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

Home Maintenance Checklist for Winter

With winter officially upon us, it is time to ensure your home is ready to make it through the cooler months and weather that we will soon experience. Although the weather has not been too bad thus far into the year, snow storms and frigid temperatures will soon be upon us. To take care of your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is important to take a few steps to maintain it for the winter months. Below you can find a winter maintenance checklist, provided by your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri.

Remove Roof & Gutter Debris

Take time to clean out your gutters and any other nuts, twigs, or leaves from your roof. Removing debris can improve draining as snow gathers on your roof and melts.

Look at the Trees

Look up around your home for signs of damaged trees or limbs near your home. An ice or snow storm can put additional weight on these branches, causing them to break. If you home is under one of these limbs, your roof can be damaged by it falling. If you notice a potential tree issue around your home, have a professional cut down the limb or tree.

Clean the Fireplace

Before lighting your fireplace, ensure the chimney is clear of all debris and cleaned out for the winter. Debris build up can become flammable and cause a fire inside your home.

Unhook Garden Hoses

If you have not already done so, ensure your outdoor garden hoses are removed from the faucets. This can help prevent a pipe from freezing, causing major water damage to your home.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise during the winter months. This helps to disperse warm air from the furnace throughout the room. A reverse switch can be found on the fan motor for an easy switch in the direction the fan turns.

Prepare the Entryway

With snow, dirt, and salt being tracked into your home, it is a good idea to protect your entryway before a big snow storm hits the area. The grime tracked in on shoes can damage the tile, wood, or carpet in your doorway. If you have a hard surface in your entryway, it is a good idea to keep plenty of rugs down for optimum traction for wet and slick shoes.

Scoop the Snow

Even if there is no snow in the immediate forecast, prepare your home by purchasing ice melt and having your snow shovel handy. Often times, the weather in Missouri is unpredictable and a storm can show up with little to no warning. Be prepared to keep your driveway and/or sidewalk scooped off this winter.

Inspect Windows & Doors

Take a look at the doors and windows around your home for any air leaks. If cold air is entering your home, the openings need weather stripping or calk added to seal the opening. This can help keep the inside of your home warm this winter, by keeping the cold air outside.

Now that you have the winter maintenance check list for your home, you are ready to mark these tasks off your list! From snow storms to ice, winter brings about cold temperature and freezing precipitation. Take some time to protect and prevent your home from experiencing damage during the winter months. You will be thankful you took some of these precautionary measures to get your home ready for the winter weather. Whether you plan to stay in your home for years to come or wish to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks soon, it is important to maintain your house, especially during the winter months.

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 for a Safe Holiday Gathering

With Christmas less than a week away, it is time to start preparing your house for upcoming get togethers with family and friends. Whether your guests frequent your home often or only a few times a year, it is important to create a safe environment for your holiday gathering. Your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri is here to help you get ready for your upcoming event. Provided below are some helpful tips for keeping safety in mind with a number of guests in your house this holiday season.

1) Lighten it up

Whether you guests know their way to your front door or not, try to keep the pathway lit up this holiday season. With the sun setting earlier, landscape lights along your walkway can help your guests find their way to and from your entryway safely. In addition to adequate lighting, try to remove any tripping hazards from your pathway and front doorway.

2) Child Proof

If you do not have a young child, you may not be prepared to make your home a safe place for your guests’ kids. Ask parents to bring any safety devices to help keep their child safe, such as baby gates or cabinet locks. Also keep doors to unused rooms closed, such as a utility closet or a door leading to stairs, that could create a dangerous situation for a small child.

3) Fire Precautions

With meal prep and candles lit in your home, try to reduce the chance of a fire. Keep open flames away from flammable materials, such as Christmas decorations, and always ensure someone is in the kitchen when food is being cooked. Before your guests arrive, double check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are in proper working order. As guests arrive, it is a good idea to brief them on a fire escape plan, if the event should occur.

4) Shoe Organization

As guests enter your home, many will leave their shoes near the entryway. While this is considerate to help keep your floors clean, it can create a tripping hazard for others entering or exiting your house. Have a designated spot, out of the doorway, for guests to safely leave their shoes. It can also be helpful to provide a chair or bench in which guests can take off and put on shoes.

5) Cautiously Open Gifts

While exchanging presents is one of the most exciting things about the holiday season, especially for children, it also presents a few dangers. If a box needs opened, have a designated adult with scissors or a knife to assist in safely opening gifts. Make sure this sharp device is kept track of, it can be easy to accidently set down a knife, which could lead to a dangerous situation.

With increased foot traffic through your doors, it is important to ensure everyone spending time in your house is safe. While you may not be used to being extra aware of your guests’ safety, there are a few easy precautionary steps to take to help create a safe environment for your upcoming gathering. For a safe holiday party, put the above tips into action in your home. Your expert real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks wishes you and yours a SAFE and Happy Holiday!

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

3 Financial Tips for Selling Your Home

The key to the financial side of home selling is planning. Even if you do not plan to sell your home right away, you can start working toward your financial goals and plans that go along with selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are in the market to sell your home, your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri is here for you! I have provided some helpful finance tips to help prepare your home for a successful sale.

1. Price it Right

The price in which you list your home has a major impact on the speed of selling. Of course it is important to get out what you have invested, but the real estate market does change and it is recommended to adapt your pricing strategy to meet the market demand. Deciding on a home price can be a tricky process. An experienced real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you evaluate current market conditions in comparison to your home, in order to come up with the right price to sell your home.

2. Increase Home’s Worth

There are a number of methods to help improve you value of your home. From a bathroom remodel to a kitchen appliance upgrade, try to find the right improvements to make, if any, that could help add to the worth of your house. When investing in your home, especially before selling, you want to ensure it is an upgrade that will likely add to the value. Your trusted real estate agent can help make suggestions in which to improve the appearance and functionality of your home, before selling.

3. Plan Your Next Move

Many times individuals who sell their home plan to purchase another property simultaneously. This can become a financial balancing act, if you end up buying a home before selling your current home. There are a number of options your experienced agent can assist with when selling and buying at the same time. When deciding to sell your house, have a set plan in place of how to handle your home transactions.

For help with the sale of your home, try to make a financial plan in regards to the sale. Through pricing strategy, increasing value, and planning, you can help prepare for your home sale at the Lake of the Ozarks. No matter if you plan to sell in the near future or a few years down the road, you can always make a solid financial plan for your home. Your expert real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO can help you prepare for the successful sale of your house. Give me a call at (573) 280-0484 if you are ready to sell!

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