Why Your REALTOR® Will Be Your New Best Friend

When you're buying or selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, having a Sunrise Beach real estate agent on your side can make an incredible difference. Throughout the entire process (and hopefully your future real estate transactions as well), your real estate agent will be right there by your side, guiding and assisting you in any way he or she can. In fact, many people agree that their real estate agents become some of their closest contacts during the process. Here are a few reasons why your REALTOR® at the Lake of the Ozarks will be your new best friend.

Your Agent Has Your Best Interests In Mind.
Both buyers and sellers often want the transaction process to happen as quickly as possible, but other than that, they have very different priorities. As the homebuyer, you want to find a house for the lowest possible price. As the seller, you want to sell your home for the highest possible price. No matter what your needs are, your agent will be right there with you to advocate for your position. 

Nothing Can Shock Your Real Estate Agent.
An experienced Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent has seen it all. Terrible decorating styles, messy divorces that complicate the selling process, unexpected job losses, bankruptcies, deaths in the family... no matter what it is, you can almost guarantee that your agent will have dealt with someone who has experienced it in the past. If and/or when complications in your own life arise, your agent will be able to calmly and rationally help you determine the best path to pursue.

Your Agent Will Be Totally Honest With You.

All good relationships are built on honesty. If you're buying a house, your REALTOR® will be able to help you identify what you can truly afford by educating you on the other costs you will be expected to cover as a homebuyer. If you're selling, your agent will be able to help you identify a realistic asking price and work with you as you negotiate the sale of your home. No matter what your needs are, your agent will be sure to work with you to ensure you have a successful transaction.

Your Relationship With Your Agent Will Last Beyond The Closing Date.
A good real estate agent will work closely with you through the closing date and beyond. If you have future questions about the home you purchased, such as how to gauge if it has gone up in value or selling tips if/when you decide to move, your agent will be there for you. In turn, you can help your agent by referring your friends and family members to him when they are in need of assistance. It's a wonderful relationship!

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What Is Inspected In A Home Inspection?

Buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks is a complicated process with lots of required steps, and having a real estate agent in Sunrise Beach to guide you can make a world of difference. One of the steps you will have to take is hiring a professional home inspector to perform a thorough inspection of the property. This week, Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. is here to help you get a better understanding of this important part of the process.

The Home Inspection

During the inspection, the inspector will closely evaluate every aspect of the property to determine its current condition. The inspection report will contain a detailed analysis of the inspector's findings. This report aims to uncover any potential issues with the property, especially anything that could lead to costly repairs. When these issues are identified before the closing, the buyer has the opportunity to negotiate the cost of these repairs into the home purchase (or potentially back out of the sale altogether). There are a couple of different ways to negotiate the cost of repairs in a home purchase:

• The sellers can perform any necessary repairs before the closing date.
• The sellers can reduce the sale price to accommodate for the buyers' cost of the required repairs.
• The sellers can contribute to the closing costs in exchange for the buyers covering the cost of the repairs.

After the closing date, any issues with the property will become the buyers' responsibility - regardless of whether or not the buyers were aware of these issues before they purchased the home. It comes as no surprise, then, that the inspection report is an incredibly valuable tool for anyone who is purchasing real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Items Covered In The Home Inspection

As we have discussed, a proper home inspection is incredibly thorough. The inspector should evaluate almost every aspect of the property. Here are a few examples of the items an inspection report should cover. (Source: Angie's List)

• Structural components: foundation, framing
• Plumbing systems: water heating equipment, sump pump, drains, pipes
• Roof system: shingles, skylights, flashing
• Heating and cooling systems: equipment, venting, energy sources
• Fireplaces: chimney, vents
• Electrical system: breakers, fuses, service panels
• Exterior features: porches, balconies, railings, walkways, siding, soffits, driveways
• Interior features: walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, stairs, railings
• Insulation and ventilation

Septic Systems are another very important part of home inspections, especially at the Lake. The current owner of the property will need to locate the tank and uncover it (remove the lid) for the inspector to access the tank. The required tests will include an inspection of the tank and dye flushed into the system from the house. The leech field should show no color on the surface to pass. Never buy a house without testing the septic system! If the home is on a private well, the water should also be tested for coliform bacteria by a commercial or government laboratory.

While it may not be a comprehensive list, this should help you get a better understanding of the home inspection and the types of things covered in the process.

Questions About Buying A House? We Have Answers!

If you have additional questions about buying real estate and what the process looks like, don't be afraid to give us a call at 877-452-5338. Our team of experienced real estate professionals at the Lake of the Ozarks would be honored to help you in any way we can. We look forward to talking to you!

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Should You Rent Out Your Second Home?

As the owner of a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you must make many important decision about your second property. Most importantly, you must decide what should happen to the property when you are not there. Do you let it sit empty, or do you rent it on a nightly or weekly basis to vacationers? If you plan on not visiting the property for a long time, do you want to consider leasing it to earn additional income? Eagle's Nest Realty is here to help you weigh the pros and cons.

