7 Inexpensive Games to Play at Your Halloween Party

A holiday is the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family. Whether you plan to take to kids out to one of the trick-or-treat events around the area or gather with friends, Halloween is a fun time of year. A number of Halloween parties will take place over the weekend and the best real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks wants to help you prepare. Provided below are some exciting, inexpensive holiday game ideas for kids to play at your Halloween party.

1. Bob for Apples

A traditional Halloween game, bobbing for apples, requires a big bucket full of water and apples. The contestants will have to pick up an apple without using their hands. The first person to successfully capture an apple with their teeth is the winner.

2. Frankenstein Bowling

To prepare for Frankenstein bowling, decorate used canned good cans with monster faces. Set the cans up in a triangle (like bowling pins) and let the participants take turns knocking down the cans with a ball. To add a level of difficulty to the game, you can try to use a pumpkin as the ball, which does not roll very straight!

3. Eight-Leg Corn Hole

An easy way to make the traditional corn hole game more festive, is to decorate the bean bags for Halloween. You can simply add pipe cleaners and glue on eyes for a “spider” bag to throw. The rules of corn hole remain the same, just a little spookier version utilizing spiders.

4. Night Time Ring Toss

Ring toss in the dark is a fun way to give a spooky factor to a traditional carnival type game. Set up empty (or full) soda bottles or milk cans and use glow sticks hooked together for the rings. Darkness adds a scary factor, and ups the difficulty involved in ring toss.

5. Mummy Race

A mummy race is a fun way to start off any Halloween party. After the participants are wrapped like mummies, using toilet paper or paper towels, they are ready to race to the finish line. There are a number of race type options that can be incorporated into the mummy race format.

6. Pumpkin Golf

A large pumpkin and a small pieces of plywood can be used to create a pumpkin golf activity at your party. The pumpkin will need to be carved into a jack-o-lantern style (with a wide open mouth). Create a ramp with the wood from the ground into the pumpkin’s mouth. Now all you need is participants with putters and a few golf balls. Just like mini golf, try to putt the ball up the ramp into the jack-o-lantern’s mouth.

7. Decoration Station

A pumpkin decoration station can easily be made with a few small pumpkins and craft paints with brushes. The kids will have a blast painting their pumpkins alongside their friends. Remember to cover the work station with a tablecloth or drop cloth, for an easy clean up!

Now that you have plenty of game ideas, you are ready to have a great time at your Halloween party in the next few days. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO wants you to be able to enjoy the spooky festivities. Next year, if you want to host your own Halloween party, you may want to start your search to buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Give me a call at (573) 280-0484 if you are interested in the purchase of a new home in the area. 

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 Ways to Make Your House a Home: Fall Decorating Tips

Whether you are moving into your first home or looking to make your space a little cozier, decorating your house for fall can help you accomplish a comfortable place to call your own. An exciting time for any homeowner at the Lake of the Ozarks is adding personal touches and décor to your house. The great thing about fall décor is that it can be left up all season long! Halloween and Thanksgiving pieces can be added to your existing fall look in your home. Your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks has provided some tips to decorate your home this fall.

Incorporate a Throw

Many people think of autumn as a time to curl up in front of the fireplace, with a plush blanket draped across them, snuggled in for the evening. Adding a beautiful, fall colored throw blanket to your living room or bedroom can help bring about warmth during the chilly part of the season. The cozy factor in your home with go up a few notches by simply throwing a blanket over the arm of the couch or the foot of the bed.

Light Up the Room

As the daylight hours get shorter and shorter, you may consider adding additional lighting to your home. Incorporate a few lamps in your living room, to help light up the room during the fall months. You can add a fall inspired lamp to the bedroom, for extra illumination in that room as well.

Stock Up on Fire Wood

If you have a fireplace, you may start gathering firewood for the season. You may want to light the fireplace on a cool fall night to keep you and your family warm. Incorporate your stack of firewood into your fall décor efforts. Add a neatly stacked pile to the hearth of the fireplace, or a beautiful fall basket near the fireplace to hold your firewood this season.

Add Autumn Touch to Your Table

A festive way to get in on the fall festivities is to add an autumn inspired centerpiece to your dining table. A wreath laying on the table is a fun way to bring fall touches to your table. A twig wreath with a candle in the middle and little pumpkins around the wreath can bring the freshness of the season into your dining space. Placemats and festive centerpieces are an easy way to bring fall tones into your dining room.

