Livin' The Lake Lifestyle: Ha Ha Tonka State Park

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - the Lake of the Ozarks is an AMAZING place to live! This week I'm introducing a brand new blog series that I hope to contribute to about once every month or so: Livin' The Lake Lifestyle. Each of these blogs will feature a great attraction or activity available right here at the Lake, some seasonally and some year-round. 

This week, we're kicking things off with one of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of Missouri: Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

Photo from FunLake.com

Ha Ha Tonka State Park - Natural Features

With over fifteen miles of hiking trails, Ha Ha Tonka boasts a huge variety of vistas and trails suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. From the paved, wheelchair-accessible Spring Trail to the 7-mile backpack camping Turkey Pen Hollow Trail, there is something for everyone at Ha Ha Tonka.

Ha Ha Tonka's breathtaking landscape features a huge variety of natural phenomena, including...

• Sink holes
• Caves
• Towering bluffs
• Natural spring
• Castle ruins
• Natural bridge
• Open savanna 

Ha Ha Tonka State Park - Park History

Photo from FunLake.com

Ha Ha Tonka's history is as unique as its landscape is. The land (2,500 acres) was originally purchased by Robert Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City businessman back in 1904, who fell in love the natural beauty of the landscape and decided to use is as his personal resort. He hired Scottish stonemasons and a European supervisor to oversee the project, and together they began to build a massive estate with a stone stable, nine greenhouses, 3.5 story castle, and an 80-ft water tower. All the buildings were constructed with stone and timber they acquired locally.

Tragically, Snyder was killed in 1906 in one of the very first car accidents in Missouri. His sons took over the project and the castle was completed in 1922, but tragedy struck again twenty years later when the castle caught fire and burned in 1942. The fire was large enough that it spread to the stables, carriage house, and water tower. The only thing that remains are the stone walls and foundations.

After the fire, the area was neglected for many years. Finally, in 1978, the area was converted into a state park and preserved for the enjoyment of both locals and travelers alike. 

Make Ha Ha Tonka A Part Of Your Lake Lifestyle!

Though it has only been a state park for less than forty years, Ha Ha Tonka has gained national recognition for its unique history and landscape. In fact, a nation-wide survey by USA Today in 2015 ranked Ha Ha Tonka as the fourth best state park in the country. Whether you call the Lake your full- or part-time home, you'll have to check out Ha Ha Tonka State Park so you can see for yourself all of the great things it has to offer.

Want to make the Lake Area are bigger part of your life? I would love to help you find your primary residence or vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact me to schedule showings of condos or homes for sale in Osage Beach MO, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, or any of the surrounding areas!

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868
Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484

Live The Dream In Your Lakefront Condo!

If you are longing for a place of your own but not quite ready to take the homeownership plunge, compromise with a waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks. Condominiums offer all the benefits of having your private space without the many added responsibilities that often come with a house.

Because of their spectacular waterfront location and fantastic amenities, condos also serve as perfect second homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are interested in buying a condo in Osage Beach MO, you've come to the right place!

1481 Ledges Drive, Unit: 1035 (Osage Beach MO)
$189,900

Prepared to be wowed by the phenomenal view - and everything else! This updated condo has everything you need to set up your perfect vacation destination at the Lake. This condo's true advantages can be found in the details; every inch of this unit has been meticulously maintained and carefully crafted to ensure that its owners enjoy being there to the fullest possible extent.

Here are just a few examples of the great things waiting for you at this lakefront condo in Osage Beach MO.

The Kitchen

• Glass Tile Backsplash
• Granite Countertops 
• Custom Cabinets
• LED Lighting Above and Below the Cabinets
• Vinyl Wood Panel Flooring

Everywhere Else

• Huge Screened, Covered Deck
• Crown Molding
• New Commercial Vinyl Tile Bath
• Spacious Bedrooms
• Walk-In Closet
• Incredible View of the Main Channel
• Gas Fireplace

Outstanding Condominium

This wonderful unit is located in one of the most highly sought-after condominiums at the Lake. Subdivision amenities include:

• Community Pool
• Playground
• Beach
• Sewer
• Trash

You'll find that living in this condo is also incredibly affordable, as your assessment dues cover:

• Cable
• Dock
• Dock Reserve
• Sewer
• Trash
• Water
• Yard Maintenance
• Amenities

This condo also provides an opportunity to earn supplemental income by renting it out visitors on a nightly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, biannual, or annual basis - though you may not want to part with it!

