How to Host a Successful Open House

An open house is a great tool to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. From drawing in potential buyers to raising awareness of your property, there are a number of benefits of an open house. If you are ready to sell your home near Lake Ozark, MO, an open house can be beneficial! To learn how to host a successful open house, see the points provided below by your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri!

Enlist The Help of Your Agent

A real estate agent typically has experience in hosting an open house. They can help with pointers to help prepare your space for a number of potential buyers. Marketing is a major benefit of using a real estate agent, when hosting an open house. It is also important to have a professional present for your open house, that way the homeowner does not have to be there. This can create an awkward environment if the potential buyers know the owners are present.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Although you should always clean your space before any type of home showing, cleaning before an open house is vital to the success. You will have a number of guests looking at your home and you want to ensure it is as clean as possible. If someone finds an unsightly place, in your home, they may be more apt to mention it to others.

Stage Your Space

Staging is an important aspect of selling your home. Try to narrow down your target home buyer and stage to their lifestyle. Whether it is an ideal starter home, where you can stage a play room for a growing family or your space is ideal for retirees, you can stage a quaint reading space. If you are unsure of a potential buyer life stage, your real estate agent can help make staging suggestions for your space.

Hide Your Valuables

While this is somewhat common knowledge, when others are in your home, try to conceal any jewelry and other valuables. Even if these items are secure during your open house, someone may see these items and be tempted to return to your home.

Create a Neutral Theme

When preparing your home for an open house, try to create a gender-neutral space. You don't want to off-put a potential buyer with overly feminine features, or vise-versa. Try to stick with natural color tones that will appeal to the majority of buyers.

Encourage Nosy Neighbors

An open house is the great time to get your nosy neighbors involved! They will likely wonder why their road is busier than normal anyway. Have your neighbors invite friends and family to look at your home. You never know who they know, who is looking to purchase a home. After all, if they are close friends or family, living close may be an added benefit of buying your home!

Now that you know these great tips about hosting an open house, you are ready to set up a time with your real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO. If you are interested in selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, give me a call! I will be pleased to help you market your home and help you host a successful open house, featuring your space. Contact me at (573) 280-0484 to get started working on your open house plan!

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

Why to NOT FSBO

When it comes time to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may be tempted to sell it on your own. There is a TON of work that goes along with selling a home. The decision to for sale by owner should not be taken lightly. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri is here to help point out some of the major reasons listing with a professional real estate agent is better!

Home Marketing

The majority of people who buy a home find the listing online and through a real estate agent. A professional will have the right tools readily available to get your listing out in front of the majority of potential buyers. Marketing strategy is a main benefit of using a professional real estate agent, to sell your home.

People to Contact

There are a number of people to contact, in order to successfully sell your home. From dealing with the potential buyers to ordering an inspection and appraisal, the amount of contacts can overwhelming for an individual, with limited real estate experience.

Paperwork Load

The paperwork amount of selling a home has greatly increased, as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is a great reason to utilize the experience of a professional real estate agent, when selling your home. Someone who deals with this type of paperwork on a daily basis will be more efficient in filling out and filing these type of forms.

Net More

It is typical for a real estate agent to net more than an individual selling on their own. This is due to the negotiation tactics and marketing skills, to help sell your home quicker. Judging by the numbers, a professional can usually help you sell your home for more.

Time Consuming

Aside from the paperwork taking a big portion of your free time, there is marketing and showings and negotiations that need tended to, as well. A full-time real estate agent can help with the majority of the time consuming procedures that are needed to sell your home.

After you have read the points above, you may be convinced that listing your home for sale by owner may not be the best fit for you. If you are interested in speaking with a selling agent at the Lake of the Ozarks, I would be pleased to answer any questions! To ensure your home sale in Osage Beach, MO goes smoothly, list your home with a professional real estate agent! Take a load of work off your shoulders with the help of an agent, when selling your home.

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

Condo vs. Townhome

When it comes to condos and townhomes, there can be a bit of confusion. Although the two may seem similar at first, there are some major differences between the dwelling types. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri wants to help clear things up, when it comes to the difference between a condo and a townhome. Whether you are looking to purchase or sell a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is important to know what distinguishes the two dwellings apart.

Condo

A condo, or condominium, gives ownership to everything inside the walls. The outside of the building and property is owned and maintained by the association, that all condo owners are a part of. An association can establish rules and regulations in which all owners have to abide by. There are typically designed parking spots for owners and guests. Some condo complexes are in a gated community with a security guard, for added protection. At the Lake, many condos offer stunning views of the water with community gathering and recreational areas. The outside of a condo is entirely shared space for your associate to decide what can and cannot take place on the property.

