Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

Essential Heating System Maintenance

2010-10-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid84359694001?bctid=64392966001

Homebuyer Incentives

2010-09-15T08:37:00.001-07:00

(New!)

Dos and Don’ts of Homebuyer Incentives

Homebuyer incentives can be smart marketing or a waste of money. Find out when and how to use them. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Negotiate Your Best House Buy

2010-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Negotiate Your Best House Buy
Keep your emotions in check and your eyes on the goal, and you’ll pay less when purchasing a home. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

2010-07-31T08:22:00.001-07:00

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

While you’d like to get the best price for your home, consider our six reasons to reduce your home price.

Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar

2010-07-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar

2010-06-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for Fun at Lake of the Ozarks... then check out this article on the upcoming AquaPalooza!
http://budurl.com/x73c

Once you have had your fun, if you are interested in Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate, give us a call or email. We would love to work with you.

Horseshoe Bend Extension Project to include office, general commercial, institutional and retail use development

2010-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

LAKE OZARK, MO. - Gov. Jay Nixon went to the Lake of the Ozarks today to announce state economic incentives for a development project that is expected to create several thousand construction and permanent jobs. The Governor awarded $4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the city of Lake Ozark for necessary road improvements for the Horseshoe Bend Extension Project, a 538-acre office, general commercial, institutional and retail use development.

The Governor was joined by local business and community leaders in making the announcement today at the site of the new development in Lake Ozark.

"The Horseshoe Bend Extension Project will have a major impact on the economy of the Lake of the Ozarks region not only for the next few years, but for decades, with the creation of thousands of new Missouri jobs," Gov. Nixon said. "This new development is another clear indication of the momentum of our state's economic recovery. My administration determined that these federal funds should be allocated to this project because of the excellent return on investment to taxpayers, in terms of jobs created."

The Horseshoe Bend Extension Project will remove blight and spur economic investment through the development of 2.9 million square feet of retail property, 637,000 square feet of commercial property and 2,140 residential workforce housing units.

The development's overall investment of more than $1 billion is projected to create 5,612 construction jobs with a total payroll of $169 million; and 10,616 permanent jobs, with an annual payroll of $163 million, according to studies produced by economic impact firms Development Initiatives, Piper Jaffray and Co. and Canyon Research Southwest. With predicted annual sales of $541.8 million upon completion, the project is expected to generate $765.1 million of revenues for all taxing districts over a 25-year period, including $337.7 million of state sales tax.

The project required construction of two miles of four-lane roadway between State Road HH and Business Highway 54, at a cost of $12.6 million. The proposed transportation infrastructure will be funded by the state of Missouri's $4 million CDBG award, plus $8.6 million in funding from the Missouri Department of Transportation and the federal government.

The Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), provides grants and loan funds to cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 to assist in a variety of public works and economic development projects.

Lake of the Ozarks Boating Tips

2010-05-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Team Jane Kelly is excited and ready for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. The weather forecast is looking "Sunny" and so the Lake Area will be busy both land and water. Please enjoy the holiday and stay safe! Call Team Jane Kelly for any of your real estate needs. 573-302-2316 or Toll Free 888-733-5263

For those who plan on spending time on the water, here are some courtesy and safety tips that will ensure everyone a great time:

1. Be aware of those around you.
Drive on the right side of the channel or cove. Look before you turn. All boats have the
responsibility to take whatever action necessary to avoid a collision or accident.

2. Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while water skiing and while operating a personal watercraft. Small children or non-swimmers should wear life jackets at all times anywhere near or on the water.

3. Turn your lights on 30 minutes before sunset.

4. Operate your boat at a safe & prudent speed.

5. Newer boats have a safety cut off switch. Use it.

6. Upon refueling, check your engine compartment for spillage. Use your blower to expel fumes.

7. Get a voluntary inspection of your boat. The Water Patrol and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides this free of charge.

8. Take a boating safety course. (Available through the Water Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron, and online at www.boated.com.) Remember, experience is not always the best teacher.

9. Consideration should be given to equipping your boat with a marine radio or cellular phone.

10. Don't drink and drive. A designated captain is as important on the water as on the land.

Happy Holidays!
The Jane Kelly Team
Re/Max Lake of the Ozarks
www.janekelly.com

Common Buyer Fears

2010-05-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Nice informational article from Realty Times. If you have any Lake of the Ozark Real Estate questions, contact Team Jane Kelly today! We look forward to helping you.