Pumpkins, Gourds, and Pine Cones (Oh My!)

Fall is full of natural options to add to your decorating efforts. Pumpkins are a popular decorating item, especially this time of year. You can add pumpkins to every room in your home for an autumn feel all around. Create a festive display in any room of your home with pumpkins, gourds, and pine cones. Whether you want to create a focal point or a few items spread throughout your home, pumpkins, gourds, and pine cones can be used to easily decorate your home this autumn.

Decorating for fall can help get you and your family into the spirit of the season. While the temperature is usually nice during the day, the evenings can cool off quite a bit in the autumn season. This makes for a perfect time to stay indoors and add some fall decorations to your home. Fall is a beautiful time of year to take advantage of cozy nights inside your home, enjoying your new fall décor. If you are looking for a new place to decorate and call your own, contact a real estate agent in Lake Ozark, 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

7 Tips for First Time Home Sellers

It is inevitable that after purchasing your first home, you will one day want to sell it. Now that the new has worn off, you may be ready to move on to a different house. Whether you are wanting to relocate to a new town or find a bigger home for your family, selling at the Lake of the Ozarks can be hassle-free. Take into consideration some of the tips provided by your expert real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO.

1. Price It Right

The price of a home can determine how quickly it will sell, depending on the current local market. Many homeowners want to get the most money for their home, that way they can easily upgrade in their new space. Overpricing can actually hurt your chances of selling, especially if a number of price reductions will be needed to sell the property.

2. Include Extras

Extra incentives included in the sale of a home can entice potential buyers to act quickly, especially if it is an item in which they are in need. There are a number of ways to sweeten the deal as a home seller. Consider including the washer and dryer or other household appliances in the sale of your house. Sometimes the seller can even offer to pay closing costs associated with the sale, to help encourage buyers to act on the property.

3. Remove Clutter

Often first time home sellers have never prepared a home to sell before. Try to remove unnecessary items around the home. Keeping your home clean when it is for sale, is imperative. You want potential buyers looking at your home to see what a great place it is to live, not notice the dust on the coffee table or the cobweb in the corner. Along with removing clutter, personal items should be taken down. Think of this as a time to prepare for your move. Pack up family pictures and memorabilia that adorn your walls and shelves in order to help buyers envision themselves living in your house.

4. Focus on Curb Appeal

Many potential home buyers will drive by a house before deciding to schedule a showing of it. Ensure your house is appealing from the outside. Keeping your lawn and landscape trimmed can help your home stand out. Also adding an eye-catching item to your front porch, like a colorful flower pot or a fall décor display, can draw attention to the home.

5. Make the Right Repairs

If there is an easy and inexpensive fix that can be made to improve your home, go for it. Some first time home sellers want to make major repairs or even remodel entire rooms before selling. Although this can be beneficial, it does not always work out in the favor of the seller. The return on investment is not guaranteed when doing a big remodel or update right before selling.

6. Detach Yourself

You may be more attached to your home than you realize. It can be easier to get through the negotiation process if you detach yourself from the house you are selling. Keep in mind, there is a reason you are selling and it is time for the next step in your life.

7. Select Experienced Real Estate Agent

When selling your house, the real estate agent you select is a key piece to the success of the sale. Find an agent who will use their marketing strategies to promote your home, for a faster sell. Get to know you seller’s agent to ensure they have your best interest in mind, when listing your house.

Call Today To List Your Home!

If you are ready to move on to the next and sell your home, the tips listed above can help make the process flow smoothly. An experienced REALTOR® in Lake Ozark, MO can help you sell your house successfully. One of the most important parts of selling your house, is your choice in real estate agent. Give me a call at (573) 280-0484 to schedule a consultation to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

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 Tips To Make Moving Day Easier

You found your dream home and have started packing up your belongings in preparation to move… now what? Moving is an exciting time, it means new beginnings and a fresh start in a new location. While this blank slate has endless possibilities, the process of moving can be a little stressful at times. To help reduce your stress on moving day, your trusted real estate expert at the Lake of the Ozarks has provided some helpful tips and tricks.

1. Create a Plan

When a plan is established and communicated, it can help keep moving day on track, whether you are moving across the country or across town. Organize your boxes by the room in which they belong and be sure to label them as well. This can be helpful for those assisting you with the move to know exactly where they belong once the boxes are being unloaded and distributed. An important part of the plan is scheduling, ensure your moving day starts early to allow enough time for all of your tasks. Many times the process of moving can take longer than expected, plan accordingly.