Townhome

A townhome is a little more like a single dwelling home in it's layout, just sharing a wall with another townhome. Unlike some condos, many townhomes are multi-level properties.Often times convenient amenities are found in this type of dwelling. From a private garage and driveway to personal lawn space, you may have a little more freedom with a townhome. You can typically decorate the exterior of your townhome as you choose, unlike in a condo complex.

What's Best For You?

While there are pros and cons to each dwelling type, keep in mind your personal lifestyle preference to decide which option works best for you and your family. If you love to socialize and embrace a sense of community, a condo may be best for you. If you would prefer to live a more private life with limited regulations, a townhome might be your best bet!

After comparing the two dwelling types, you may be leaning toward one or the other. To start your search for a new townhome or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, I will be pleased to help you through the process. From the search to making an offer to purchase, I can help guide you and your family through the property purchase process here at the Lake. Contact me today to get started!

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

Valentine's Dinners at the Lake

Valentine's Day is the perfect time of year to treat that special someone in your life and show them how much you care about them. To show your appreciation of your significant other, there are plenty of Valentine's dinners to choose from. Whether you live at the Lake of the Ozarks or are coming to visit with your loved one, you can find a great dining option to celebrate your love for each other. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO has provided information about the upcoming dinners for Valentine's Day, below.

Valentine's Dinner for Two at Shawnee Bluff Winery

Take advantage of the romantic dinner for two with a bottle of wine to share, 2 salads, 2 entrees, and a shareable dessert. Priced at only $65, the special at Shawnee Bluff Winery is good from Friday, February 10th through Tuesday, February 14th. The winery will also feature live music for your enjoyment. Call 573-365-9935 to reserve your table for two!

Valentine's Dinner at Seven Springs Winery

Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of the Ozarks when you visit Seven Springs Winery to treat that special someone in your life. With meals priced at $99 per couple, you can enjoy a Caesar salad, steak and lobster tail, served with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, with a delicious cheese cake desert. Taking place on February 11th and 14th, join Seven Springs Winery for your Valentine's date! To reserve your space, call 573-317-0100!

Valentine's Day at H.Toad's

For a decedent dinner for you and your loved one, visit H. Toad's the Saturday before Valentine's Day. Take advantage of the featured menu for two, gorgeous lake views, and incredible live music from Lauren Anderson. To reserve your space, contact H. Toad's at 573-365-5620.

Valentine's Day at the Inn at Grand Glaize

Taking place February 11th and February 14th, the Inn at Grand Glaize is offering a romantic escape for you and your significant other. From dinner for two to room specials and entertainment, you can celebrate your love for one another this Valentine's Day at the Inn at Grand Glaize.

For more information about area Valentine Dinners, visit www.FunLake.com.

Now that you know a little more about the options for your Valentine's date night, you can book your reservation today. Treat your love to a romantic dinner at one of these beautiful dining establishments at the Lake of the Ozarks. During your dinner for two, you may discuss some future goals for your relationship. If buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is on that list, contact me today! I look forward to helping you find the dream home for your and your family!

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

Communities at the Lake of the Ozarks

If you are considering relocating to the area, it is important to get familiar with the layout of the Lake of the Ozarks. Each community has distinct attributes that it brings to the Lake of the Ozarks, as a whole. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO wants to help you to get to know the area, if you plan to move to the Lake. This can help you decide which community in which you want to reside. Whether you plan to be a second home owner at the Lake of the Ozarks or want to move to the area full time, it is important to know the region.

Lake Ozark

Known as the “Gateway of the Lake of the Ozarks", the city of Lake Ozark offers a number of amenities. From the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip to a new shopping center, as well as a number of beautiful homes, Lake Ozark is a great place to live! Close to local activates, yet secluded enough from the hustle and bustle, it creates the ideal place for your home.

Osage Beach

Located in the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks, there are a number of dining establishments and shopping complexes, including a popular outlet mall attraction! With a number of subdivision and residential areas, you can find a home that is as close and far away from the tourist destinations!

Linn Creek

A laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community can be found in Linn Creek. Located between Osage Beach and Camdenton, you are a short drive away from a number of retail locations and attractions.

Camdenton

Known as the “Hub City of Lake of the Ozarks”, Camdenton is centrally located and is a main crossing point for west and east sides of the Lake. The city is also the county seat of Camden County. With a number of restaurants, shopping opportunities, and area attractions, Camdenton is a great place to live and get involved!

Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach is more a rural area, compared to other locations at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you want to enjoy nature, this may be the right town for you! Although there are great restaurant options and a few retail stores, this town is more laid back during the winter and the summer months.

Laurie

Located between Versailles and Camdenton along highway 5, Laurie is a hub city for the west side of the Lake of the Ozarks. While the town is more a rural population, there are still plenty of restaurants, banks, retail locations available. If you are looking for a peaceful place to live, consider Laurie, Missouri!

