Answers To Your Questions About Buying A Home

There is a lot that goes into buying a home. If it's your first time buying or selling a home (or your first time many years), you probably have lots of questions about the process. Our real estate agents in Sunrise Beach MO are here to help make the process easier for you - keep reading to find the answers to some of your questions about buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Q:  How Long Does It Take To Buy A Home?
A:  The home buying process is different for everyone; there is no set amount of time. It depends on what homes are currently for sale, how long it takes you to find the one you want, how long it takes for you and the sellers to agree on the terms of the sale, how long it takes for you to get approved for a mortgage loan, what the title search reveals, and countless other factors. At a minimum, the process will probably take 1.5-2 months from start to finish (but it could take much longer than that).

Q:  What Is The First Step In The Home Buying Process?
A:  In today's day and age, most people begin the home buying process by browsing current listings online. While there is no harm in looking at available properties this way, you should really begin the process by talking to a mortgage lender to get prequalified or, better yet, preapproved. This will give you a realistic estimate of what your price range will be. Your next step should be to contact a real estate agent. Your agent can help you identify homes with good potential and arrange for you to tour your favorite homes in person.

Q:  Financially Speaking, Does Buying A Home Make More Sense Than Renting?
A:  Homeowners often find that their homes become valuable long-term investments. Home prices have consistently increased over the years, and many homeowners are able to sell their homes for greater amounts than they originally paid for them. Buying is especially advantageous right now, as interest rates are continuing to hover around all-time lows. Some first-time buyers hold off because they believe that they cannot afford a mortgage yet, but the important thing to realize is that as a renter, you are still paying a mortgage - it just happens to belong to someone else.

Q:  What Is A Contingency?
A:  A contingency is a certain term that must be met in order for something (such as a contract or an agreement) to be considered valid. They are incredibly valuable for anyone buying a home, because they allow the buyers to enter into a purchase agreement with the understanding that they will be able to back out of the agreement if certain things fall through. A financing contingency is a great example. An offer that is "contingent upon financing" will only be considered legally valid if the buyers are approved for their mortgage loan. Home purchase agreements can also be contingent upon the inspection, the sale of the buyers' current home, and many other things.

Q:  What Is Earnest Money?
A:  Earnest money is money you provide when you submit an offer to the sellers to show that you are serious about purchasing the home. Most experts recommend the earnest money amount range from 1-3% of the home's total purchase price. This earnest money will be held by an escrow officer (typically a title company) until closing, at which point it will be applied towards the closing costs. If the sale of the home falls through for any reason, the money should be returned to you.

Other Questions About Buying Real Estate?
Contact Eagle's Nest Realty!
We hope this information helps you begin to get a better understanding of the home buying process and how it typically progresses, but (if you're like most buyers) you probably have many other questions that haven't been addressed here. If that's the case, contact our Lake of the Ozarks REALTORS® for answers to your specific questions. We would be honored to assist you and make your dreams of buying a house in Sunrise Beach MO (or anywhere else around the Lake) finally come true!

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NEW LISTING in Osage Beach!

Thinking about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks? We have the PERFECT home for you! This gorgeous new listing in Osage Beach, Missouri is the perfect place to raise a family, retire, or to vacation in your second home at the Lake of the Ozarks. With incredible views, recent upgrades, and a spectacular decor scheme, this beautiful property probably won't stay on the market for long!

Lakefront Home For Sale In Osage Beach, MO

Think that all waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks have steep, winding driveways - and even more precarious stairs leading down to the dock? Think again! The home at 2453 Mowhawk Trail, Osage Beach MO features a flat driveway and a nice, level lot.

Here's a quick look at this home's basic features:

• 2500 Sq Ft
• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Bathrooms
• 2-Car Garage (Attached)
• $350,000

If these basic features weren't enough to entice you, wait until you see all of the other outstanding features and qualities this home has to offer:

• 110 Feet of Waterfront
• 2 Well Dock
• Double Jet Ski Lifts
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• TWO Wood-Burning Fireplaces
• Hardwood Floors
• Sunken Living Room

For more pictures of and information about this home, visit http://eaglesnestrealty.net/2453mohawktrail.html.

But Wait, There's More!

As if this home's stand-alone features weren't enough, the home is situated in the upscale Mohawk Estates subdivision. Located off highway KK in Osage Beach, this property is mere minutes away from golf courses, restaurants, retailers, Lake Regional Hospital, and more. Not only that, but the sellers are willing to consider a lease option for those of you who may not be ready to officially buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks.

What are you waiting for? Contact Eagle's Nest Realty to schedule a showing of this incredible property today.

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Buying vs Renting (We Can Do Both!)

You've lived in your current apartment for one-two years, and now your the end of your lease is approaching. It's time to make a crucial decision: do you buy or rent your next home?

Couples and individuals all over the country face this sometimes difficult decision every day. Both buying and renting have enticing advantages that make them compelling options, but which one is right for you and your lifestyle? Your friends at Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. are here to help by evaluating some of the unique advantages of each.

