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

DREAM HOME For Sale In Lake Ozark

Become a member of one of the most sought-after residential communities at the Lake of the Ozarks! Comfortably situated along Horseshoe Bend Parkway in Lake Ozark, this gorgeous house for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks is move-in ready and simply waiting to welcome your family home. You're going to love it!

280 Palmer Drive - Lake Ozark MO

Join a community of primarily full-time residents at the Lake. Comfortably spacious without being overly large, this home provides the perfect compromise for a family planning to raise young children or a retired couple looking for a cozy community. 

• 2,454 Square Feet
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Bathrooms
• $269,900 Listing Price

A Life Of Luxury (At An Affordable Price)

Recently painted and in perfect condition, this home is perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, exciting start without all of the work that typically comes with moving into a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Your whole family will enjoy...

• Vaulted Ceilings
• Wood & Tile Floors
• Gas Fireplace
• Outdoor Patio
• Granite Countertops
• Kitchen Island with Bar Seating

Outstanding Subdivision Amenities

One of the best things about this home is that it is located within the Village of Four Seasons, so you will get access to all of the great amenities the subdivision offers. These amenities include...

• 3 Community Pools
• Walking Trails
• Tennis Courts
• Bocce Court
• Playgrounds
• Campground
• Boat Ramps
• Boat Trailer Parking
• Exercise Room

You will also have easy access to all that the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer - restaurants, shopping, attractions, night life, marinas, and more!

Contact Me To Schedule A Showing

With all of amazing things this Lake of the Ozarks home has to offer, it probably won't be on the market for long. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Call me at 573-280-0484 to schedule your private showing 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

Winterfest 2016!

As we discussed last week, the Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing place to live year-round. In my blog “Benefits Of Living Full-Time At The Lake Of The Ozarks,” I discussed many advantages including year-round access to the water, excellent schools, quality healthcare, and more. However, there is another key element that I did not get the chance to cover – easy access to the events hosted in the Lake Area all year long.

While the majority of local events are held during the warmer months, there are still several outstanding events held every winter at the Lake. One of these events is coming up in less than two weeks. If you haven’t reserved your tickets yet for Winterfest 2016, now is the time to do so!

Winterfest 2016

Winterfest is an annual winter charity event hosted by the Lake of the Ozarks Daybreak Rotary club. This great event raises money that stays right here in our local community. Attendees get to participate in a live and silent auction, enjoy a delicious dinner, and dance the night away with their friends and family. The theme for this year’s event is “Roaring 20’s Speakeasy,” so break out your finest 20’s apparel and head out for a party that will truly be the “bee’s knees”!

When:  February 27, 2016
What Time:  5:30 PM
Where:  Tan-Tar-A Resort
Admission:  $60 per ticket (tables of ten can be reserved for $600)

Event Attractions

This is always a fun-filled event with lots of great attractions to keep everyone entertained. Among other things, attendees will get to enjoy…

• Live Auction
• Silent Auction
• Costume Contest
• Mugshots
• Gangster Cocktails
• Wine Pull
• Live Music by the i-Berrys

Tickets are going fast, so if you haven’t reserved yours yet, be sure to do so ASAP! Reserve yours by calling Steve Naught at 573-348-2794. You can also contact any other Daybreak Rotarian.

Enjoy Your Time at the Lake!

Why not make the Lake Area a permanent part of your life? If you are interested in buying a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, a second home, or a new full-time residence, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I have over twenty-five years of experience in real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, and I would be honored to help you in any way I can!

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 Benefits Of Living Full-Time At The Lake

Think the Lake of the Ozarks is only for summer fun? It's time to think again. While the Lake is famous as a summer vacation destination, it's also a wonderful place to live all year long. Here are a few of the reasons why buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

1. You Get To Enjoy The Water All Year
The Lake is beautiful all year long, but most vacationers and second homeowners only get to enjoy it for three months of the year. As a full-time Lake resident, however, you get to enjoy the water whenever you want. From early spring to late autumn, you can be out on the water enjoying yourself. You can even get the boat out in the middle of winter on a nicer day. Why limit your lake time to just a few weekends in the summer when you don't have to?

2. You Can Enjoy Living In A Bustling Vacation Destination AND A Cozy Community
During the winter, the population at the Lake of the Ozarks hovers around 100,000. On holiday weekends in the summer, the population increases to around 500,000 people. This drastically fluctuating population means that during the summer, you get to be part of a busy, bustling destination filled with people from all over the Midwest. In the off-season, you get to enjoy being a part of a close-knit community. In other words, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds!

