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7 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Every season brings a whole new set of things to do when you own a Lake of the Ozarks home , and fall is no different. From making sure the leaves are all raked up to making sure your home is well insulated, it can be hard to know what to do next. At eXp Realty, we want to make sure that you are well prepared in any season as a homeowner, and that you can easily transition between each one. Here are 7 fall home maintenance tips you need to remember as the weather starts to change, and your home needs a few things done. 1. Gutters and Downspouts Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways. 2. Inspect Your ...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reverse Mortgages

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The benefits of owning your own home go far beyond just having a place to stay - your home will likely be your greatest financial asset. The equity you build in your home will give you a huge advantage down the road. One way to take advantage of the equity in your home is to sell it and apply the equity towards your new home or towards your retirement. Another way is to take out a reverse mortgage. This week, the team at  eXp Realty  is here to help you get a better understanding of reverse mortgages and the advantages and disadvantages they offer. What is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that lets you convert a portion of your home equity into cash. Essentially, the equity that you built up over years of making mortgage payments can be paid to you. Generally, you don't have to pay back the money for as long as you live in your home. However, when you die, sell your home, or move out, you, your spouse or your estate would have to repay the loa...

Your Credit Score and How it Affects Your Ability to Buy a Home

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Unless you plan to pay in cash, you'll likely require a home mortgage to purchase a home at the Lake of the Ozarks . And that means that you're going to need to get approved for that loan. In order to determine whether a lender will loan the funds to you to purchase property, they're going to look into your financial ability to pay it back - meaning they're going to be checking out your credit score to see if you're reliable or a risk. For some people, this may cause stress if they don't understand why their credit score is such an important part of the mortgage approval process. So, this week, we're sharing with you why your credit score affects your ability to buy a home and what you can do to improve yours. What is a Credit Score? First of all, it's important to know what exactly a credit score is and what it entails. A credit score is a statistical number that evaluates a consumer's creditworthiness and is based on credit history. Lenders u...

Do You Know How Much Your Home's Market Value is?

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As a homeowner thinking about selling a home at the Lake of the Ozarks , it may be beneficial for you to have a comparable market analysis conducted on your home. Our experienced agents can help you with this by providing you with market information to help you choose a fair price and make suggestions on how to make your home more attractive to home buyers. If you're uncertain of what the purpose of a Comparative Market Analysis is, we're sharing with you some reasons why it's beneficial for sellers here: Provides an In-Depth Look at the Local Market Our eXp Realty real estate agents not only work in the local market each day, but they live here too. So they understand the tiny nuances of each area in which they work. They understand the amenities that are in demand, the highlights of each area, and the key buying drivers that are selling homes in the Lake of the Ozarks market. An experienced agent knows much more about their market than any technological tool can pr...

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Your Home for Sale

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Selling a home at the Lake of the Ozarks can be surprisingly time-consuming and an emotional time in your live, especially if this is your first time selling. With no experience and a complex, emotional transaction on your hands, it's easy for first-time home sellers to make lots of mistakes, but with a little know-how, many of these pitfalls can be avoided altogether. Check out these 5 mistakes to avoid when listing your home for sale to help keep your sanity in check throughout this high-emotion time: Mistake #1: Letting Your Emotions Run the Show Once you decide to sell your home, a lot of emotions can take over when you begin thinking about, not only all the memories you've made in your home, but all of the things you have to do to prepare to sell your home. However, by looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you'll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property. Keep in mind that most buyers will also be in an emoti...

5 FAQs About Relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks

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Any relocation can bring up many questions. Moving to the Lake of the Ozarks is no different, and we want to make sure that you are completely confident in your decision. The Lake area is a unique combination of vacation spot and close knit hometown. From the activities and local attractions you'll notice that every season here is different with huge advantages to each. Here are a few questions we know you'll want the answers to before moving to the Lake of the Ozarks. FAQs When Relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks Question: Can I get a home with a view of the Lake? Answer: Of course! At eXp Realty, we have homes of all different shapes and sizes. From small homes that are perfect for retiring at the Lake of the Ozarks, to large homes that will accommodate your entire family in style - we have it all! Question: What are the schools like in the Lake area? Answer: The entire Lake of the Ozarks consists of fabulous school systems. From the schools in Camdenton ...

Narrow Down Your Home Search More Easily

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After you've viewed seven homes and inspected the ins and outs of each of them, it's time to narrow them down and choose one to make an offer on. When you like the kitchen in one, the backyard of another, and the beautiful screened in porch of the other, it can be hard to figure out which one will be the best home for you and your family. At eXp Realty, we will help you every step of the way, and we have a team of the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks who can provide you with the information you need to make your decision. Here are a few ways you can help narrow down your home search. Choose the Best Location If you're between two homes in different towns, decide between the two by thinking of the locations. If one is closer to work, but the other is closer to where your kids will go to school, and after school activities, you may want the place closer to school. Alternatively, if you think you'll be selling the home again in the future, you may ...