8 Tips For Staging Your Home

Everyone wants their home to look perfect when trying to sell, right? A great way to accomplish a nice, clean look is to stage your home. Staging a home is the process of preparing it for potential buyers to come look. The goal is to have your home appeal to the highest number of people possible. Eagle’s Nest Realty has provided some tips for staging your home before you list it.

1) Think About Curb Appeal

The first impression your home will make is curb appeal. Many times potential buyers will drive by the home before deciding to schedule a showing. Keep the lawn and any plants you have around your front porch manicured. You can add an eye-catching piece, like a rocking chair or a pot with colorful flowers to your porch as well. 

2) Reduce The Clutter

When your home is for sale, it’s important to always pick up after yourself. You may be comfortable with a little mess here and there, but buyers may be distracted by it. Don’t forget to declutter your closets as well. You do not want it to appear that you have to cram your belongings in closets due to the lack of storage space. 

3) Repurpose A Room

If you have a room that has no clear purpose, consider transforming it. Repurposing a room into an office, spare bedroom, or game room can help showcase room’s potential to buyers. 

4) Improve The Lighting

Having a home with natural lighting is ideal. You can enhance the lighting in your home by hanging sheer window curtains that allow light in. Another way to brighten a room is to replace lightbulbs with a higher wattage option.

5) Select A Pleasant Scent

Choosing a scent to stage your home can be a tricky process. You want to select a pleasant smell that will appeal to most people. Keep in mind that some people are more sensitive to smells, so picking a light scent is recommended. 

6) Decorate The Dining Table

Dining rooms can be pretty boring if the table is left bare. Add some excitement by placing a colorful centerpiece or setting the table with nice dinnerware. This can showcase the purpose of the room and be visually appealing.

7) Remember Outdoor Living Spaces

Many sellers forget to stage the exterior of their home. Stage your back deck or patio with entertainment in mind. Buyers should be able to easily imagine spending time with friends and family in this space. 

8) Think Clean

Ensure your home is clean before potential buyers enter. A house with dirt and grime may leave the impression that the owners do not take care of their property. That is not the impression you want to give to the potential buyers of your home. 

Staging a home before selling can help it appeal more to buyers who are in the market. Consider these tips as you prepare your home to sell. For more staging tips, contact the best realtors at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would love to help you prepare to sell your home. Our real estate experts in Sunrise Beach are here for all of your real estate needs, whether it be staging your home to sell or searching for a home to buy.

Call (573) 374-0769 to schedule a showing today!

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7 Family Friendly Things To Do At The Lake Of The Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to vacation. Since it is a tourist destination, there are many entertainment options to keep you and your family busy! Your trusted real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks have comprised a list of seven great activities for your family to do this summer. When visiting the area, there is something exciting for everyone to discover!

Photo Source: Fun Lake

1. Hike At Ha Ha Tonka State Park

As the home to castle ruins from the 20th century, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a great place to bring the family for fun and a little education as well. With over 15 miles of trails, visitors can spend an entire day exploring the park. There are numerous stops along the trails – sinkholes, a natural bridge, several caves, and a natural spring leading into the lake are some of the features the state park has to offer. Take a short hike or pack a picnic to spend the entire day—Ha Ha Tonka is a great way to enjoy time with the family either way.

Photo Source: Fun Lake

2. Visit Bridal Cave

Taking a family trip to Bridal Cave is a great opportunity to get out of the heat or escape a rainy day. The cave is a natural wonderland with a deep background of the Osage Native Americans. Take some time to learn about the history of the area at Bridal Cave. Sticking with the tradition of a Native American wedding ceremony in the cave, numerous couples have exchanged vows in the Bridal Chapel.

3. Shop At The Osage Beach Premium Outlets

The Outlet Mall is home to over 110 stores making it a great shopping destination. With a wide variety of store options, there is something at the Osage Beach Premium Outlets for all preferences. The mall also has some snack and meal options, making it convenient for shoppers to stay all day.

4. Tour Willmore Lodge

Willmore Lodge is home to the Bagnell Dam History Museum, a very interesting place to spend time with the family. With background of the lake and how it was formed, this is a great educational opportunity for the kids. The old-time lodge overlooks the beautiful gardens and the water. Take a trip down to our gazebo for a panoramic view of the first 7 miles of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Photo Source: Fun Lake

5. Explore The Water

The water is a main reason people come to the Lake of the Ozarks. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have your own boat – boat rental locations can be found all around the lake. This is a great way to spend a day soaking up the sunshine and cooling off in the water. Parasailing is another popular water activity. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, take a fishing excursion to spend time with the family on the water.

6. Swim At Big Surf Waterpark

Big Surf Waterpark is an exciting outing for a day of family fun. There are a number of rides and activities for children and adults of all ages. Take an exhilarating drop on the area’s largest half pipe, Zambezi Falls or take a load off in the Lazy River—whatever floats your boat (or tube)!  Bring the family to Big Surf for a fun filled day of water and sun.