3. Your Children Can Have Access To Outstanding Schools
The Lake Area is sometimes stereotyped as a retirement community, but the truth is that an increasing number of young adults are choosing to raise their families at the Lake. The educational opportunities available here are a big factor in this decision. There are several different schools located throughout the Lake Area, each offering outstanding educational programs and excellent extra-curricular opportunities. Your child will thrive here.

4. You Will Have Easy Access To Quality Healthcare
Lake Regional Health System offers outstanding care to both locals and vacationers. Patients have access to a wide variety of different health services, including primary care, urgent care, cardiac catheterization, open-heart surgery, and rehab therapy clinics, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Long ago Lake residents struggled to get to the services they needed in time, but nowadays quality healthcare is readily accessible.

5. The Recreational Opportunities Are Endless
Full-time residents get to enjoy any number of different recreational opportunities. Water-related activities include boating, fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and more - but there are plenty of opportunities that don't have anything to do with the Lake. The Lake of the Ozarks also boasts caves, water parks, bowling alleys, movie theaters, state parks, hiking trails, horseback trail rides, golf courses, and so much more.

Contact Me To Find Your Dream Home At The Lake!
Convinced? If you would like to learn more about living at the Lake of the Ozarks, or if you are ready to start shopping homes for sale in Osage Beach MO or any of the surrounding areas, I would love to talk to you! I have been selling real estate at the Lake for over twenty-five years, and I can help you find your dream home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Visit my website or give me a call at 573-280-0484 for more information.

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

Upcoming Events at the Lake of the Ozarks

Can you believe that February is already here? 2016 is off to a fast start, and the local events at the Lake of the Ozarks are beginning to pick up speed. The Lake Area hosts hundreds of events all year long. If you are looking for an excuse to come to the Lake before summer gets here, mark your calendar for one (or several!) of these upcoming events.

Polar Bear Plunge. Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Polar Bear Strut & Polar Bear Plunge
Date: February 27, 2016
This annual event raises funds for Special Olympics Missouri, a sports program for both children and adults with mental disabilities. Participants of the Polar Bear Strut will walk/run outdoors in spite of winter's frigid temperatures, and participants in the Polar Bear Plunge will jump into the Lake's icy waters. Participants of both events will work to raise money for this great cause. Click here for more information.

Winterfest 2016: Roaring 20's Speakeasy
Date: February 27, 2016
Lake of the Ozarks Daybreak Rotary hosts two main fundraisers every year, once of of which is Winterfest. This gala includes a delicious dinner, live and silent auctions, live entertainment, wine pull, door prizes, costume contest, and more. Tickets are $60 each. All the proceeds will be distributed to local charity organizations. For more information, visit www.DaybreakRotary.org.

7th Annual Silver Cup Chef Challenge
Date: March 5, 2016
Enjoying tastings from some of the most talented and esteemed chefs at the Lake of the Ozarks as they compete for first place. Every year the chefs are selected by invitation only. This year, the participating chefs are from several of the Lake's best restaurants, including the Trophy Room, Redhead Lakeside Grille, Savannah Grille, Camden on the Lake, and Boathouse Lakeside Grill. Cost is $45 per person. Visit www.SevenSpringsWinery.com for more information.

St. Patrick's Parade. Photo Credit: FunLake.com

25th Annual St. Patrick's Water Parade
Date: March 12, 2016
This fun-filled event is the perfect way to kick off spring boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks. Boats will depart from Captain Ron's at 10:00 AM and travel to Bear Bottom Resort, Bulldog's Beach House, and finish the day at Larry's on the Lake. For those who do not wish to put their own boat in the parade, tickets are available for both the Tropic Island Cruise boat and the Celebration Cruise boat. Click here for more information. There will also be an on-land parade along the Bagnell Dam Strip on the same day.

Easter Egg Hunts
Dates: March 26th and 27th, 2016
Easter is coming early this year, but the Lake Area will be ready! Bring your kiddos out to participate in one (or more!) of the community Easter egg hunts being held around the area. The city of Osage Beach will host its 2nd annual Easter egg hunt on March 26th. Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat will also host theirs on the 26th. The city of Laurie will host on the following day, on March 27th. For more information on Easter events, click here.

But Wait - There's More!
These events are some of the highlights between now and the end of March, but there are plenty of great events already scheduled after that. April will bring the Bridge & Dam Half Marathon & 10K, PBW's Quarter Mania Auction, Dogwood Festival, LOMDA In-Water Boat Show, Clown Classic Golf Tournament, and so much more. May will be even busier as summer starts to pick up steam.

If you've been thinking about buying a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, NOW is the time to make it happen! Buying a house often takes several months from start to finish, so getting started now will let you be settled in and ready before summer hits. Contact me to learn more about buying a house or Lake of the Ozarks condo 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