4 Safety Reminders for Waterfront Home Owners

There's nothing like owning your own waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks! There's something truly special and unique about waking up every morning and being able to enjoy the Lake directly from your private dock. As the owner of a waterfront home in Sunrise Beach MO (or any of the surrounding Lake towns), however, you are responsible for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, your guests, and your neighbors safe.

In honor of National Water Safety Month, your Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents are here to offer a few important reminders for keeping everyone safe at and surrounding your waterfront home. 

Safety Reminders For Owners Of Waterfront Homes

1. Have Your Dock's Electrical Wiring Inspected Periodically
If the electrical wiring on your dock is not up to code, not grounded properly, or in a state of disrepair, it can create a serious danger for anyone swimming around or near your dock. If the wiring is not in good condition, it can send electrical currents into the water, endangering swimmers as well as marine life. Hopefully all the wiring on your dock is in good condition, but it is always best to have it inspected by a professional to make sure.

2. Store Plenty Of Life Jackets On Your Dock
Children ages 7 and under are legally required to wear a life vest while on the water, but it is a good practice for children (and even adults) to have life vests on - or at the very least, immediately accessible - when playing in or around the water. If your life vests are stored somewhere in your house, you or your guests may forget to bring them down to the water with them. It is generally a better idea to store them on your dock or in your boat (or both).

3. Keep Life-Saving Materials Handy
Life jackets aren't the only life-saving materials you should store down on your dock. You should also have at least one of the life-saving mechanisms typically seen at public pools, such as a rescue hook, life-saver ring on a rope, or a reaching pole. You can use this tool to pull a swimmer back to the dock if they are in need of serious assistance.

4. Never Let Children Swim Unattended
Even if they are strong swimmers, you should never let your children go down to swim in the Lake without adult supervision. Accidents can happen in an instant, and it is often impossible to see a child in need of help after he is already submerged under the water. For increased safety for your children (and added peace of mind for you), it is generally best to designate a responsible adult to supervise the children as they play in the water.

Contact Us To Find Your New Waterfront Home At The Lake!

As long as you follow these common-sense safety reminders, you should be able to enjoy a fun, happy, and safe season on the water. If you are interested in buying a waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. today! Our experienced team members would be more than happy to help you find the property that will best meet your needs. Visit our website to get started: www.EaglesNestRealty.net

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

Planning To Rent? 6 Reasons Why You May Want To Reconsider

Homeownership has long been associated with financial success and stability. Unless an individual considers himself totally financial stable, he will probably continue renting until he decides he is finally ready to buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks (or wherever else he chooses to live). However, Eagle's Nest Realty is here to point out that homeownership is, in fact, much more easily attainable than most people seem to believe. If you are are in need of a new place to live, don't automatically assume you have to find a new place to rent simply because that's what you've always done or because you don't have your dream job yet. Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. has put together a few reasons why you may wish to reconsider your decision to rent.

1. You Could Save Money
Renting is not the money-saving tactic it once was. As rent prices continue to skyrocket, mortgage interest rates continue to hover around all-time lows. Rates like these allow buyers with decent credit to secure remarkably affordable monthly mortgage payments. In most cases, the rent payment for a home or duplex is significantly higher than the mortgage payment would be for the same property. This is because renters are still paying for a mortgage - just not their mortgage. The landlords are using their rent check to cover the mortgage payment, along with any necessary repairs (and, of course, a little profit for themselves).

2. You Can Trust In Your Stable Home Environment
As a renter, you are at your landlord's mercy. Though you will most likely have a lease agreement, there is no guarantee that your landlord won't find a loophole that allows them to require you to vacate the premises sooner than you expected. For example, they could decide to sell their home. With the exception of a bank foreclosure, no one can demand that homeowners leave the property. This added sense of stability works wonders for the mental and emotional well-being of both the homeowners and (if applicable) their children.

3. You Don't Have To Wait On Someone Else To Take Care Of Things

As a renter, what do you do when something breaks in your home? You call the landlord and alert them of the issue, and then sit back hope they remember to do something about it. While some landlords are fantastic and respond to their tenants' issues immediately, many have an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality when it comes to their properties. As the owner of your own home, you can finally handle all necessary repairs yourself without having to wait on someone else to make the decisions for you.

4. You Get Extra Tax Deductions
Homeowners get to enjoy several unique tax breaks. For example, homeowners are allowed to deduct all of the money paid in interest for their mortgage payment. In some cases, they can deduct the mortgage interest paid on their second home as well. Homeowners may also be able to deduct some of the other costs of homeownership, such as certain upgrades that improve the energy-efficiency of their home.

5. You Can Do What You Want With The Property
Are you tired of the same boring beige walls? Sick of maneuvering your way around a tiny master bathroom? Ready to experiment with some new flooring? As the owner of your own home, you can make any changes to your property any time you want. You don't have to wait and ask for your property owner's permission to move forward, because you are the property owner.