Realty Times - Common Buyer Fears

Home Auction Information

2010-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Below is a great article to read regarding Cates Auction Service. Provided by the Kansas City Star Newspaper. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to call Team Jane Kelly. We would love to hear from you. Click the link below to read the full article.

Cates Auction & Realty Co. Inc.: Luxury continues to change hands at auction - KansasCity.com

Working With a New Buyer

2010-04-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

When Team Jane Kelly begins to work with a new buyer, we will sit down with you, ask a number of questions, and listen carefully to your answers. Our purpose during this initial interview is to get a clear idea of what kind of property you are looking for and your approximate price range. We explain how we will function as your representative, what the local market is like, and what we can do to help you locate that perfect home.

It is important for you as a prospective buyer to be as clear as possible about your needs. After we have talked and you have decided how much you can comfortably spend, we will know how to facilitate your home search. We won't take you through a three-story colonial with a top floor master suite if you want to avoid climbing up and down stairs! Establishing clear communication with our clients helps us save you hours of unfocused house hunting.

Contact Team Jane Kelly Today!
573-302-2316 - Office
www.janekelly.com - website
janekellyteam@janekelly.com - e-mail

Earning Your Loyalty Choosing a Real Estate Agent

2010-04-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

When you begin to search for a new home, you will probably encounter several real estate agents at open houses, through friends or from signs or advertisements. Each agent would like a commitment from you to work exclusively with him or her. Is this arrangement in your best interest or is it better to play the field?

There is a universal law that also pertains to real estate agents--you get back from a relationship what you put into it. If you are not convinced that one agent could possibly fill all your needs, you may be overlooking the positive aspects of a one-on-one relationship.

The first step is to find an agent whom you like and trust. Don't be afraid to discuss your reluctance to work with one agent exclusively, but be open to other viewpoints. You may be pleasantly surprised by the open communication that such an admission will establish right from the beginning! Making a commitment to work exclusively with an agent is part of the formula for success in real estate.

The strongest accountability is in the marketplace. A good reputation and referrals from happy clients are essential to a real estate agent's success!

Jane Kelly Team wants to work for you! Contact Us Today!

Tax Benefits For Homeowners

2010-04-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Owning your home not only allows you to build wealth through appreciation, but it can also reduce the amount of income tax you pay every year.Here are seven tax benefits for homeowners.
1. Homebuyer tax credits
If you purchase your first home before April 30, 2010, you’re entitled to a tax credit of up to $8,000. If you currently own a home, but sell it to purchase another home before April 30, 2010, you’re eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $6,500.
2. Deductions for loan fees
Typically, you can deduct the “prepaid interest” you paid when you got your mortgage loan. That includes points, loan origination fees, and loan discount fees listed on your settlement statement, even if the seller paid those fees for you. Each time you refinance your home, you can deduct prepaid interest fees.However, you must meet certain requirements to take the prepaid interest deductions when you purchase or refinance your home. Check with your accountant to be sure you’re following the rules.
3. Property tax deductions
In the year you purchase your home, you’re entitled to deduct the real estate taxes you paid at the closing table. You can continue to deduct the property taxes you pay each year.
4. The mortgage interest deduction
Every year, you can deduct the amount of interest and late charges you pay on your mortgage and home equity loans, though there are limitations. If you’re required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) because you made a downpayment of less than 20% on your home, you can also deduct those premiums as mortgage interest expenses.
5. Home office expenses
If you have a home office you use only for business, you may be eligible to deduct the prorated costs of your mortgage, insurance, and other expenses related to that space. The government scrutinizes home-office deductions closely. Be sure you’re entitled to the deductions before claiming them.
6. The costs of selling your home
In the year you sell your home, you can deduct the costs of selling it, including real estate commissions, title insurance, legal fees, advertising, administrative costs, and inspection fees. You can also deduct decorating or repair costs you incur in the 90 days before you sell your home.
7. The gain on your home
If you lived in your home for at least two of the previous five years before you sell it, the government lets you to take up to $250,000 of profit on the sale of your home tax free. That amount is doubled for married couples. This deduction isn’t available on rental or second homes.The government also allows you to subtract from your home sale profit any amounts you spend on improvements, such as window replacement, siding, or a kitchen remodel. Those deductions are in addition to the tax credits you can receive in 2010 for making energy-saving upgrades. Money invested for routine maintenance and repairs doesn’t count.This article includes general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice; tax laws vary by jurisdiction.

