa has a very BIG job of keeping track of all the little boys and girls - who has been naughty and who has been nice and the best way to do this is to enlist a troop of elves!  These elves become the eyes and ears for Santa for each home that adopts them.   Upon receiving their name, they will also receive their magical powers - and these magical powers allow them to notice every good deed and to return each evening to relay these messages to Santa.  Now here is where the fun begins... Once your Elf reports to Santa (and plays a few reindeer games ...

Many people ask us if they should keep their home listed during the Holidays?  Life would be much easier if you just waited until the first of the year, right?   Although we understand the increased demand and stress that it puts on the owner, we think there are several good reasons to sell your Lake of the Ozarks Home during the Holiday Season.  Here are a few things you should consider when making your decision: If a buyer is looking during the Holiday, they are typically a SERIOUS buyer. Many people take their homes off the market during the Holidays, so there is less competition. Nicely decorated homes will show better during the Holidays. Normally, buyers will have more free time during the Holidays to view your home. Many times buyers are more emotional during the Holidays - this could help you get your listing cost (or at least closer). Sometimes, the buyer is motivated to buy before the end of the year for tax purposes. You can restrict your showings o...

The Lake of the Ozarks is a wonderful place to be during the Holiday Season. The Lake offers lights, festivals, Music Shows, holiday lights by boat and Santa on every corner!!  We are sure to have something to please everyone in your group!!  Check out this list of events around the Lake of the Ozarks area for some great ways to enjoy the Holiday Season! 11/9-12/22 - Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show - Osage Beach, MO 11/12-12/17 - Festival of Trees & Wreaths - Linn Creek, MO 11/17-01/01 - 19th Annual Enchanted Village of Lights - Laurie, MO 11/17-12/9 - Lake Ozark Rotary club 2012 Candyland Event - Stone Crest Mall - Osage Beach, MO 11/23-12/29 - Deck the Docks - Osage Beach, MO 11/27-12/31 - Versailles Unity Circle of Lights - Versailles, MO 11/30 - Supper with Santa at Camden Co Museum - Linn Creek, MO 12/01 Christmas Holiday Ball - Linn Creek, MO 12/01 - Welcome Santa and the Christmas Season - Camdenton Square, MO 12/01 - 31st Annual School of t...

After all the hard work preparing for Thanksgiving Day, the last thing you want to do is cook more appetizers and munchies for your football crowd.  This simple recipe can be prepared ahead of time and only takes about 40 minutes to cook.   This is always a crowd pleaser! The Man Appetizer Makes about 35-40 pieces Preheat oven to 350 1 lb bacon (thin long slices) 1 package lil smokies Brown Sugar Cut your bacon slices in half and wrap each piece around one lil smokie.  Secure by placing the end of the bacon down in the baking dish (for easy clean up, line baking dish with foil).  Sprinkle brown sugar on top of all the meat - Enough to cover them completely.  This will seem like too much, but this is what you want. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.  Cool for a few minutes and serve. We hope you enjoy this recipe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!! The Gattermeir Davidson team is committed to providing valuable real e...