Now that you know a little more about each community that makes up the Lake of the Ozarks, can start to narrow down in which place you want to live. When you are ready to relocate the Lake of the Ozarks, I will be pleased to show you properties for sale in the area, in which you wish to reside. For an expert, when it comes to Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate, contact me at (573) 280-0484!

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

How to Transform your House into a Home

Once you find your dream home and make your big purchase, it is time to get settled into your space. The contents inside your house is what makes it a home. To increase the cozy factor around your house, your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri is here for you! In this week’s blog, I will cover some simple and inexpensive ways to transform your house into a home, for you and your family to enjoy on a daily basis! To learn about these easy changes you can make to your interior, see the points below!

Incorporate Lighting

Lighting is a big deal when it comes to your home. The right light fixtures and light tones can impact the entire feel of your space. To make your house feel more like home, it can be helpful to add table lamps to an end table or bedside table. Floor lamps are a great piece to place in an empty corner, as well.

Add Warm Tones

Warm hues can change the entire feel of a room, and house for that matter. When selecting a color to paint your interior, think about warm tones. These colors can help everyone feel a little more calm, which is important for a space in which you intend to relax after a hard days work!

Increase the Cozy 

There are a number of ways to add a cozy element into your space. Many times, a throw or thick blanket can be added to the arm of a chair or foot of the bed. This can help the room appear more inviting, allowing your family and guests to get comfortable in your space.

Place Interesting Rugs

To add interest and color to your floors, rugs are a great asset. From a unique pattern to a bold color, rugs are the ideal way to add interest to your space. Whether you have hardwood floors or carpet, a rug can mix it up a bit, making your space feel more inviting.

Hang Curtains

Curtains are a great way to add depth to your space. From a bold color that compliments the room to a neutral sheer that allows natural light to enter, curtains are important way to make your house feel like a home.

Bring the Outdoors, In

Adding natural décor items to your space can increase the cozy factor, and welcome guests into your home. From a beautiful flower display to a large jar with sticks, natural elements can help your home stand apart.

Place Wall Hangings

Often, first time homeowners have not been allowed to hang pictures or art on the walls, due to renting regulations. This can be an exciting time, for those who have not experienced the feeling of home associated with hanging your favorite pieces. From artwork to family photographs, wall hangings can help transform your space into a home!

Now that you know some of the easy, inexpensive ways to increase the cozy factor in your house, you are ready to start incorporating some of these items! Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big deal, but making your space yours is even more important. Now that you are settled in your new house, you are ready to create a home out of your space! For all of your needs for real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, remember to call me at 573) 280-0484!

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

Livin’ the Lake Lifestyle: Boat Shows

Adding to our “Livin’ the Lake Lifestyle” blog series, these features help showcase some of the fun events that go hand-in-hand with living at the Lake of the Ozarks. Since it is boat show season, this week’s blog is dedicated to the various boat shows that are coming up! Whether you are in the market to purchase a new boat or just love seeing the latest and greatest in the marine industry, attending a boat show can be very informative and FUN! Provided below is a schedule of upcoming boat shows in which you can attend!

Photo Credit: www.KansasCitySportShow.com

Kansas City Boat & Sportshow

January 19-22, 2017
H. Roe Bartle Hall
301 W. 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
www.KansasCitySportShow.com

Whether you are an avid outdoorsman or are just looking for a way to escape for the day, this is YOUR show! Bartle Hall turns into a one-stop marketplace for outdoor fun for this exciting four day event. Look all around TONS of boats for every lifestyle, activity, and budget! From boating, fishing and hunting to camping and more, you can find gear for every outdoor activity imaginable. Visit a number of vendors to help plan your next adventure. There’s really no better place to shop, compare, and save!

Overland Park Boat Show

Photo Credit: www.OverlandParkBoatShow.com

Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Blvd.
Overland Park Kansas 66211
www.OverlandParkBoatShow.com

Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealer Association brings the Lake to Overland Park in the heart of winter. To see the latest and greatest 2017 cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, tritoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts, and all boating accessories, plan to attend the show. Bring the entire family to this great boat show in Overland Park!

Photo Credit: StCharlesBoatShow.weebly.com

St. Charles Boat Show

St. Charles Convention Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
St. Charles Missouri 63303
StCharlesBoatShow.weebly.com

The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association wants to welcome you to the St. Charles Boat Show for 2017! Being the premiere show for boating enthusiasts all over the Midwest and certainly in the St Louis market, you can find tons of boats, boating accessories, and other vendors to learn more about the possibilities at the Lake of the Ozarks. Be sure to attend the show at the St. Charles Convention Center March 9th - 12th!