4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

2010-03-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Homeownership should make you feel safe and secure, and that includes financially. Be sure you can afford your home by calculating how much of a mortgage you can safely fit into your budget.Instead of just taking out the biggest mortgage a lender qualifies you to borrow, consider how much you want to pay each month for housing based on your financial and personal goals.Think ahead to major life events and consider how those might influence your budget. Do you want to return to school for an advanced degree? Will a new child add day care to your monthly expenses? Does a relative plan to eventually live with you and contribute to the mortgage?Still not sure how much you can afford? You can use the same formulas that most lenders use, or try another of these traditional methods for estimating the amount of mortgage you can afford.
1. The general rule of mortgage affordability
As a rule of thumb, you can typically afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. If you earn $100,000, you can typically afford a home between $200,000 and $300,000.To understand how that rule applies to your particular financial situation, prepare a family budget and list all the costs of homeownership, like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care costs.
2. Factor in your downpayment
How much money do you have for a downpayment? The higher your downpayment, the lower your monthly payments will be. If you put down at least 20% of the home's cost, you may not have to get private mortgage insurance, which costs hundreds each month. That leaves more money for your mortgage payment.
The lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for and the higher your monthly mortgage payment.
3. Consider your overall debt
Lenders generally follow the 28/41 rule. Your monthly mortgage payments covering your home loan principal, interest, taxes, and insurance shouldn’t total more than 28% of your gross annual income. Your overall monthly payments for your mortgage plus all your other bills, like car loans, utilities, and credit cards, shouldn’t exceed 41% of your gross annual income.Here’s how that works. If your gross annual income is $100,000, multiply by 28% and then divide by 12 months to arrive at a monthly mortgage payment of $2,333 or less. Next, check the total of all your monthly bills including your potential mortgage and make sure they don’t top 41%, or $3,416 in our example.
4. Use your rent as a mortgage guide
The tax benefits of homeownership generally allow you to afford a mortgage payment—including taxes and insurance—of about one-third more than your current rent payment without changing your lifestyle. So you can multiply your current rent by 1.33 to arrive at a rough estimate of a mortgage payment.Here’s an example. If you currently pay $1,500 per month in rent, you should be able to comfortably afford a $2,000 monthly mortgage payment after factoring in the tax benefits of homeownership. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with your rent, consider what amount would be comfortable and use that for the calcuation instead.Also consider whether or not you’ll itemize your deductions. If you take the standard deduction, you can’t also deduct mortgage interest payments. Talking to a tax adviser, or using a tax software program to do a “what if” tax return, can help you see your tax situation more clearly.

Lake of the Ozarks Water Quality Editorial

2010-03-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Below is an nice editorial published in the March edition of Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter. It is written by John Tucker of the Lake Sun Newspaper. Water Quality at the Lake is very important to the Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Business. Call Team Jane Kelly to help you with your Real Estate Needs!

Editorial courtesy of John Tucker.