Benefits Of Renting Out Your Second Home

Under the right circumstances, renting out your second home can be a great option. Here are a few of the potential benefits of renting out your second home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Someone Has An Eye On The Property
All homes require maintenance. One of the drawbacks of being away from your second home for an extended amount of time is that you may not be present to identify the need for certain repairs as they arise. If you have a renter on the property, you can be confident that someone will be present on the property and you will hear if something is in need of repair.

You Can Earn Supplemental Income
Owning a second home can be expensive, but having a consistent source of income from renters or vacationers can be a great way to offset the costs of ownership. If you lease your home for a year or more, you may even be able to earn enough income that you have some leftover after paying the mortgage and utilities. 

You Get To Be Involved In Someone Else's Lake Memories
The memories made at the Lake of the Ozarks are some of the best memories. By renting out your second home, you get to be a part of someone else's lake memories. Leave a guest book in your home so your vacationers can share their stories and their excitement. You'll love reading through it afterwards.

Drawbacks Of Renting Out Your Second Home

Unfortunately, renting out your second home may also come with a few drawbacks. Here are a few of the things you should be aware of before deciding to rent out your second property.

It May Be Harder To Take Care Of Repairs When You're Not There
Though having renters in your home practically guarantees you will be made aware of any issues in need of repairs, it doesn't mean that taking care of them will be any easier. Negotiating with repairmen and overseeing repairs from a long distance can be challenging.

Getting The House Ready In Between Renters Can Be Challenging
If two renters reserve your property back to back, you will have to learn to prepare the property for new renters very efficiently. The vast majority of property owners hire a cleaning service to help them with this process. You'll have to be ready to complete quick turn-arounds!

Your House May Be Damaged By Renters
The worst part about renting out your home is that you risk it being damaged by your renters. Since the home is not their own, they may not be as careful with the property. Their potentially reckless behavior could lead to the need for additional repairs, which may in turn be more difficult to handle since you're not there.

Eagle's Nest Resort Can Make The Process Easy For You!

While these drawbacks may seem daunting, there is still some good news. When you rent your home through a vacation rentals company at the Lake of the Ozarks, the burden is lifted from your shoulders. We will negotiate with renters and facilitate anything that needs to be done to care for your Lake of the Ozarks home. Visit our website for more information!

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Home Inspection vs Home Appraisal

Buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big undertaking. A successful transaction requires the cooperation of several different parties: the buyers, the buyers' agent, the sellers, the sellers' agent, the mortgage lender, the title company, and more.

There are also several steps that must be completed before closing. Two vitally important steps are the home inspection and the home appraisal. While they serve very different purposes, some buyers get these two steps confused. This week, your real estate agents in Sunrise Beach are here to help you understand their differences.

Home Appraisal

The appraisal usually takes place before the inspection. To put it simply, the home appraisal is the process wherein an appraiser evaluates the house to determine its current market value. This is a critical part of the home buying process, because lenders typically will not authorize loan amounts greater than the official appraisal value of the home. As the buyer, you will generally be responsible for covering the cost of the home appraisal.

Your appraisal value will be the sum of several different factors, such as the location, the local real estate market, the number of rooms, the square footage, the quality of the materials and construction used, and the overall condition of the property. While houses rarely sell for the exact appraisal amount, the appraisal can serve as a valuable guideline for both the buyers and the lender.

Home Inspection

The home inspection typically happens a little bit later in the process, but it is still absolutely essential. During this process, a certified home inspector will critically evaluate the entire property to determine its condition. A proper home inspection is incredibly thorough, encompassing the foundation, roof, HVAC system, deck, electrical system, plumbing system, fireplaces, insulation and ventilation, and more. As with the home appraisal, the buyer is generally responsible for paying for the home inspection.

The home inspection can be a valuable eye-opener for the buyer. In many cases, we recommend that our buyers include a "contingent upon inspection" clause in their initial offer. This allows them to change or cancel their initial offer depending on the information revealed in the home inspection. If the inspection reveals that some aspect of the property is in need of major repair, the the cost of the repair may be negotiated into the contract, or the buyer may be able to back out entirely.

Eagle's Nest Realty Is Here To Guide You

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing your new home in Sunrise Beach MO. The team at Eagle's Nest Realty will be here to guide you along every step of the way, helping you evaluate each new piece of information to make smart, well-informed decisions. Visit our website to learn more about our real estate services at the Lake of the Ozarks!

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3 Tips To Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

When you're house hunting at the Lake of the Ozarks, the features you look for will vary depending on with whom you plan to share your home. If you have young children, for example, you may look for a house with easy access to playgrounds or swimming pools. If someone in your family is disabled, you may look for a single-level home without any stairs. If you have pets, you will have to look for an entirely different set of accommodations.

For many of us, our pets are integral parts of our families. If you plan to share your home with furry family members, there are several things you can/should do to make your home more pet-friendly. Here are a couple of tips from your friends at Eagle's Nest Realty.

3 Tips To Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

1. Research Which Types Of Houseplants Are Safe
Houseplants serve many great purposes, such as beautifying our homes and oxygenating the air we breathe. However, some types of common houseplants can be toxic to cats and/or dogs if ingested. Do your research on each new type of houseplant before bringing it into your home.