Call Me To Schedule Your Private Showing!

If you are interested in seeing all that this property has to offer with your own eyes, contact me at 573-280-0484. As an experienced real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks, I have the skills and the expertise you need to secure this condo at a fantastic price. I look forward to working with you!

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868



Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484

Do's & Don'ts for Hosting an Open House

If you are trying to sell your house at the Lake of the Ozarks, chances are you're open to trying several different strategies for getting your home off the market. Hosting an open house can be a great way get your home in front of several prospective buyers at one time, but (as with most things) there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. In my years as a real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks, I have identified several elements that can make or break an open house. Here are a few do's and don'ts to help make your open house a success.

DO: Aggressively Market Your Open House
Hosting an open house is great, but it won't do you any good if no one attends! Advertise your open house everywhere in the weeks leading up to your event - on social media, in the newspaper, with signs, and via word of mouth. Your real estate agent should do the same thing. Between the two of you, you should be able to drum up several attendees for your event. The more people there, the more likely you will be to get an offer.

DON'T: Be Present At The Event
As the seller, you should plan to make yourself scarce on the day of the actual open house. If they feel like like the sellers are hovering and/or watching them, buyers can easily become nervous and self-conscious. Your real estate agent should be perfectly capable of showing the house and accenting its best features, and buyers will probably feel more comfortable (which will make the event more successful) if you aren't there.

DO: Stage The Entire House
Before vacating your property on the day of the open house, it's important to make sure everything is spotless. Your entire home should look like a real estate showroom, because that's exactly what it is. Clean the house, organize all the closets, clear all counters and surface space, and remove all indication of pets and personalized belongings. Your goal should be to create a neutral space every buyer can picture as his/her own.

DON'T: Leave Valuables In Plain Sight
While the crime rate at the Lake of the Ozarks is much lower than in other parts of the state, no community is absolutely perfect. Be smart about which belongings you leave in public view; make sure all your valuables and private personal documents are tucked away in secure hiding places (or removed from the property altogether).

DO: Make Your House Smell Nice
The sense of smell is closely related to emotion and memory. An unpleasant smell can instantly turn off a prospective buyer, and a positive smell can make them instantly more drawn to your property. Before hosting an open house, bake cookies, cinnamon rolls, or some other desert to make your house smell warm and inviting. It may sound cheesy, but it will make a big difference.

DON'T: Play Music
Simplify your life and remove organizing a playlist from your to-do list. Studies show that playing music during an open house can actually be more detrimental than helpful. It's nearly impossible to find a type of music that will appeal to every single buyer, so you risk creating an unpleasant experience for one (or more) of your buyers by having music they dislike playing in the background. Playing music can also cause your buyers to wonder what ambient sounds you may be attempting to cover up (road noise, nearby construction, etc).

Ready To Sell Your Home? I'd Love To Help!
If you are thinking about selling property at the Lake of the Ozarks and are looking for an agent to represent you, I would love the chance to talk with you. I have been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks for over twenty-five years, and I am well-equipped to help you sell your home successfully and efficiently. Visit my website to learn more!

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868


Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484

4 Signs You're Paying Too Much For Your Mortgage

While it can be an incredible opportunity to build wealth, buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks is major expense initially. Depending on your mortgage situation, it may be a significant ongoing expense as well. Since current mortgage rates are still hovering around record lows, now may be a good time to consider refinancing if you believe you may be paying too much for your existing mortgage. Here are a few signs that your current mortgage rate may be unnecessarily high.

1. Your Credit Score Has Improved Since You Purchased
Your and your partner's credit score have a huge impact on your mortgage rate. The higher your scores, the more reliable you seem and the lower interest rate you will probably be able to get. If your scores were lower at the time that you purchased, you may have gotten locked into a higher rate. If your scores have improved since your initial purchase date, refinancing and locking in a lower rate may be beneficial.

2. Your Interest Rate Is Above 4.5% Percent
If you bought your home in or before 2014, it is entirely possible that you were approved for an interest rate at or near 4.5% (or higher). At the time that you closed, you were probably thrilled about securing such a low rate. However, interest rates dropped even lower in 2015. If your current rate is above 4.125% or 4.5%, it may be worth talking to a lender to see if you could be able to secure a lower rate.

