Tips to Save UP for a DOWN payment

Buying a home is a major investment. While many homes are financed through a loan, a down payment may be required for the mortgage loan. A down payment can be a little overwhelming as you start your journey into homeownership. As your experienced real estate agents in Sunrise Beach, MO, we want to help give you ideas on ways to save up for this homeowner expense. Take a look below to learn some tips to help you save for a down payment!

Cut Back on Spending

An easy way to save up for a house down payment is to cut back on your current spending. While you still need to spend money on necessities - bills, groceries, gas - you can cut back on extra spending. Consider buying off-brand groceries and not stopping at the clothing store on the way home from work. This can help to set more money aside for your down payment.

Reduce High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt can eat up your money on a monthly basis. Consider transferring your high-interest debt to a lower-interest option. This can help to reduce the money payment required to be paid to your creditor. It's an easy way to reduce your monthly payments!

Access Retirement Funds

Many times your retirement funds have a way you can pull money out early. Although there may be a penalty for taking money before you retire, you can weigh the options for your certain situation. If you do access your retirement funds for a down payment, try to replace the money you have taken out as soon as possible.

Find a Second Job

A second job can quickly up your income. You can put all of this money toward savings for your future home. It's a great way to increase the amount of money you make. If you have extra time and it works for your family, a second job may be right for you.

Skip the Vacation

A vacation is often an expensive trip for many families. From the travel cost to lodging to entertainment, there are a number of costs that add up quickly on vacation. Consider skipping your family vacation this year to save for a down payment. You could take a stay-cation instead of going away with the family.

Minimize Extra Payments

Making more than the minimum payment is very beneficial for your credit situation. While you try to save up for a down payment, consider cutting back on the extra payments you make. Put the money you will put toward your payments into an account to help save up for your future home's down payment.

Now that you know some of these great tips to help you save UP for a DOWN payment, you're ready to get started today. Before you start your home search at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's important to get your financing process started. That starts by saving for a down payment. Once you've started saving for your home loan, Eagle's Nest Realty would be happy to help you find the perfect home to buy at the Lake of the Ozarks! There are a number of properties available and we want to help you find the right one for you and your family!

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

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Tax Benefits of Owning a Home

Are you new to homeownership? If you aren't aware yet, there are many tax benefits of buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Since it is that time of year, you may be curious about the tax breaks you are about to receive. As your trusted real estate agents in Sunrise Beach, MO, we want to be sure you are aware of the tax benefits of owning a home. Take a look below to learn more!

Property Taxes

The taxes you pay each year for the property you own can be deducted from your taxes in 2017. The taxes are typically built into your monthly payment, so you may not even realize you are paying it. It's a nice surprise to be able to reduce this from your taxes at the end of the year.

Home Mortgage Interest

If you have a mortgage loan, you pay interest on your property each month. This total adds up throughout the year. A portion of that interest you pay can be a tax benefit come tax time. It's a great way to take advantage of the interest you pay & use it for a tax break.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

There are tax incentives for energy-efficient upgrades made to your home. A credit may be added to your tax total if you make these type of updates to your home. Solar electricity upgrades and energy efficient appliances are a few ways to take advantage of this tax break.

Interest on Home Equity Line of Credit

If you take out a home equity line of credit, the interest you pay on that credit line is available for tax deductions. A portion of the interest you pay on this can be deducted from your taxes at the end of the year.

Age In Place Improvements

If you have a medical reason, updates to your home to better suit an older homeowner can be tax deductible. Grab bars in the bathroom, a wheelchair ramp, as well as widening doorways for easy access are all examples of tax breaks you can receive to make your home more accessible.

A Home Office

If you work from home, your office equipment can be deducted on your taxes. Computers, office furniture, and home equipment needed for your job are just a few examples of what can be of tax benefit for you, the homeowner.

Now that you know about all of these potential tax breaks for homeowners, you are ready to take advantage. If you don't own a home yet, now's the time to find the perfect property for your family. Give Eagle's Nest Realty a call today to start your home search at the Lake of the Ozarks! We look forward to helping you find the ideal space for you and your family!


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

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Reasons to Sell Your Home Early This Year

Homes are selling FAST and it's a great time to be a home seller. Take advantage of the current real estate market at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are thinking of selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's time to get it on the market. Selling your home early in the year has a number of perks. Take a look below to learn a little more about WHY you should sell early in 2018.

1. Historically Low Rates

The mortgage loan rates are still at a historically low level. It is predicted that this will be on the rise soon. Buyers have heard about this potential rise in rates and are ready to act NOW. If you plan on buying a home after you sell your current space, it's best to get in on these record-low rates too! Consider selling now so you can move on to the next home and take advantage of these great rates.