There is no way around it; the lake has taken some bad publicity hits in the last year.
What started as an abnormally high E.Coli reading at a public beach, triggered a beach closing, blossomed into a “government cover-up”, inspired “sweeping enforcement initiatives”, made for more than a few negative headlines in major newspapers and finally ended with the lake’s reputation in tatters.
The reality is that the lake, like every lake in the world, has E.Coli in it and it always will. Like many other lakes, after an abnormally heavy rainfall (like the ones we had right before (Memorial Day last year), some parts of the lake may show an increase in E.Coli readings. This, in all likelihood, will also always be the case. Does this make the lake unsafe? No it doesn’t. It just means that people shouldn’t drink a bunch of lake water– especially after heavy rainfall.
E.Coli, is widely misunderstood. There are many types of strains of E.Coli. Most strains of E.Coli are quite harmless. Only a few strains can cause illness – the result of ingesting a bad strain usually being diarrhea (never a fun thing).
Unfortunately, when the lake tested high for E.Coli in May of last year, the public assumed that the strains found were harmful. That’s not true. The truth is that the test didn’t show if the E.Coli found was harmful or not – the type of strain was not known. The test did not differentiate between good and bad. Yes, there was a better chance that there were harmful strains in the lake at that time because the readings were high – but no one knows if the E.Coli was harmful or harmless.
After the high E.Coli readings before Memorial Day of last year, DNR’s subsequent testing showed that the lake was well within EPA standards. The governor’s own report that was released in late December showed very little evidence that there was elevated E.Coli levels in the lake.
What was interesting to me was that during the months when the lake had the most people in it and around it (June through September) – the E.Coli levels were very low– very much within EPA standards.
Quite simply, there is a lot of evidence out there that the lake is very far from being unhealthy.
Perception, however, is everything and many people – thanks to the firestorm of negative publicity – perceive the lake as unsafe, unhealthy and undesirable.
But here is the good news – people in the lake community are starting to work together. The lake has never been known to gather and work on common ground – but it is starting to happen. Most people can agree that the lake’s image needs to be repaired and protected - that is the tie that binds.
The first movement has been to attempt to educate the public. This newspaper is taking part in that. If you take a look at the back of this section, you’ll see an ad that quotes a number of experts proclaiming that the lake is healthy. You’ll also see some simple facts on E.Coli and water quality.
For those who want to learn more or want to immerse themselves in graphs, charts and numbers, there is a web site that has been created that contains more information, data and various reports – www.lakewaterquality.org. The site is in its beginning stages and it will be added to as time goes on.
There is also hope that we will go beyond countering the bad publicity. While the lake is in good shape, we need to protect it. We need to take action that ensures our most valuable resource remains just that. Ways of having more in depth testing of the lake and better analysis of those findings are being discussed. Understanding the lake better, should lead to better ways, programs and laws that ensure we keep and improve water quality.
A local community leader said to me that there might be a silver lining to all of this negative publicity – that with our backs against the wall we might come together and work toward making a better lake. I think he’s right and I think we’re beginning to see it happen.

John Q. Hammons Project Moving Forward

2010-03-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

Below is the latest news on the John Q. Hammons Project. Article courtesy of the Lake Sun Leader Newspaper.

http://www.lakenewsonline.com/news/x1224401545/Hammons-resort-project-a-go-after-court-ruling

This is great News for the Lake of the Ozarks Area.

More Lake of the Ozarks Water Quality News

2010-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

Keep up on the latest news on the Water Quality Issues at the Lake. Click on the link below to read the local Lake Expo news article.

http://lakeexpo.com/articles/2010/02/22/top_news/03.txt

Noteworthy Facts Regarding Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

2010-02-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

- The extension and expansion of the Home Buyer Tax Credit continues to encourage buyers into our stagnant market. Call us at Team Jane Kelly - we are the experts regarding this opportunity. The Tax Credit expires April 30th for contracts signed and June 30th for contracts closed. www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com
- Interest Rates are LOW: 5.0 % for a 30 year fixed mortgage. Indications point to increases this Spring. www.wellsfargo.com
- The Lake of the Ozarks was fatality free in boating related drownings in 2009. Boaters are clearly making smarter choices. www.lakesunonline.com
- The E.coli bacteria counts for Lake of the Ozarks collected to establish a baseline in October indicate a healthy Lake environment - only two of 78 samples taken showed an elevated level, one of which uncovered a faulty State owned treatment plant. The second was located on the Little Niangua near Big Island. www.dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm#initiative
- Team Jane Kelly leads sales for the third consecutive year for Bagnell Dam and Lake of the Ozarks Boards of Realtors® with a total volume of $48,500,000. We are proud to be your Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Professional!

2010-02-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article I found on how the tax credit is helping to stabilize home sales. Hope you enjoy reading it, and if you have any questions regarding purchasing Lake of the Ozark Real Estate don't hesitate to contact us!
Click on the link below to read the entire article.

http://tinyurl.com/yjhcf9w

Lake of the Ozarks Water Conditions

2010-02-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to inform you that have been appointed as a member to an E-coli Task Force for the Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS®. The task force will consist of Jim Handel, Conda Davidson, Kathy Beeler, Joe Roeger and Karie Jacobs.
As most of you are aware, there has been some negative press about the water quality here at the Lake of the Ozarks. This negative press has not helped in the selling of Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate. Below is a link to a website that gives correct and informative information about the true quality of the water. Please take time to read the information, and help spread the good word about our lake!

http://www.lakewaterquality.org.