6. When You're Ready To Move, You Can Sell Your Home
As a renter, it doesn't matter how long you've lived in your home - when it comes time to move, you'll pick up and relocate without anything to show for it. All of the money you spent on rent for the last months/years will be gone, and you won't get anything back except for your deposit. As a homeowner, on the other hand, you'll be able to sell your home to another buyer. At the very least, you should be able to break even - and hopefully, you'll be able to sell it for more than you originally paid for it!

Convinced? Contact Eagle's Nest Realty To Help You Buy A Home At The Lake!
Don't sell yourself short by choosing to rent simply because you assume you have to. With interest rates still hovering near historic lows, homeownership has never been more affordable. Our Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents strongly encourage you to talk to a mortgage lender to determine whether or not you may be in a position to buy. We can help you when you are ready to move forward and look at some of the available homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals

Summer is picking up steam at the Lake of the Ozarks! We are excited to announce the return of one of the best local springtime events: the Magic Dragon Car Show. The car show is named after one of the Lake's nicknames, the "Magic Dragon." The name comes from the idea that from an aerial perspective, the Lake of the Ozarks resembles a massive dragon as it winds its way through the Missouri hills. Regardless of its name's origins, however, the Magic Dragon Street Meet is an event that you won't want to miss!

Photo Credit: MagicDragonCarShow.com

Thousands Of Cars - ONE Legendary Weekend

The Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals started from humble beginnings, but it has since grown into one of the biggest events at the Lake. With over a thousand trucks, motorcycles, and cars of all different makes and models, there is sure to be something for everyone at this fast-paced event. The event is family-oriented in nature, so bring your whole crew out for a weekend you won't soon forget.

The Magic Dragon Car Show 2016

• Friday, May 6th through Sunday, May 8th
• Historic Bagnell Dam Strip
• Event hours vary by day - visit www.MagicDragonCarShow.com for a full event schedule.

Lake residents and tourists should be aware that the Strip will be closed to regular traffic on Saturday starting at 6:00 AM and plan accordingly. Golf carts and other forms of transportation will be accessible to handicapped individuals requiring assistance.

Fun For The Whole Family!

The Historic Bagnell Dam Boulevard (affectionately dubbed "The Strip") is the perfect location to host this event, with tons of different attractions for people of all ages. The Strip offers a large variety of different outlets and shops offering t-shirts, souvenirs, arcades, restaurants, and other amusements.

The car show also marks the day they will draw for the winner of a brand new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, sponsored by Lake Ozark Daybreak Rotary. There may still be a chance to purchase tickets for $20 each - contact Rotarians Tony Reahr at 573-999-6090 or Derrick Brauner at 573-301-4971.

Thinking About Calling The Lake Your Home? Call Us To Get Started!

There has never been a better time to think about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks. Interest rates are still hovering around historic lows, and homes are selling quickly. If you would like more information about moving to the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Eagle's Nest Realty at 573-374-0769. We look forward to working with you!

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

NEW LISTING - Waterfront Home For Sale In Gravois Mills

Are you dreaming of your very own lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks? What characteristics does your dream home possess? If you've been fantasizing about a spacious house with plenty of room to accommodate both your immediate family and the extended family/friends who come to visit, Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. has the perfect property for you!

30459 Green Valley Road
Gravois Mills, MO 65037
MLS #: 3115058

Property Overview

• 5 Bedrooms
• 4 Bathrooms
• 3,160 Square Feet (includes guest house)
• 2-Well Dock
• 2.5 Stories
• Versailles School District
• Built in 1994
• $359,900

Your Spacious Lakefront Property Awaits

You'll enjoy everything the Lake Area has to offer as the owner of this fantastic waterfront home for sale in Gravois Mills, MO. The massive wall of glass that offers a sweeping lake view will take your breath away as soon as you enter the spacious great room. You and your family will get to enjoy four full bedrooms plus a bonus room, large lakeside decks, and so much more.

• Hardwood and Tile Flooring
• Fireplace
• Vaulted Ceilings

If you don't feel like tackling the stairs, a fun and functional tram can carry you down to your private two-well dock with 10x28 slips and attached swim platform. After a fun-filled day on the water, you can enjoy countless attractions in the nearby town of Laurie, including a movie theatre, golf course, restaurants, and more.

Private Guest House

Looking for room to sleep extra guests? Say goodbye to needing to front the cost of a hotel - this property comes with its own private (detached) guest house! The guest house is small and cozy, measuring about 12 x 16, but it has everything you need - including a half bath and deck!