2. Have Your Boxes Packed

Especially if you have friends, family, or a moving company helping with your move, ensure your boxes are packed before moving day. They are there to help move, not to help pack the remainder of your items. Belongings that are boxed up and ready to be moved can help keep your moving day plan on track.

3. Remove Kids and Pets from the Equation

Moving day can often be worrisome for children and animals. It can create an uneasy feeling as they see all of the belongings in their home being moved out. Beforehand, ensure that someone is available to watch your kids and/or pets. Young children and animals can get in the way and cause distractions when you are trying to focus on the task at hand and complete your move in a timely manner.

4. Keep Your “Day Of” Box Near at all Times

A box or tote should be designated as “day of” or “first items” and that box should be near you at all times throughout the moving day. This box should include cleaning products that may be needed, an emergency kit, toilet paper for your new location, snacks, and a tool box for minor fixes.

5. Think About Food and Drink Options

Often times moving day arrives and you have been so consumed with packing and preparing, that food and drinks for the day have gone to the wayside. Wherever a meal fits into your moving day, you will likely not be able to prepare an elaborate spread, since many of your cooking items will be packed up in boxes. Have a cooler with lunch meat for sandwiches and chips nearby or plan to order a pizza for the group helping you move. It is important to stay hydrated as you work hard moving throughout the day. Encourage everyone helping to drink plenty of water and provide a cooler full of water or sports drinks for them.

In order for a successful and low-stress move, organization is key. Take into consideration some of these tips above to help make your moving day flow a little smoother. If you are thinking about purchasing a new house, these tips can come in handy in the near future. To start your search for a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks, I would be pleased to help. Call (573) 280-0484 if you are interested in viewing homes currently on the market in the area. 

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

Pumpkin Patches Near Lake of the Ozarks

Fall brings about a number of fun, outdoor activities for many Lake of the Ozarks residents. Top among activities to partake in, are pumpkin patches. This is a fun way to enjoy time with the entire family. Take in the crisp fall air at a pumpkin patch this month. Your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks has provided a list of area pumpkin patches for you and yours to enjoy this fall.

MECCA Pumpkin Patch

MECCA is located at 425 Delmar Road in Roach, Missouri for a day of hands-on fall activities. There is something at the 180 acre farm for all members of your family to enjoy every weekend in October from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  A hay ride, petting zoo, and corn crib are available for you and your family to enjoy. Also, face painting, a corn maze, a big slide, and the corn cannon give the kids fun options in which they can participate. Don’t miss out on the concession stand, with famous fall food and drink options to make your time at MECCA even better. Admission to the pumpkin patch is $5.00 per person.

The Cave Pumpkin Patch

Opened every Saturday and Sunday in October, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., bring your family out for a day of fall fun in Brumley, Missouri. Located at 123 Swinging Bridges Road, the pumpkin patch is just a short drive from Osage Beach. A number of attractions are available for entertainment of adults and kids alike. Corn crib, mini golf, duck races, water balloon sling shot, pumpkin painting, a sand box, and barrel train are just a few of the activities offered at The Cave. Also available at the pumpkin patch is a hay ride, bridges, hay bale maze, and the cave. There are a number of activities to keep you and your family busy for a day of fun. Water, soda, candy, and chips will be for sale, to help you make an entire day of your pumpkin patch visit. The cost is $6.00 per person (over the age of 2) and includes admission to The Cave.

Pumpkin Patch at Hy-Vee Hollow

From 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Hy-Vee Hollow is open for entertainment of the entire family. Every Saturday and Sunday from September 19 until October 25, a number of activities are available at Hy-Vee. From a straw bale maze to an old fashioned water pump duck race, bring the kids out to get involved in the fall festivities. A corn pit, seesaws, and hay mountain are also available at Hy-Vee this autumn for your enjoyment. Don’t miss out on the free hayride as well!

Pumpkins are a staple when it comes to fall. With Hall-O-Ween soon approaching, your family can pick out their pumpkins to carve this year at one of the area pumpkin patches. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful foliage as the leaves start to change in the area, while spending time with your family and friends. There are a number of fun fall events at the Lake of the Ozarks for your enjoyment. While you are spending time with your family, you may start thinking about a new place for all of you to call home. If you are in the market for a new home at the Lake of the Ozarks this autumn season, call (573) 280-0484 to start your home search 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

Featured Listing – 40 Lighthouse Landing

Buying a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks offers the opportunity to take advantage of lake living, typically with a lower price tag. Enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lake view and recreational activities when you live in a condo in the area. Whether you are looking for a second home, maintenance free residence, or an investment property, purchasing a condo may be the right option for you and your family. If you wish to enjoy the lake, without paying a hefty price tag for a waterfront home, 40 Lighthouse Landing may be the perfect option for you. Further information is provided below about this great condo for sale in Lake Ozark, MO.