2010-01-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Jane Kelly Team wants to help you achieve your dream! We will help you with your search, just give us a call. Own your piece of Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate in 2010. Below is an interesting article we found out on the MSN real estate website. http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23168167

Drop in Home Listing Numbers Could Signal Increased Demand - ABC News

2009-12-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

Drop in Home Listing Numbers Could Signal Increased Demand - ABC News

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Holiday Fire Safety Tips

2009-12-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Lake of the Ozarks Holiday Fire Safety Tips:

Blog courtesy of Denise Maher, Buyer Specialist - Team Jane Kelly, Re/Max Lake of the Ozarks.
Here Is an article that I found that I wanted to share with our valued clients & friends. I wanted to share this with you since Christmas is such a special time and so are you!!!!

Residential fires during the holiday season are more frequent, more costly, and more deadly than at any other time of the year. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports more than double the number of open-flame fires on Christmas Day than on an average day, and about twice as many on New Year’s Day. And when those fires occur, they do more damage: Property loss during a holiday fire is 34% greater than in an average fire, and the number of fatalities per thousand fires is nearly 70% higher. When the source of the fire is a highly flammable Christmas tree, the toll in property and lives is even greater.
To keep your household from becoming a holiday fire statistic, here are some safety tips to follow.

Cooking
Cooking is the top cause of holiday fires, according to the USFA. The most common culprit is food that’s left unattended. It’s easy to get distracted; take a pot holder with you when you leave the kitchen as a reminder that you have something on the stove. Make sure to keep a kitchen fire extinguisher that’s rated for all types of fires, and check that smoke detectors are working.
If you’re planning to deep-fry your holiday turkey, do it outside, on a flat, level surface at least 10 feet from the house.

Candles
The incidence of candle fires is four times higher during December than during other months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, four of the five most dangerous days of the year for residential candle fires are Christmas/Christmas Eve and New Year’s/New Year’s Eve. (The fifth is Halloween.) To reduce the danger, maintain about a foot of space between the candle and anything that can burn. Set candles on sturdy bases or cover with hurricane globes. Never leave flames unattended. Before bed, walk through each room to make sure candles are blown out. For atmosphere without worry, consider flameless LED candles

Christmas trees
It takes less than 30 seconds for a dry tree to engulf a room in flames, according to the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Standards and Technology. “They make turpentine out of pine trees,” notes Tom Olshanski, spokesman for the U.S. Fire Administration. “A Christmas tree is almost explosive when it goes.” To minimize risk, buy a fresh tree with intact needles, get a fresh cut on the trunk, and water it every day. A well-watered tree is almost impossible to ignite. Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator, and out of traffic patterns. If you’re using live garlands and other greenery, keep them at least three feet away from heating sources.No matter how well the tree is watered, it will start to dry out after about four weeks, Olshanski says, so take it down after the holidays. Artificial trees don’t pose much of a fire hazard; just make sure yours is flame-retardant.

Decorative lights
Inspect light strings, and throw out any with frayed or cracked wires or broken sockets. When decorating, don’t run more than three strings of lights end to end. “Stacking the plugs is much safer when you’re using a large quantity of lights,” explains Brian L. Vogt, director of education for holiday lighting firm Christmas Décor. Extension cords should be in good condition and UL-rated for indoor or outdoor use. Check outdoor receptacles to make sure the ground fault interrupters don’t trip. If they trip repeatedly, Vogt says, that’s a sign that they need to be replaced. When hanging lights outside, avoid using nails or staples, which can damage the wiring and increase the risk of a fire. Instead, use UL-rated clips or hangers. And take lights down within 90 days, says John Drengenberg, director of consumer safety for Underwriters Laboratories. “If you leave them up all year round, squirrels chew on them and they get damaged by weather.”

Kids playing with matches
The number of blazes—and, tragically, the number of deaths—caused by children playing with fire goes up significantly during the holidays. From January through March, 13% of fire deaths are the result of children playing with fire, the USFA reports; in December, that percentage doubles. So keep matches and lighters out of kids’ reach. “We tend to underestimate the power of these tools,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the nonprofit Home Safety Council. “A match or lighter could be more deadly than a loaded gun in the hands of a small child.”