Priced To Sell

This custom-built home was constructed in 1994 and has been carefully maintained by proud owners ever since. In order to make the move-in process easier on the buyers, the sellers have agreed to provide a credit that may be used to repaint the exterior if desired. There is no garage currently, but there's plenty of room to build one. The property is located at the end of a street, so you and your family will get to enjoy all of the great benefits of living on the water without having to deal with close or noisy neighbors.

This home also offers a fantastic opportunity to earn supplemental income by renting it out as a vacation property on the water. Give us a call to learn more about renting out your lake home: 1-877-452-5338

Call Eagle's Nest Realty To Schedule A Showing!

Don't miss out on your chance to secure this brand new listing! With so many fantastic features and such an affordable price, we don't expect this house to stay on the market for long. Call our team at 1-877-452-5338 to schedule your private showing of this waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks today.

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

5 Reasons To Stay In A Rental Home At The Lake

What are your plans for vacations this summer? If you are planning to vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks, the first step is deciding where to stay. Some people choose to buy a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks so they can have a place of their own to use as frequently as they'd like. If you only plan to come down to the Lake once or twice a year, however, you may not want to purchase a home of your own. If that's the case, Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. can still help you out. We are proud to offer stellar vacation home rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks for vacationers just like you!

5 Reasons To Stay In A Vacation Home

Why would you choose to stay in a rental home over a hotel or condo? It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that staying in a private home for your vacation offers several distinct advantages. Here are a few of the reasons you're going to love staying in a vacation property at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1. Added Privacy
When you stay in a hotel or condominium, you're surrounded on all sides by other rooms/units with other vacationers. While this can contribute to a fun atmosphere, it can also come with its fair share of drawbacks. Your neighbors may be noisy, and you (in turn) may have to alter your evening plans to avoid waking the neighbors. Staying in your private home gives you greater flexibility and privacy.

2. Your Own Space
You may not actually be the owner of a second home in Sunrise Beach MO, but it will certainly feel like it! There's nothing compared to the comfort of a private home, especially if you plan to stay at the Lake for more than two or three nights. 

This charming lakefront cottage is available for rent!
Get more information on this property (and others!) here.

3. All The Benefits (None Of The Work)
For all its advantages, owning a second home comes with a large amount of work, too. You have to keep the property clean, organized, and stocked with your various essentials. You also have to handle any unexpected maintenance or repairs that may arise. By renting a vacation home, you get to enjoy all the benefits of having a private waterfront property at the Lake of the Ozarks without any of the extra work.

4. More Space
Unless you want to shell out a pretty penny, your hotel room will probably have a pretty limited amount of space. A bedroom and perhaps an attached living area are good, but they can start to feel cramped after more than a night or two. Conversely, even the smallest vacation homes will probably have at least 1,000 square feet. Give it a few days, and your whole family will definitely appreciate the extra room!

5. Room To Share
What's better than a vacation at the Lake? A vacation at the Lake with your extended family or closest friends! If you are planning a trip with several people, a vacation property gives you the opportunity to all stay in the same place. This allows for more quality time together - AND a chance for you to keep individual costs down! By splitting the cost of your rental home, your Lake vacation will become even more affordable.

Book Your Rental Home With Us!

In addition to offering professional real estate services in Sunrise Beach MO and the rest of the Lake Area, our team also specializes in vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks. Visit our website to browse available rental properties today!

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

Dogwood Festival 2016

It's another beautiful spring season here at the Lake of the Ozarks! There's no better way to celebrate this beautiful weather than by getting out and enjoying all that our community has to offer. If you're looking for an excuse to get the family out and about, you'll have to check out one of our community's favorite annual events: The Dogwood Festival. Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. is here to provide you with all the details.

Photo from FunLake.com

66th Annual Dogwood Festival

With literally hundreds of different things to do see and to do, the Dogwood Festival offers fun for the entire family. Some of the festivities (like the pageants) have already started, the main events begin on Friday, April 15th and continue through Saturday, April 16th. Here is a quick overview of this year's schedule of events:

Friday, April 15th

• St. Anthony's Church Garage Sale: 7a - 4p, N Bus. Hwy 5
• Our Savior Lutheran Church Garage Sale: 8a - 4p, 442 E. Hwy 54
• Fine Art Display: 9a - 4p, First National Bank
• Knights of Columbus Fish Fry: 4p - 8p, 547 W. Hwy 54*
• Spaghetti Dinner: 5:30p, Melodrama: 7p, Camden County Museum*
• Shoe Box Float Display: 5:30p, Middle School, S. Bus Hwy 5
• DECA Craft Show: 5:30p - 8p, Middle School, S. Bus Hwy 5
• Food & Craft Booths: 5:30p - 9p, Middle School, S. Bus Hwy 5
• Baby Contest: 6:30p, Camdenton Middle School Little Theatre
• Carnival: 5p - 10p, Middle School Parking Lot*
• LOZ Dance Performance: 6p - 7p, Middle School Parking Lot
• Live Band: 7p, Middle School Parking Lot