2. High Buyer Demand

There are a number of buyers on the market ready to make their home purchase. This demand of buyers creates a great opportunity for sellers. It's more likely for your home to sell quicker and for a better price point with more buyers on the market. At this point, there are more buyers than properties available. You never know how many buyers will be interested in your space creating a bidding war to favor the seller.

3. Buyers Are Eager 

Many buyers have been searching for the perfect property and are ready to buy. Let your home be one of the options they consider as they are eager to act. Listing your home for sale can provide a number of buyers a property in which they may be interested. Selling is the ideal way to take advantage of the number of eager buyers on the real estate market.

4. Increase In Home Value

Homes are starting to sell for more than they were in recent years. As the home value starts to rise, it's a great time to list your home for sale. Try to get the most out of your home when you sell by timing the market to favor the seller.

5. Rise in Consumer Confidence

As buyers and sellers gain confidence in the stability of the real estate market, more buyers and sellers are getting into the market. With more buyers ready to make a purchase, you have a better chance of selling for a price and within a timeframe you are wanting. Consumer confidence has a major impact on the real estate market and it is on the rise right now!

Now that you've seen the reasons why this is the perfect time to sell your Lake of the Ozarks home, you're ready to act. It's important to help your home appeal to eager buyers. Give Eagle's Nest Realty a call to help! We can assist with preparing your home, listing your space, and help you navigate the home selling process.

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

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Unexpected Costs to Prepare For When Buying a Home

The purchase of a home is typically one of the biggest you will make in your life. As your trusted real estate agent in Sunrise Beach, MO, we help many people find a home to buy in the area. While there are many expenses that are expected when purchasing a home - down payment and mortgage payment, but it's important to calculate all of the potential expenses that may come your way as you buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Take a look below to learn what cost you can start preparing for.

Closing Costs

The cost to close on a home can be the responsibility of the seller, buyer, or a combination of the two. As you make negotiations on a home, consider these costs into the total amount you are prepared to spend. When it comes time to sign the paperwork and officially purchase the home, your closings costs will be due. You can often times get the cost of closing wrapped into your total loan amount - increasing your monthly mortgage payment a bit.

Major Purchases

Appliances are a big purchase for a new homeowner. If the home you are buying does not come with appliances or you wish to purchase new, this expense can add up quickly. Another big purchase for a new home is furniture. If you are a first-time buyer, you may not have much furniture to fill your new space. It can be helpful to find used furniture if you have a tight budget.

Home Repairs

Before you move in, it can be convenient to make repairs or changes to your space. Whether some upgrades need to be made before you move in or you wish to paint the walls before your stuff is inside, it's best to do these tasks before you move. This means the costs to complete these repairs will be required as soon as make your purchase. Try to plan ahead for tasks you wish to do before you move in so you can financially prepare for this expense.

Moving Expenses

No matter how you decide to move, there is expense involved. If you hire a moving company to transfer your belongings, payment will be needed. If you decide to recruit friends and family to help move your items, you typically will provide food or beverages for them. The expense of gas and/or renting a moving truck can add to the costs associated with moving to a new home.

You are now prepared to take on the home buying process with confidence! It's important to know about all of the potential costs that may be coming your way as you buy a home. Buying a home is a major purchase and you should know exactly what expenses can be expected in order to fully prepare for your big purchase. If you are ready to take the plunge into buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. Eagles Nest Realty looks forward to helping you find the perfect home for you and your family!

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

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Tips to Improve Security Around Your Home

Your home should be a place you can relax and spend quality time with your family. It's important to think about safety around your home. To help protect your loved ones on a daily basis, our Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents are here for you! Eagle's Nest Realty has provided some helpful tips on how to improve the safety of your home below.

Lock your doors and windows.

Try to keep your doors locked at all times, especially when you are not home. Double check your deadbolt locks to make sure they are secure. Many times a short screw holds dead bolts into the door jam - this should be replaced by a longer screw for a tighter hold, should someone try to break in. Ensure your windows are locked when they are not open. This can help to prevent a criminal from easily entering your home through an unsecured window.

Install motion lights. 

Motion lights turn on when there is movement outside your home. This can help to deter a thief from targeting your home. Many times when the light turns on, a suspicious person will think someone is home turning on the light and flee. Security motion lights can help to protect your space at a little cost.

Purchase a security system.

A home security system is a great way to protect your space. There are many options available from local security companies. From alarmed entry to video surveillance, you can help protect your home with this fascinating technology.

Leave a light on. 

When you are not home, try to leave at least one light on in your home. This may lead thief to think someone is home and they will less-likely target your home. Consider placing a timer on a lamp inside your home to ensure it comes on after dark.

Conceal valuables. 