7. Take A Helicopter Tour

A trending attraction, helicopter rides offer a different point of view of the area. Get amazing aerial views from the Historic Bagnell Dam to the Ha Ha Tonka Castle and everywhere in between. A helicopter tour can help your family make lasting memories together.

The Lake of the Ozarks offers a number of family-friendly activities to partake in this summer. For those of you visiting the area, you may decide to make this a permanent destination by purchasing a vacation home. Buying a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks offers an opportunity to bring your family to this great location on a regular basis. Eagle’s Nest Realty is here to make the home buying process enjoyable and easy so you can get back to visiting these great attractions with your family!

Call (573) 374-0769 to schedule a showing today!

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Benefits of Buying a Home in the Summer

The summer months are a great time to purchase a home. Weather typically cooperates more in the summer, which can make your house hunting experience more enjoyable. It is more pleasant to drive around and get in and out of the car to look at homes when it is nice outside. Your trusted realtors at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to point out some additional benefits of buying a home this summer.

High Inventory

Usually the inventory levels are higher in the summer months. Many people list their homes for sale in the spring and early summer, making this the perfect time to search for your new home. Higher inventory gives you more houses to choose from. With more options available in the summer, you can be assured that there are plenty of homes available to look at with your agent.

Property in Full Bloom

The summer months are known for green grass and plants in bloom. See all that the potential homes have to offer in the landscape department. With the property in bloom, you can gauge how much outdoor work will be needed to upkeep the lawn and landscape. You can also get an idea of how the outdoor space can be used during the summer months.

Less Competitive Market

Many families are busy during the summer months on vacations and doing other various activities. This can take some homebuyers attention away from the search, leaving less competitors looking at the same homes in which you are interested. Less people looking at the same property usually gives buyers time to think about their decisions without feeling rushed to put in an offer on the home. This can help reduce stress during the home buying experience.

Neighborhood Activities

Activities in the neighborhood are sometimes a great selling point. If a subdivision you are considering offers amenities, like a pool or tennis court, you can check them out while they are being used in the summer months. Many potential homebuyers are interested in the activities in a neighborhood; this gives you a sneak peek into the interactions of the neighbors and the environment.

Price Flexibility

A number of homes are put on the market in the spring and at this point they have usually been listed for a few months. Many sellers are more willing to negotiate on price once their home has been on the market a little while without selling. Flexibility in price makes this summer a great time to buy a new home.

These are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy when house hunting in the summer. If you are considering buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks this summer, check out our website for our current listings. The real estate experts at Eagle’s Nest Realty are here to help with all of your home buying needs.

 

Call (573) 374-0769 to schedule a showing today!

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Vacation Rentals Available for Summer Getaway

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most popular destinations in Missouri. This area offers a vast array of activities for a summer getaway. From shopping to watersports, there is something to pique any visitor’s interest. The outlet mall, Blair’s Landing, and The Strip offer endless shopping opportunities. The Lake of the Ozarks is home to 13 golf courses for the golfer’s getaway. Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers scenic hiking trails with castle ruins, caves, and the natural spring along the way for the adventures group. The lake itself has numerous marinas and restaurants to keep visitors entertained all day! Take advantage of all our beautiful area has to offer – Eagles Nest Realty offers vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks for all your getaway stay needs.

Townhouse East & West

These two comfortable one bedroom units with queen beds can sleep up to 4 adults each. This is a perfect rental for 2 couples or a groups of friends because the divider on the porch can be taken down for a joined commons area to relax. This property features a fire pit, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, enclosed ping pong room, a swim and boat dock, and a covered pavilion!

Windows on the Lake

This beautiful 3 story house offers a spacious and bright great room for gathering. The property sleeps 14 with the main house having 4+ bedrooms, and if that is not enough, there is a 12 x 16 guest house just steps away.  You can access the two well dock with a tram or stairs, to relax on the lakeside deck.

Scenic View

Sleeping 10, this four bedroom home with an open floor plan offers a beautiful view. Take time to enjoy the lake with the swim and boat dock on the property. This home is the perfect place for a fishing vacation. "Peaceful", "fun", "beautiful" are some of the words used to describe this rental house.

Regatta House

This 7 bedroom lakefront home with two complete living areas has high ceilings for an open feel. Regatta House can be split up to provide smaller space if you do not need the entire home for your party. Your exclusive swim dock has a bar, swim slide, refrigerator, and music to ensure a good time is had by all.

Crane’s Cove

The peaceful 3 bedroom house (with 4th sleeping area in basement) has a spacious living room, family room, kitchen, and dining area for congregating. Crane’s Cove home has a large deck with grill and carport. The land slopes gently, making it an easy walk to the dock. This home is perfect for a relaxing getaway.