Reasons To Rent Your Next Home

Increased Flexibility
If you are only planning on living at the Lake of the Ozarks for a short while, renting is almost definitely your best option. Rental leases typically range from one to two years. This shorter time frame gives you a place to stay now without locking you into anything long-term. When you are ready to move, you can simply choose to not renew your lease; you don't have to deal with the hassle of trying to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

No Maintenance Costs
As a renter, maintaining your home's fixtures and major appliances is not your responsibility. If the HVAC system quits working or your kitchen sink develops a leak, you can call your landlord and have him/her take care of it. Not being responsible for these continuous maintenance costs can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Saving Money
You might plan to buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks eventually, but that does not necessarily mean that now is the right time to buy. Renting requires an initial deposit, but the deposit will be much lower than the down payment you would need to provide if you were buying. By biding your time and renting for a few years, you can save up to buy the home of your dreams.

Reasons To Buy Your Next Home

Home Equity
Equity is one of the biggest advantages homeownership offers. "Equity" refers to the amount of the home you actually own; you can determine your amount of equity by taking your home's current market value minus the amount you still owe on your home loan. You can use your equity to take out a second mortgage or provide a bigger down payment on your next home.

Freedom
Buying a house might lock you into one location for a longer period of time, but many homeowners actually feel freer than they did when they were renting. As a homeowner, you are the one who gets to decide what color to paint your bedroom walls, how many pets you want to have, and whether or not to add decorative brick or stone to the front of your house. No one else gets to make those decisions for you!

Appreciation
In a growing economy (like the one here at the Lake), appreciation is almost unavoidable. As a homeowner, you can use this fact to your advantage. If you have your home for at least five years, chances are you will be able to sell your home for more money than you originally paid for it. In addition to giving you a stable place to live, then, owning your own home can actually help you make money.

Eagle's Nest Realty Can Help You With Both!

No matter whether you decide to buy or rent a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, the team at Eagle's Nest Realty is here to help. We have the experience you need to help you shop for, make an offer on, and negotiate the transaction of buying your very own home, but we also have insider information on some great long-term rental properties. Give us a call for more information!

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Buying Homes at the Lake of the Ozarks

There are few things as exciting as the search for a new home! Buying a new house is your chance to start a new chapter, and the possibilities are limitless. Do you want a spacious condo on the Lake of the Ozarks? A quiet interior home? A gorgeous waterfront home? It's up to you!

Getting Equipped For Your Home Search

As you begin your search for homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's important to make sure you are fully prepared. It doesn't matter whether you're moving across the country or down the street; moving to a new home is a big process that requires lots of time, energy, and resources.

In order to make sure you are ready for everything that will come your way, ask yourself these questions:

• Is my budget in order? Do I know how much I can afford for a down payment and subsequent monthly payments?
• Do I have a clear picture in mind of what I'm looking for in my new home?
• Have my children been mentally prepared for the move and everything that will entail?
• Have I educated myself on the process? Do I know what to expect?

Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big undertaking, but it doesn't have to be challenging if you are properly prepared. 

Eagle's Nest Realty Can Help!

If you're buying your first home (or even if you're a repeat buyer), you may understandably be a little overwhelmed by all of the little details that need attention. Hiring a professional Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent to help you along the way can make a huge difference! The team at Eagle's Nest Realty has the experience you need and the expertise you can count on to guide you through the process from start to finish.

We also have several resources available to buyers on our website. Prospective buyers can:

• Use our free mortgage calculator to get an idea of what their future monthly payment will be
• Subscribe to receive alerts when new properties become available and/or when prices drop
• Search all of the homes for sale at the Lake.

We also offer a free buyers' guide with valuable information for anyone looking for a home. You can access all of the resources by visiting www.eaglesnestrealty.net/home-buyers.html

We Look Forward To Working With You!

If you're ready to begin actively searching for homes or if you simply have a few broad questions you would like to get answered, we would love to talk to you! Give us a call to set up a meeting today.

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Welcome to the New Eagle's Nest Realty Blog!

Welcome to the first-ever blog by one of the leading real estate companies at the Lake of the Ozarks, Eagle's Nest Realty! Buying and selling real estate can be challenging, but with the right Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent and the right attitude, it can also be fun. We have been serving the entire Lake Area for over fifteen years, and we would love to assist you with your next real estate transaction!

Buying Homes at the Lake of the Ozarks

Buying a home is such an exciting experience. It's a chance to build your nest - a chance to find your house and make it a home. We have a great deal of experience representing buyers all over the Lake, and we have many tools and skills we can use to help buyers through the process. Our website can help you buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks with the following tools:

• Links to view every home for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks
• Free mortgage calculator to help you estimate monthly payments
• Link to download a FREE buyer's guide to help you along the way

We can show every home for sale at the Lake, so give us a call at 573-280-0769 when you're ready to view some homes!

Selling Homes at the Lake of the Ozarks

Selling your house is a big step. You've spent years working to build and protect the home of your dreams, and now you've decided to move. Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, it's a big process. Selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big process, and you want to be sure that you get the best price you can.

We have plenty of resources to offer sellers. Fill out the short contact form on our website to receive our free seller's guide jam-packed with valuable articles:

• Where Are Prices Headed Over The Next 5 Years?
• Should I Rent My House Instead Of Selling It?
• 5 Reasons To Sell Now
• Where Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed?
• 5 Demands To Make On Your Real Estate Agent

Every seller's situation is different, but their end goal is the same: every buyer wants to sell their home quickly and for the best possible price. We would love to help you do that!

We Look Forward To Helping With Your Real Estate Needs!

No matter whether you're buying or selling, we would love to help you with your real estate needs at the Lake. Be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow our social media channels to keep up with everything happening at Eagle's Nest Realty. We are excited to work with you!

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