3. Your Income Has Increased Since Your Purchase Date
When most people first buy their homes, money is understandably a little tight. Since they can't completely predict what their other expenses will be (utilities, repairs, maintenance, etc), most buyers want to keep their monthly payment as low as possible. If your income has increased since you purchased, you may have more room in your budget to dedicate to your mortgage payment (especially now that you have a better understanding of what your other expenses are). Now could be a great time to consider refinancing and switching to a 15- or 20-year mortgage. While the monthly payments will probably be higher, you may be able to lock in a lower rate and significantly reduce the overall amount paid in interest.

4. You Have An Adjustable Rate Mortgage That Will Soon Adjust
If they only think they will be in their home for a few years, some buyers opt for an adjustable rate mortgages (ARM). Adjustable rate mortgages often offer lower interest rates for a set amount of years, after which they will adjust to match the current market rate. Because it is impossible to accurately predict where market will go, adjustable rate mortgages come with a certain amount of risk. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage and are approaching the point where your rate will adjust, you may wish to consider refinancing.

Remember Me The Next Time You Are Ready To Buy Or Sell!
If you plan to stay in your home for several more years and any of these situations apply to you, refinancing could be a smart move. A professional mortgage lender will be able to help you carefully weigh the pros and cons. 

If you do not plan on staying in your same home much longer, on the other hand, I would love to talk to you! I have a great deal of experience selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, and I would be more than happy to help you sell your home. If you plan to stay in the Lake Area, I could also help you find a new home that will better meet your needs. Visit my website or call me directly at 573-280-0484 to learn more.

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868


Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484

5 Unexpected Benefits Of Owning A Home

When you think about owning a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, what comes to mind? Common things most people look forward to include having a space of their own, not having to always double-check with the landlord about the decor and maintenance of the home, not having to worry about the landlord raising the rent payments, having the authority to make decisions regarding the number of pets in your home, and having a stable place to raise the children. While these are all outstanding benefits of homeownership, the list doesn't stop there! Here are some other great aspects of homeownership that may surprise you.

1. Homeowners Are Proud Of Their Homes
There is nothing quite like the pride of homeownership. It's indescribable. It doesn't matter if it's your first home at the Lake of the Ozarks or your fifth - when you slide the key in the lock and step into your brand new home, you will almost always be overwhelmed with a sense of personal pride and satisfaction. This pride encourages and motivates many homeowners to perform better at work, take better care of their properties, and create safe, enriching environments for their children. There truly is nothing like pride of ownership!

2. Children Of Homeowners Perform Better In School
As a parent, nothing matters more than the physical and emotional well-being of your children. Believe it or not, buying a house may be a great way to help give your child an advantage. According to a recent study by the National Association of REALTORS®, children of homeowners...

• Stay in school longer
• Perform better academically
• Have fewer incidences of teenage pregnancy
• Are more responsible financially
• Learn valuable skills about maintaining a home

3. Homeownership Helps Improve Your Credit Score

Because they are usually large payments, mortgages often have a very large effect on credit scores. If you manage your mortgage payments responsibly and pay them each in full and on time every month, you can expect to see your credit score increase significantly after owning your home for a few years. By the same token, however, failing to make your mortgage payment on time can severely hurt you score. Make sure that managing your mortgage payment is always a top priority.

4. Buying A New Home Gives You A Clean Slate

After living in the same place for many years, it can be hard to break out of your established routine. You may not be particularly thrilled with the way your kitchen is designed, but are you really going to put the effort into remodeling it? Maybe your basement is a disorganized mess - but it's been that way for years, why change it now? When you buy a new house at the Lake of the Ozarks, however, you get a clean slate and a chance to start fresh. Don't be afraid to take your time settling in so you can set up your dream home exactly the way you've been envisioning it.

5. Homeowners Are More Invested In Their Communities

While there are some "professional renters" who plan to never purchase a home, most people choose to rent because they are not financially ready to buy or because they only plan to stay in the area for a short time. Most homeowners, on the other hand, plan to stay in the area for several years. This sense of stability greatly increases their appreciation for their local community and encourages them to become more active in bettering the community for years to come. It's no wonder that communities primarily made up of homeowners tend to thrive.

I Would Love To Help You Buy A House At The Lake!

If you have been thinking about purchasing a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, now is the time to make it happen. Home prices and interest rates are still low, but both are expected to increase in the near future. I will listen to your vision and help you locate the homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks that will best meet your needs. Visit my website to learn more about how I can help homebuyers in Osage Beach MO!

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868


Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484