Inside the Unit-

This spacious two bedroom, two bath condo has plenty of room for entertaining. The space comes fully furnished and is all ready for you and your family to move in, with beds in each room. With fresh paint, this condo has a clean and crisp feel. The kitchen in this unit has a full sized fridge, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. A washer and dryer is also tucked away in a closet, to free up floor space. This condo offers a spacious screened deck that boasts a beautiful view of the Lake. With room to entertain and bbq, the deck is the perfect place to spend time socializing with friends and family.

Property Amenities-

There are a number of amenities that come along with owning a unit in this condo complex. Yard maintenance is included, as well as snow removal in the winter months. Cable television hookups are included in each condominium unit at Lighthouse Landing. Another great feature that comes with the purchase of this condo is that the sewer, water, and trash is included. A tram is also available to help get your belongings from the parking level of the property down to the dock.

Enjoy the Water-

A community pool is located on the property for owners and their guests to enjoy. Kick back and relax in the sun, while cooling off with a dip in the well maintained pool and patio area. There is also a 12x28 boat slip included in the purchase of this condo. The community dock is located in a quiet cove, to keep your boat or PWC investments safe from the potential damage of rough water. A large storage closet is located on the dock to keep your boat and swim necessities safe. To help keep an eye on things, a huge plus is that you can actually see your slip and storage box from the deck of the condo unit. 

If you are ready to start living the Lake life, 40 Lighthouse Landing is a great opportunity for you and your family. You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy living on the water in Lake Ozark, MO. Your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks would be happy to help you through the condo buying process. To schedule a showing of this exceptional condo, call (573) 280-0484 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

Easy Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Now that fall is quickly approaching, it is time to get your home decorated for the season. Whether you live at the Lake full time or are a second-homeowner, decorating your space can help you get into the fall spirit. Autumn is full of changing leaves and beautiful, warm colors.  If you are preparing to sell your home or simply want to enjoy your space, decorating for fall can get you and your family in the spirit. Your trusted realtor at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you make incorporating fall decor into your home an easy and fun process. 

Dining Room Table

Adding fall pieces to your dining table can help bring a touch of fall into your space. You can take a traditional or classic approach to your fall décor. Incorporate traditional oranges and browns with pumpkins and a wreath laying down on the center of your table.  If you aim for a more classic look, find ceramic pumpkins in a neutral color to add to a serving tray along with an arrangement of candles for a warm, fall look.

Fireplace Mantel

When preparing your home for the season, you can add a bundle of twigs in a vase or vines in a brown tone to lay across your mantel. Wood stump cut outs and tree cylinders are popular items to place a pumpkin or fall scented candle on, to bring your living room focal point into the fall season.

Bedroom

When decorating your home for the season, do not forget to add fall inspired pieces to your bedroom. Fall scented candles and ceramic pumpkins can be added to bedside tables and bookshelves that may adorn your space.

Living Room Wall

Adding a fall wreath to your living room wall can help bring your home into the fall spirit. An arrangement of pumpkins can be added to a shelf on the wall of your main living space as well. Chalk boards are a popular way to incorporate a fun fall message into your home. Also a fall floral arrangement brings a fresh fall look into a bookcase or couch table in your living room. In your living room, consider adding fall colored blankets for a cozy space.

Front Porch

Continue your fall decoration into your outdoor space as well. Create a fun, welcoming fall arrangement on your front porch. Pumpkins can be arranged with a number of sizes and colors to add depth to your home’s entrance. A straw bale is a fun way to incorporate fall into your front entrance way as well. In addition, a bundle of corn stalk is a popular way to add some height to your outdoor fall arrangement.

Many fall decorations can carry through the Thanksgiving holiday, to make your efforts last longer. Decorating for fall is a fun way to encourage you and your family get into the fall spirit. If you are in search of a new home to decorate this fall, contact me at (573) 280-0484. I would be pleased to help you find a home at the Lake of the Ozarks to call your own. 

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