Saturday, April 16th

• Pancake Breakfast: 6:30 - 10a, United Methodist Church, W Hwy 54*
• Fine Art Display: 9a - 3p, First National Bank
• St. Anthony's Church Garage Sale: 8a - 12p, N. Hwy 5
• Our Savior Lutheran Church Garage Sale: 7a - 1p, E. Hwy 54
• DECA Craft Show: 9a - 4p, Middle School
• Food & Crafts: 10a - 6p, Middle School Parking Lot
• Dogwood Festival Parade: 10a, Downtown Camdenton
• Young Eagles Flights: 12p - 3:30p, Camdenton Airport, S. Hwy
• Spaghetti Dinner: 5:30p, Melodrama: 7p, Camden County Museum*
• Carnival: 10a - 10p, Middle School Parking Lot*

* Requires an admission fee. Click here for more details.

Photo Credit: Facebook.com/CamdentonChamber

Live Entertainment Breakdown For Saturday:

Middle School Parking Lot

• 12:00 p - Xanadu Dance
• 1:00 p - Woodie & Cleda Cochran
• 2:00 p - Mitch Shields & Guest
• 3:00 p - Dog Contest (cutest, ugliest, best kisser, best trick, etc)
• 4:30 p - Iron Celtics Balloon Release
• 5:00 p - Britt Small
• 6:00 p - The Ginnings

Happy Weekend from Eagle's Nest Realty!

Regardless of how you decide to spend your weekend, we hope you have a wonderful time. There is always something fun happening at the Lake. If you are interested in moving to the Lake of the Ozarks so you can become a permanent member of our great community, let me know! We would love to help you make that dream a reality.

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+

4 Things Your REALTOR® Wants You To Know

Your real estate agent in Sunrise Beach MO will be right there by your side for the entire process of buying or selling a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. For buyers, we'll be there to help you hunt for the perfect home, extend your offer, negotiate on the final sale price, and walk you through the closing. For sellers, we will be there to help you stage and list your home, aggressively market your property to get it in front of as many buyers as possible, negotiate the sale price, and assist with the closing.

As your advocate, guide, and confidant, it is our job to make the entire process easier. In this vein, here are a few things we want everyone to know about real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1. SELLERS - Your House Might Not Be Ready For Listing Photos

If you have never sold a home (or haven't in several years) you may not be up-to-date on everything that needs to happen before taking listing photos and marketing your home. EVERYTHING needs to be deep-cleaned, and ALL clutter needs to be removed or, at the very least, hidden - all the way down to the magnets and pictures covering your refrigerator. Any work you may have already done to prepare your home for listing photos will be hugely helpful, but be prepared for your agent to prescribe a few other tasks before photos are taken.

2. BUYERS - You Won't Be Able To Afford Every House

Your real estate agent can show you any home you want, but ultimately it is entirely up to your mortgage lender to determine how much house you can afford. Consequently, we strongly encourage our buyers to talk with a lender before they begin searching for homes in earnest. By getting prequalified or pre-approved before seriously beginning the home search, you will be able to have a realistic understanding of the price points will be able to afford. Once you know your price parameters, your agent will be able to help you find homes within that price range.

3. SELLERS - No One Can Actually Predict How Quickly Your Home Will Sell

The market is hot right now and most homes are selling quickly, but it is impossible to truly predict how quickly a buyer will extend an offer that you wish to accept. It will depend on the quality of the offers you receive, how much foot traffic and general visibility your home gets, and how much effort your agent puts into marketing your home. A good agent will go out of his or her way to ensure that your property gets in front of as many buyers as possible, but again - it is impossible to predict exactly how quickly things will happen.

4. BUYERS - Just Because You Can Afford To Buy A House Doesn't Mean That You Should

Your lender will tell you how much house you can afford to purchase based on your debt-to-income ratio. The debt-to-income ratio looks at how much of your monthly income is tied up going to preexisting debts and the new debt you will have once you take out a home loan; typically, lenders will want to make sure that your total debts will not equate to more than 40-42% of your gross income. However, they don't take into account the myriad of other expenses you will have to face as a homeowner, such as repairs, maintenance, upgrades, utilities, etc. Buying a cheaper home with a smaller mortgage payment will leave more room for these other (sometimes unpredictable) expenses.

Eagle's Nest Realty Will Be Here For You Every Step Of The Way!

No matter where you are at in your real estate journey, the team at Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible! Our goal is to make selling or buying real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks as stress-free and rewarding as possible. Contact us to get started!

Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc.                                               Like Us On Facebook

Bill & Sky Johnson                                                             Follow Us On Twitter

33431 Evanston Road                                                          Find Us On LinkedIn

Sunrise Beach, MO  65079                                                     +1 Us On Google+