Now that you know about the upcoming boat shows taking place during the winter months, you can mark them on your calendar! If you find a new boat that does not work for your current dock space, it may be time to upgrade! With a number of homes on the real estate market in Lake Ozark, MO, you can find a new home AND a new dock to fit your new boat! To start your search for a lakefront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact me today! I look forward to helping you find your dream home!

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

Tips for Relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks

Relocating to a new place can be an overwhelming, yet very exciting task. The beautiful Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination to visit, but many LOVE to call it home. If you have made a decision to relocate to this spectacular area, I would please to help during your transition. To help make your relocation a little easier, your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks has provided some helpful tips for relocating.

Find your Way Around The Lake

The Lake of the Ozarks has a unique dragon tail shape, as it curves through the Ozarks. This creates a bit of a challenge when it comes to navigating the area, don’t worry you will get used to it quickly! The Lake is not set up like a traditional town with square blocks, it is actually a lot of little towns surrounding the entire lake. To help get familiar the area, I recommend taking a drive around to see what each town or city is like. This can help you navigate the roads and find your way around, once you live here.

Get to Know the Home Options

Along with the highway system, the homes in the area are also unique! Where a traditional town has a few housing options available, we have single-family homes, luxury homes, apartments, and condos to choose from. To narrow down your dwelling type to fit the wants and needs of your family, I would be happy to show you around some various options in the area.

Find a Bank

It is important to get your financial presence established in your new location. The Lake of the Ozarks has a number of trustworthy banking options. With easy to access ATM locations, the area banks keep your convenience for money retrieval in mind.

Know the School Districts

If you have children, school districts may pay a role in your home location decision. With a number of districts surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks, you should research what each district has to offer for you and/or your children.

Familiarize yourself with the Area

From knowing where the hospital is to locating a grocery store, it is important to get familiarized with a new area in which you are going to live. Whether you are visiting the Lake before you move or relocating before coming to the area, driving around and locating important store and places can help you feel more comfortable, quicker.

Don’t Forget:

-Update your driver’s license
-Change your address with the Post Office
-Schedule new trash service
-Contact lawn maintenance / snow removal company

Now that you have read these tips for relocating to the Lake, you are ready to start looking for a home. If you are interested in buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, the best real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO is here for all of your home needs. From narrowing down the right property for you and your family to checking out homes on your behalf, I would be pleased to help you make your transition to the Lake a smooth one. To start your home search at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact me today!

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

Sell Your Home – 7 Master Bedroom Staging Tips

A master bedroom is an important part of a home to showcase, when selling. This is typically the room in which the homeowners will stay, therefore it is imperative to make a positive impression. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri is here to help you improve your staging efforts, when it comes to selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Today, the master bedroom is the featured room for staging your home before selling.

1) Remove Clutter

Ensure your bedroom is ready for potential buyers at all times. Remove any clothes in piles and other clutter that naturally accumulates on the dresser and bedside tables. Also, keep an eye on the clothes basket and avoid it overflowing. Focus on keeping your closets tidy, especially when your home is for sale. To make it easy when selling your home and avoid a last-minute showing panic, pick up after yourself each day.

2) Eliminate Unnecessary Furniture

If you have unused furniture in your master bedroom, remove it to create more space. Keep your bedroom to the bear minimum when it comes to furniture – dresser, bed, and bedside table. This can help open up your room, creating the illusion of a larger master bedroom.

3) Stage to Your Space

Stage your bedroom to your unique space. If you have a larger room, create a reading or relaxing space with a chair or small couch with table and lamp. You want to show off the versatility of your master bedroom, if space allows.

4) Dress up Your Bed

The bed should be the focal point of the master bedroom. Dress up that space with a headboard and a nice bedcover with accent pillows. This helps to create a statement piece for potential buyers to easily picture themselves in the home.

5) Focus on Window Treatments

The window treatments are an important piece, when it comes to selling your home. You want to allow natural light can get into your bedroom, which can be accomplished with open blinds and/or a sheer curtain. Also, try to coordinate your curtain color to the color theme in the bedroom for a uniform look.

6) Coordinate Colors

For a coordinating look, try to keep a color theme for your master bedroom. Try to keep the color tones gender neutral when your home is for sale as well. You want the room to appeal to both male and female preferences, since you cannot predict who will be looking at your home.

7) Keep it Clean

The most important part of selling your home is keeping it clean. Each day ensure your master bedroom is picked up and tidy. Remove dust and vacuum on a regular basis, when your home is for sale. If you get a call for a showing, you can rest assured that your home is show ready.

To attract potential buyers to your home, ensure your master bedroom is up to par. Help your home stand out by offering an inviting space for the homeowners to imaging themselves relaxing each and every day. Once you get the potential owners hooked on the master bedroom, you have a better chance at selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are in the market to sell this winter, contact me at (573) 280-0484 for more staging tips for the successful sale of your home!

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