Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

When you're talking Home Improvements, you would think ANY improvement would be a GOOD improvement right?  Well, not necessarily.  If you are trying to sell your home, there are certain "improvements" that will not yield a return on your investment and some that may even turn your potential buyer away. Here are the  Top 5 improvements to avoid if you are trying to sell your home. Pools can cost $20,000-60,000 but do not add much to the home's value.  In fact, many potential buyers will only see this as high maintenance and higher insurance costs.    Home Offices can cost approximately $20,000 but the additional work space will only get about half of that back in the resale. Sunrooms are beautiful and so enjoyable but when it comes to selling your home they will only bring 60% or less return on your investment!!   A deck is much cheaper and appealing to more buyers and will give you a higher return. Master Suites are for those people that pla...

Dogs are a man's best friend, right?  YES...most of the time this is true.  However, when you are trying to sell your home, having a dog can incur some additional work on your part because some buyers may be turned off by the idea of a dog/pet in their "future home." As a dog owner, it may be hard to imagine why anyone's decision to buy a home would be affected by a dog/pet -after all, you are selling the house not your dog/pet.  Although this is true, keep in mind that potential buyers create first impressions based on their opinions of dogs/pets and these impressions may be hard overcome.  Here are some things to consider: The potential buyer may be allergic to dogs/pets The potential buyer might be afraid of dogs/pets. The potential buyer may correlate a dog/pet with the image of a dirty, smelly home. The potential buyer may correlate a dog/pet with a yard that is dug up and messy. Don't be worried or discouraged, we are not telling you to get rid of ...

Every time I visit with a family interested in buying a home in the Lake of the Ozarks area, one of the first things they want to discuss is the school system.   The education of their children is very important and I never miss an opportunity to talk (or brag) about our school systems.  I KNOW we have some of the finest schools that any community could offer.   If you are considering moving to the area and would like more information on the local schools, check out the links and information below.  Camdenton School District The Camdenton R-III School District has a proud and long-standing tradition of excellence in the state of Missouri and has received numerous local, state, and national awards of distinction for the achievements of the community, students, and teachers.   The Camdenton R-III School District has a student population of over 4,200 students with nine school facilities on three campuses employing over three hundred teachers and over six...

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 ...