Fireplaces
Soot can harden on chimney walls as flammable creosote, so before the fireplace season begins, have your chimney inspected to see if it needs cleaning. Screen the fireplace to prevent embers from popping out onto the floor or carpet, and never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace. Only burn seasoned wood—no wrapping paper.When cleaning out the fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal. Pat Curry is a former senior editor at BUILDER, the official magazine of the National Association of Home Builders, and a frequent contributor to real estate and home-building publications.

Everyone have a safe Holiday Season and don't hesitate to call Team Jane Kelly for all of your Lake of the Ozark Real Estate needs.

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate in Winter

2009-11-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

What Is Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Like in the Winter???

I get this question all the time. It seems most people can envision themselves here in the Summer, swimming, skiing, boating, restaurant hopping, and enjoying family vacations, but have a hard time imagining our Winter season.

Just a few days ago, I was able to work from home which is such a luxury, and take care of our home (the cable guy, carpet cleaner, furnace guy today). Just about everyone on The Jane Kelly Team takes care of health issues this time of year – from checkups to surgery put off for slower times. Things that get put on the back burner so we can take care of business that comes to the forefront.

That afternoon, I was able to get together with the group of Team Leaders at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks to brainstorm for a couple of hours about our businesses – how we can work together, accomplish our goals, increase our skills, learn about the best educational opportunities, things we can do to assist our staff and buyer specialists to work better, smarter, and more efficiently. I always come away with renewed dedication to the business after these sharing sessions.

But the thing that keeps the Lake of the Ozarks so special to me as a full time resident is the re-commitment to this community and the time to which we can devote to our Lake neighbors. This evening we connected as a group to support an exceptional individual who is in the last stages of cancer. Connie Gabbert (aka “Constance” to Randy, he is “Randal” to her) was bartender at many of the locals haunts to include Lil Rizzo’s and JB Hooks. Always a smile on her face and quick to pour your favorite beverage, one would be hard pressed to decide if they were going to Lil Rizzo’s for the pizza or to see Connie. No doubt from the turn-out of hundreds of Connie’s friends and aquaintances, Connie is one well loved local figure. The benefit was sponsored by Connie’s friends and former employers, Carol and Linda Borders, where food and drink flowed, live music by Dale Blue, silent and live auctions, and video recordings of Connie’s friends wishing her well. It does a person’s heart good to see the outpouring of love for Connie and her family.

The night time dog walk out in the cool, crisp, clean air of Fall where stars shine so much brighter and, with the leaves off the trees, the views open up to big sky vistas. Looking across our beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, the amber, blue and white lights that flicker and shine in reflections on the water remind me what a truly exceptional and extraordinary place we call home.

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Developments

2009-11-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Recent Developments:

The original site for WalMart located in the High Pointe Center in Osage Beach is showing signs of future development under way. Demolition bids to remove the the old WalMart and the old Consumer's grocery store buildings are in the process of review. Local speculation for future big box development has included Best Buy, SteinMart, Menards, and others interested in having a site in the ever popular Osage Beach, Missouri location. The property is currently being developed by the Raul Walters Developing company. Call Team Jane Kelly at 573-302-2316 for more information.

Osage Beach Expressway Coming Together – How does this effect Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate????

The changing landscape of Osage Beach is becoming more and more apparent. It is expected that the entire project will be completed and open to traffic by Spring, 2011.

The first Phase is preparing for asphalt. This Phase is from the Grand Glaize Bridge to Mace Road – just West of our offices located at 3525 Hwy 54. This Phase effects the highest traffic count the Lake of the Ozarks experiences. Summer of 2010 should see the opening of Phase 1.

The second Phase is between Mace Road North to the Osage River Bridge going East towards Eldon. Many changes in the landscape are visible to motorists in the approach to the downtown area of the center of Osage Beach. Asphalt bids are being let now. Target completion date is Fall 2010.

The third Phase is West of Grand Glaize Bridge to Route KK – still in its infancy, earth movers are on the property and utilities are being installed. Crossing the Glaize Bridge heading West you will see an enormous wall of dirt behind the old Potted Steer restaurant – signs of roads to come. Winter 2011 is the estimated time for completion of this Phase.

Total Cost for all Phases is $150Million.