Try to hide your valuable items from plain sight. Think about what someone could see if they look in your windows. If it is worth breaking in to steal, you may consider placing this item in a different location. Try to keep expensive jewelry in a drawer or locked in a safe that way it is not as tempting from someone to break into your home.

Now that you know some ways to easily improve the security of your space, you're ready to start guarding your property well. Simple make some of these changes, if you haven't already, and you can rest a little easier at night knowing your family is safe. A small investment in your home to help protect your family is worth the peace of mind you can gain. As a homeowner at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's important to keep your space secure and help to keep your loved ones safe at home.

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

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Staging Tips for Millennial Buyers

Many millennials are getting to the point in their lives to purchase their first homes. This is exciting news for home sellers. If you have a great starter home for a young family, there are a few different ways to help your space appeal to this group of buyers. Here at Eagle's Nest Realty, we want to help you sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Below you can find some tips to help stage your space for millennial home buyers.

Update to Digital

Most millennials have had internet integrated into their lives. Try to make updates to your home to accommodate the digital world. Whether you want to put in a smart thermostat or home security system, there are a number of ways to include digital technology into your home. These digital add-ons can help to entice millennial home buyers in the area.

Keep it Simple

When staging your space, try to remove unnecessary items. Take down your family photos and keep your home decor as simple as possible. This can help potential buyers see your home, instead of focusing on your decor. Millennials are typically drawn to homes with a simplistic decor - they don't want to have to look past clutter to see the bones of the home.

Think About Life Stages

Stage to your ideal buyer. Many millennials are entering the workforce, getting married, and starting a family. Use this knowledge to your advantage when you sell your home. If you have a spare room, stage it as a playroom for kids or a nursery for a new baby. This can help those buyers who are getting ready to grow their family imagine themselves in your space.

Freshen Things Up

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your space. Not only does it give a clean scent to your home, the walls will look crisp and clean, as well. Another way to freshen up your space is to add fresh flowers or plants to your home. A natural pop of color and light scent can help your space appeal better to millennial buyers.

Create a Social Setting

Millennials typically like to socialize with friends and family. Stage your space in a way that promotes socializing. Set up your living room in a way that conversation is easy. Consider setting your kitchen table to help buyers imagine themselves gathering in this space. Also, create a social gathering space on your outdoor deck or patio to showcase the entertainment possibilities.

Now that you know some of these staging tips for millennial buyers, you're ready to get started. Make some simple staging efforts around your home and you are set to list your Lake of the Ozarks home for sale. It's important to create a space in which a potential buyer can imagine their family in and staging is a great way to accomplish just that. If you are ready to sell your home near Sunrise Beach, MO, contact us today! We'd be honored to be a part of your home staging efforts!

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

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Top 5 Reasons to Utilize Video for Your Real Estate Listing

Are you getting ready to list your home for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks? Video listings are a great way to grab the attention of potential buyers. As your trusted real estate agent in Sunrise Beach, MO, we know the importance of shooting a video of your property. From virtual tours to eye-catching content, there are many reasons why a video is the way to go. Here at Eagle's Nest Realty, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer video listings for our clients. It's the best way to go when selling your home near the Lake of the Ozarks.

1) Eye-Catching Material

A video is the best way to attract the eye. People are more likely to stop and watch a video than a stagnant photo. Grab the attention of buyers with a video of your home. If you can get a buyer to start watching a video, they are more likely to get interested in the property and call for a showing. Many buyers would prefer to watch a video than read a listing.

2) Easy to Share

Videos are not only more eye-catching, people are more likely to share a video on social media. This is the ideal way to get more and more eyes on a video. Sharing this content can help the masses view your home and you are then more likely for it to reach an interested party.  Spotlight your home with a video that is easy to share!

3) Ideal for Out-of-Town Buyers

Not all buyers live in the area, especially second-homeowners. It can be a challenge for an out-of-town buyer to view a home. A virtual tour is an ideal way to accomplish this. It's a convenient way for a potential buyer to see a home, without having to make the drive to physically see the space. A video is a great way for someone to easily tour your property.

4) More Showings

According to Inman, homes listed with video get four times the inquiries. That is a significant benefit for those homeowners who choose to list with a video. To reach the greatest number of potential buyers for your home, a video listing is a proven method. The more people who are reached with your video listing, the better chance for a showing to be scheduled.

5) Reach Eager Buyers

Since a video is so easy to share, it has a better chance of reaching interested buyers. Home buyers are intrigued by video and are more likely to schedule a showing of a property with a video listing. It's an easy way to get your property in front of potential buyers.

Grab the attention of potential buyers by utilizing video to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. As your experienced Lake of the Ozarks REALTOR®, we look forward to helping to showcase your property. Contact us today to get started on the selling process. We can suggest any updates or changes you can make to your home and then set up a video to be shot of your property. It's as easy as that! We look forward to helping you sell your property!

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

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