2. Tuck Trash Cans Out Of Reach
Almost everyone knows at least one person (if not multiple people) whose dogs have gotten into their trash cans. This is frustrating for you because it almost always results in a giant mess, and it's also dangerous for your dogs because human trash cans typically contain waste that is toxic or dangerous. For example, our bathroom trash cans may contain:

• Makeup containers
• Medication bottles
• Razor blades

Our kitchen trash cans may contain:

• Spoiled food
• Food that is toxic to dogs and cats (such as garlic, fruit, tomatoes, chocolate, etc)
• Plastic bags

These examples are just a few of the items that can prove dangerous or even deadly to your pet if ingested. For everyone's safety, it's best to use lidded trash cans or to keep your trash cans tucked away in the closet or cabinet under the sink.

3. Keep Electrical Cords And Wiring Out Of Reach

It's time to take a critical look at the cords and electrical wires that are connected to your devices. While they may not be prominently visible, your curious dog or cat may find them and decide they look like fun, chewable toys. This is bad for both you and your pet, so it's bet to make sure all of your cords are tucked out of reach.

Looking For A New Home? Eagle's Nest Realty Can Help!
If you're in the market for a new home, we hope you'll reach out to our real estate agents in Sunrise Beach MO. After listening to your wants and needs, we will search the available homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks to help you identify which properties might be right for you. We promise to be there for you along every step of the process, from the initial home search to the final negotiations. Visit our website to learn more about how we may be able to help you!

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NEW LISTING! Lakefront Home in Sunrise Beach

Welcome to the Lake Lifestyle! We want to take this opportunity to showcase one of our new listings at the Lake of the Ozarks. This gorgeous waterfront home in Sunrise Beach MO has been beautifully maintained and is the perfect full-time or part-time destination for anyone thinking about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks. You're going to love this home!

Quiet Lakefront Living

Comfortably situated on a peaceful point, this home offers a 20 ft lakefront lot with its own private dock. The view speaks for itself! Perfect for a growing family or a retired couple, this home is sure to appeal to everyone. Here's a quick look at the home's basic features:

• 2,400 square feet
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Over half an acre of property
• Natural gas heat
• Private well and septic system
• 33104 Morning View Drive, Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Beautifully Maintained

The home was built between 1960 and 1969, but the home has been magnificently maintained and is still in great condition. The level of care extends to the exterior, featuring a groomed yard and beautiful gardens. With so many great features, this home is sure to have something everyone loves!

• Wood burning fireplace upstairs
• Gas fireplace downstairs
• Hot tub
• Updated kitchen
• Attached garage AND detached garage
• 20 x 30 workshop
• BONUS room downstairs perfect for crafts or a cozy library

Call Eagle's Nest TODAY To Schedule A Showing!

Despite its great locations and abundant amenities, this home is priced at just $209,000. At such an incredible price, it probably won't stay on the market for long! Don't miss out on your chance to own this beautiful lakefront home at the Lake of the Ozarks - call Eagle's Nest Realty (877) 452-5338 to schedule your private showing today!

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4 Winter Home Hunting Hints

Think you have to wait until the weather warms up to begin searching for your new home at the Lake of the Ozarks? Think again. Today's savvy buyers are realizing that home hunting in the winter actually has some major advantages. For example:

• You have fewer other buyers to compete against.
• Sellers who list their homes during the winter months are generally more motivated to sell as quickly as possible.
• Because there aren't any as many buyers competing for homes, home prices are typically lower.

If you have been thinking about buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, now is a great time to begin your search. Eagle's Nest Realty is here to help with these tried-and-true hints for house hunting in the winter.

Winter Home Hunting Tips

1. Check For Proper Insulation

Poor insulation can lead to costly energy bills. Fortunately, house hunting in the winter can offer valuable insight into your home's insulation situation. If there is snow on the ground, carefully look at the roof to determine if the snow there is melting faster than the snow on the ground. If the snow melts off of the roof more quickly, it may be a sign of poor attic insulation (which can ring up higher energy bills).

2. Evaluate The Curb Appeal

A snowy wonderland is a wonderful sight, but a drab, gray landscape is less than appealing. Take the time to carefully evaluate each home's outward appeal. If you find one you like in the winter, chances are you will absolutely love the way it looks when the weather warms up and everything turns green again.

3. Ask For Current Utility Information.

People who buy in the summer are sometimes blindsided by the first winter electric bill, but buying in the winter will protect you from that unpleasant surprise. Don't be afraid to ask your Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent to find out how much the current owners are paying to heat their home. You don't want to be caught off-guard by your first electric bill after moving in!

4. Evaluate The Area

With all the leaves on the trees out of the way, you'll be able to identify any privacy issues your prospective home may have and how well the neighbors care for their homes. Do the neighboring properties fall into a state of disrepair in the winter months? Are the roads plowed frequently? You'll be glad to have this type of information before making your purchase.

Buying This Winter? We Can Help!

If you are thinking about buying a house this winter, contact our experienced real estate team in Sunrise Beach MO. With an in-depth understanding of the Lake Area and real estate practices, we have the knowledge you need to make your home search a success. Contact us for more information!

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