It is estimated by Missouri Department of Transportation that every dollar spent by the State improving infrastructure, puts an additional $3 back into the region with future developments. This is great news for the Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate and most especially the commercial sector. Maps explaining the various phases are available at our offices as well as a blow up version of the proposed Expressway. Please stop by our offices or call us at 573-302-2316 for a color copy of the expressway.

Updates on Recent Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Auctions:

Last weekend saw four luxury homes and a waterfront lot in Porto Cima being auctioned by ProStar Auctions. A healthy crowd was assembled at all properties. While none of the homes were offered as “absolute” auction (SOLD to the highest bidder), the seller of the property located at 45 Grand Cove Drive, Porto Cima, Mo., accepted the highest bid of $950,000. A 10% buyer premium is added to high bid price so actual sales price is $1,045,000. This is quite a savings from the last list price of $1,995,000 for this 6200 sqft waterfront home.

The other three homes were presented with bids but none met the buyer’s “reserve” so it is still unknown if any of these actually sold. ProStar Auctions will retain a 90 day option to continue to market the properties to individuals that showed interest in the property. I will do what I can to report factual results of the auctions as they become known.

Anyone that wants additional information about the auction process – whether you are a buyer or a seller – please contact us at 573-302-2316. We have represented both buyers and sellers at the auction table.

Team Jane Kelly Launches 2009 Food Drive

2009-11-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Team Jane Kelly has launched the 2nd annual "Agents for Aid" food drive for the Lake of the Ozarks area. Last year Jane Kelly decided as bad as the economy was, we still had plenty to be thankful for and she challenged all our Re/Max teams to bring donations to her office. Re/Max agents donated a trailer full of food to Hope House and other area agencies. Over $1,500 was donated, and Paul’s Supermarket gave Re/Max a 10% discount on food items that added to the already large amounts of food. This year we put the challenge out to all Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate offices offering to pick up their donations! If you would like to donate, please contact Team Jane Kelly at 1-888-SEE-JANE (1-888-733-5263). Working together to help the community we live in is just one way to give back for the many blessings our team has received!

Lake of the Ozarks Food Drive

2009-11-14T06:47:00.001-08:00

2009 "Agents for Aid" Holiday Food Drive

Join Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Agents to unite for the common good. Raising non-perishable food items to benefit the Lake of the Ozarks local food banks for the holiday season. All donations will be delivered to local agencies such as Hope House, Helping Hands Homeless Shelter, Lamb House and Citizens Against Domestic Violence. We are asking real estate agents across the Lake of the Ozarks to collect non-perishable food items which will be collected and stored at the Team Jane Kelly, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks office in Osage Beach, and then distributed in time for the holiday season. Currently food supplies at many of the organizations are running low and the holiday seasons always puts an additional strain on those food supplies. Please join together because as a group...we can make a difference to many Lake of the Ozarks Area families this holiday season! We will be accepting donations beginning 11/5/09 thru 12/15/09. Our runner will be happy to pickup donations at your office, just give us a call!! Along with non-perishable food items there is also a need for the following items:
Paper Towels, Plastic Wrap, Toilet Paper, Laundry Soap, Trash Bags, Peroxide, Band-Aids, Antibiotic Ointment, Zip-Lock Bags, Deodorants, Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda, Bleach, Dish Soap, Glass Cleaner, Sponges, and Cleaning Gloves.

Please join forces with Team Jane Kelly this holiday season to provide assistance to many Lake Area families. Together we agents really can make a difference! Feel free to call with any questions-302-2316 or contact us at http://www.janekelly.com/

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate E-911 Dock Addresses

2009-11-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate – Emergency 911 Dock Requirements by January 1, 2010

You might have already heard that you will be required to have your E-911 address visibly displayed on your dock to assist our emergency personnel in finding your property. Many of the emergency calls at the Lake are answered by the Missouri Water Patrol. It has just come to our attention that Kelly’s Port is going to be instrumental in getting these signs made and installed. Orders for these signs must be done no later than December 15th, 2009 to comply with the requirements. The installations will be done in January by Kelly’s Port. The signs will be thru-bolted into the purlins at the end of the dock.

If you are interested in purchasing your dock signs, please contact Kelly's Port at 573-348-4700. Pricing and photos are below.

Standard 3 line sign with black lettering runs $164.48 installed on the dock.