White House

The cozy White House is a 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with great lake views for your getaway. The dock offers the ideal spot to swim and relax in the water. A grill, fire pit, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, enclosed ping pong room, and covered pavilion are all included as a part of your rental for your enjoyment.

A getaway with family and friends should be on your list of things to do this summer. The Lake of the Ozarks is a great destination for a fun and relaxing vacation. Eagle’s Nest Realty is here to help you find the perfect rental for your group. With endless activities to keep vacationers of all ages interested, The Lake is the perfect place to plan your summer. 

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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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Canine Cannonball at the Lake of the Ozarks

If you like water, dogs, and great food and drinks, we have the perfect event for you! Eagle's Nest Realty, Inc. is here to provide you with all the details for Canine Cannonball - a fast-paced, fun-filled family event that you won't want to miss.

Photo Source: FunLake.com

About DockDogs

DockDogs is a national organization that hosts dog contests all over the country. These aren't just your average dog contests, however. Forget the "best dressed" and "best kisser" categories - the dogs that participate in DockDogs' competitions are true athletes, competing for longest jumps, highest leaps, and other bragging rights. DockDogs hosts competitions all over the country, including right here at the Lake of the Ozarks. The local competition is known as Canine Cannonball, and it's happening this coming weekend.

Canine Cannonball

Hosted every year at one of the Lake Area's favorite waterfront restaurants, Canine Cannonball is a fantastic event with fun for the whole family. Even if your dogs aren't participating in the competition, they are still welcome to come watch the fun with you on the outdoor decks. (They must be leashed at all times.)

Event Details

Photo Source: FunLake.com

• Location: Dog Days Bar & Grill
• Date: Friday, June 17th - Sunday, June 19th
• Time: Varies - view the complete event schedule here
• Admission: FREE 

In order to accommodate the event schedule for the event, Dog Days will open at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday (an hour earlier than they ordinarily do). Canines all of all skills levels, from amateurs to pros, will compete for first in a four primary categories: Speed Retrieve, Iron Dog, Big Air, and Extreme Vertical.

At Canine Cannonball 2014, a world record was set right here at the Lake of the Ozarks - Griz (trained by owner Tony Lampert) set the world record for Extreme Vertical leap when he soared to an impressive 8'9"! Fun Fact: Griz beat his own record a month later at the Libertyville Dog Days of Summer event in Libertyville, IL, when he leapt 8'9" high.

Though admission is free for the whole family, they will be accepting donations to benefit Dogwood Animal Shelter. This no-kill shelter is located in Osage Beach and is always looking for loving homes for their dogs (and cats). They will actually have a few dogs available for adoption at the event.

Have A Great Weekend!

No matter how you decide to spend your Father's Day Weekend, we hope you have a fantastic time. There are always lots of great events going on at the Lake, so you certainly have lots to choose from! If you are thinking about buying a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, relocating to Sunrise Beach MO or one of the surrounding areas, or doing something else to make the Lake Area a more consistent part of your life, contact our real estate agents in Sunrise Beach MO. We will be happy to help you in any way we can!

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Opportunity To Own Income Property In Sunrise Beach!

Have you been looking for a relatively easy way to boost your income? Owning an investment property at the Lake of the Ozarks and renting it out to long-term tenants is a great way to supplement your income without having to put in too much extra work on your end. Eagle's Nest Realty is here to help you grow your wealth - we have the ideal property for income potential currently listed among our homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks.

43 & 45 Rockport in Sunrise Beach MO

This charming duplex is comfortably situated in Sunrise Beach, Missouri - away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the busy tourist areas, but close enough to dining, shopping, and attractions to make it convenient and exciting. Since the whole duplex is for sale, you have multiple options available to you. You could live in one side of the duplex and rent out the other to tenants, or you could stay in your current home and rent both halves of the duplex to earn supplemental income.

Each Side Of The Duplex Has:

• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Approximately 1,000 square feet
• Central heat and air
• Laundry hookups
• Dishwashers
• Plenty of parking

One side of the duplex also has a large screened deck.

About 43 & 45 Rockport

As if the above benefits weren't great enough, this duplex offers another distinct advantage in that it has its own private water treatment plant for sewage (which was recently rebuilt). It is also one of the waterfront homes for sale in Sunrise Beach MO, which means you and/or your tenants will get to enjoy endless hours of lake fun from your private dock. The dock was also recently rebuilt and is in fantastic condition.

Both halves of the duplex are currently leased at $650 per month and $750 per month, respectively, so you can start earning supplemental income as soon as you purchase. The entire duplex is currently listed for only $189,900.

Contact Eagle's Nest Realty For More Information!

What are you waiting for? This duplex for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks offers the perfect opportunity to own great investment property at the Lake while enjoying all the benefits that an extra source of income has to offer. Don't let this unique opportunity slip away - contact our Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents for more information about 43 & 45 Rockport, Sunrise Beach MO.

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