Costs to Prepare for When Buying a Home

Buying a home is a major investment. There are a number of costs associated with buying a home near the Lake of the Ozarks. From closing costs to moving expenses, there are many items that need to be paid for when buying. If you are in the market to purchase a home, start saving for these expenses today. This can help minimize the amount of money needed when you find the right home and make a purchase. Take a look below to learn what costs you should start saving for!

Closing Costs

Buying a home not only costs the amount you pay for the property but there are other expenses involved in the transaction. Real estate agent fees, title fees, and insurance are all items that need to be paid for at closing. A buyer can negotiate the closing cost into the sale of the home, but they may also be responsible for paying both parties' closing costs if negotiated that way.

Home Inspection

Most home loans will require a home inspection of the property. A professional inspector will evaluate the home to ensure it is safe. An inspection report will recap the inspection and state any recommendations for repairs. It is a very helpful document and can save a buyer from buying a home with a major issue. The inspection is typically paid for by the buyer.

Moving Expenses

Moving can be an unexpected expense. Whether you plan on buying food and gas for your helpers or hire a professional moving company, it will likely cost you to move your belongings. It's important to plan ahead for the cost of moving when you purchase a home.

Earnest Money

Earnest money is a cash fund that is put up by the buyer. This fund shows the seller that the buyer is serious about their offer on the home. This fund is typically put into the closing costs once the transaction goes through, but it is an out of pocket expense for the buyers.

Homeowners Insurance

The home will need to be insured as you make your purchase. Most mortgage companies will need proof of insurance before the loan is complete. It's best to shop around and find the best rate for homeowners insurance. Often times, the insurance money is wrapped into your mortgage payment.

Now that you are aware of some of the costs associated with buying a home, you can move forward with confidence. As your experienced real estate agents in Sunrise Beach, MO, we want to help prepare you for the home buying process. Saving money now can help to lessen the financial strain that may come when you make your home purchase. Give Eagle's Nest Realty a call today to start your home search at the Lake of the Ozarks!

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

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Places to Visit this Spring at the Lake of the Ozarks

It's officially SPRING at the Lake of the Ozarks! We are excited to get the season kicked off and start enjoying the sunshine! As your trusted real estate agents in Sunrise Beach, MO, we know all about the fun activities you and your family can enjoy this spring. That's why we've dedicated this week's blog to feature just a few of the exciting places you can visit with your family!

Hiking on Park Trails

There are a number of state parks and other park areas that include hiking trails. The Lake of the Ozarks is all about natural beauty. Get out and explore the many hiking trail options around the area. It's a fun way to get active and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Whether you're looking for a short relaxing hike or a long stretch, there are plenty of trails to choose from around the area!

Exploring Local Caves

There are a number of caves around the area. Visit one to tour the unique structure and learn all about the way it is formed. Local caves also have some history of the area and how it was founded - which creates a great educational experience for all. Learn and get your adventure on when you explore local caves in the area.

Boating on the Lake

While it may be too cold to jump in, it's a great time of year to boat at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you plan to visit your favorite family-friendly water restaurant or take a trip up the lake, you can enjoy spending time with your friends and family on the water this spring. There is a ton of natural beauty around the area and the water is one of the best ways to experience it!

Fishing in the Water

Springtime is ideal for a fishing excursion. Whether you plan to fish from the shoreline or out on a boat, you can find some sweet fishing spots. Load up your gear and head to the water for optimum fishing this time of year! Fishing is fun for the entire family! Whether you have kids or want to bring friends along, it's a great way to spend a day or an afternoon in the sun - breathing that fresh spring air!

Now that you've seen some of the thrilling places to visit this spring, you're ready to make plans to attend! As you are out and about this spring, you may be dreaming of a new home for your family to enjoy. Whether you have a growing family or want to downsize now that the kids are older and out of the house, we can help you find the perfect home for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks! It's important to have a home that fits your wants and needs and we'd love to be the ones to help you find it! Give us a call to start your home search at the Lake of the Ozarks today.

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

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Spring Inspired Staging Tips

Spring is right around the corner! If you plan to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks this spring, now's the time to start staging your space to reflect the season. Whether you want to bring some spring decor into your staging or arrange your outdoor space, there are a number of ways to help get your home in the spring spirit. Take a look below for staging tips provided by Eagle's Nest Realty!

Add Some Pastel to Your Color Scheme

While neutral color tones typically appeal to a wider range of buyers for wall color, you can add pops of spring colors in other ways. From decorative pillows on the couch or bed to pastel-colored placemats on the table, there are many ways to easily add spring colors to your home!

Arrange Your Outdoor Gathering Space

This time of year many buyers will think about entertaining guests in their new home. Set up your outdoor gathering space to easily accommodate gatherings. From a nice table and chairs on the deck to casual seating around the fire pit, it's an easy task that can make a big difference for buyers. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves gathering with friends and family in the space.

Clean Up the Lawn

After the cold winter months, it's time to focus on the appearance of your home's exterior. Pick up fallen limbs around your lawn and rake up any straggling leaves. As the temperature starts to warm up, it's a great time to get outside and make improvements to outside of your home.

Hang Sheer Curtains

Let the light in! Rooms with natural light tend to appear larger and give a light, clean feeling. Consider hanging sheer curtains throughout your home to help let the sunlight illuminate your space.

Plant Colorful Flowers

Flowers are an easy and effective way to brighten up your home. Whether you plant colorful flowers and plants in your landscape area, have a nice potted plant by the front door, or incorporate pretty flowers into your home decor, there are many ways to add color via flowers to your home.

Now that you've learned these easy ways to stage your home for spring, you're ready to get to work. After you make staging improvements around your space, you may be ready to list your home for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact our team of real estate agents in Sunrise Beach, MO to help you sell your home. We look forward to helping you sell your home this spring!

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

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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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