The 4 line sign with the last name added, installed in black is $175.25

(Colored lettering if desired is $10.00 additional)

The Following article courtesy of Ameren UE to the Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Owners

Permit Number and Address Posting Requirements
Effective January 1, 2010, Missouri State Law (HB 657), in conjunction with current AmerenUE Guidelines, will require that all docks on the Lake of the Ozarks display a dock permit number and the 911 address of the property the dock is most adjacent to. These requirements will not only assist those unfamiliar with their location on the Lake but will assist 911 call centers in dispatching the appropriate first responders during an emergency situation.The posting requirements include displaying the permit number, street address and zip code for the address in 3” block lettering. The lettering must be a highly contrasting color from the background color. The sign shall be located on the lake side of the dock in a location most visible from the cove or channel. An example of the posting requirements is shown below.

Additionally, we have enclosed two safety messages that can be installed on the sign as a reminder of the importance of wearing a life jacket and designating a captain when operating any watercraft:

If you need assistance in determining your 911 address, please contact your county 911 addressing center at:
Camden County—573.346.4440
Miller County—573.369.1960
Morgan County—573.378.2453
Benton County—660.438.9555

First Time Lake of the Ozarks Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension

2009-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

Great news! Expanded home buyer credits expected to be approved by Obama by Nov 15th.

This credit now qualifies not just for first time home buyers, but any buyer purchasing by June 30, 2010.

To see if you qualify to purchase real estate at Lake of the Ozarks and receive this tax credit, contact The Jane Kelly Team at 888-733-5263.

According to RISMEDIA, Nov 5, 2009: The homebuyer tax credit, due to expire at the end of November would be extended through April 30 of next year. First-time buyers who are in the process of making a purchase would not need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline.

For the first time, the legislation that was recently cleared makes move-up buyers as well as first-time buyers eligible for a credit. The $8,000 maximum first-timer credit will continue and will now be available to couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in existing law. A new $6,500 maximum credit would also be available to move-up homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.

For homebuyers across the country, the expanded tax credit would allow more people to qualify for the credit. While two-thirds of American families own their own home, and most earn less than the income limits that have been established within the extension, more buyers may be eligible. Move-up buyers don’t have to sell their current home to qualify for the new credit, but the money cannot be used to buy a vacation home. “It’s only for a primary residence,” said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Sen. Harry Redi (D-Nev.), who helped engineer the deal. “In expanding the tax credit, we are helping first-time home buyers, as well as homeowners looking to move up to a new home, but we would exclude from the credit speculators who may have recently purchased a home intending to flip it for a fast profit,” said Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana and chairman of the Finance Committee.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the market for Lake of the Ozarks real estate? Contact Team Jane Kelly : 888-733-5263

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Factoid - Sept 2009

2009-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

The number of Lake of the Ozarks homes sold in September, 2009 is up 9.4% from September, 2008. However, dollar volume was down 40% indicating more lower priced home sales. Average sales price in September, 08 was $342,600 compared to September, 2009 average sales price of $185,061. This is the third consecutive month of increased number of Lake of the Ozarks home sales compared to the prior year.

+++++

In the market for Lake of the Ozarks real estate? Team Jane Kelly is the number one real estate team in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Contact us for your Lake of the Ozarks real estate needs!

Team Jane Kelly
RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks
3525 Hwy 54
Osage Beach, MO. 65065
Toll Free: 888-733-5263

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

Essential Heating System Maintenance

Homebuyer Incentives

Dos and Don’ts of Homebuyer Incentives

Negotiate Your Best House Buy

Negotiate Your Best House Buy

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar

Horseshoe Bend Extension Project to include office, general commercial, institutional and retail use development

Lake of the Ozarks Boating Tips

Common Buyer Fears

Home Auction Information

Working With a New Buyer

Earning Your Loyalty Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Tax Benefits For Homeowners

4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

Lake of the Ozarks Water Quality Editorial

John Q. Hammons Project Moving Forward

More Lake of the Ozarks Water Quality News

Noteworthy Facts Regarding Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

Lake of the Ozarks Water Conditions

Drop in Home Listing Numbers Could Signal Increased Demand - ABC News

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate in Winter

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Developments

Team Jane Kelly Launches 2009 Food Drive

Lake of the Ozarks Food Drive

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate E-911 Dock Addresses

First Time Lake of the Ozarks Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Factoid - Sept 2009