Postcards from the Lake

Archive for October, 2008

Early voting is heavy at Lake of the Ozarks

County Clerk’s office to open on Saturday for early voters.

Here’s the sight I was surprised to encounter Wednesday as I stopped in at the Camden County Clerk’s office to place an absentee vote.  Arriving just after lunch, I had a short wait while 4 clerks waited on early voters in line ahead of me.  

Demand for early voting is so high that the County Clerk’s office is scheduled to be opened on Saturday, Nov. 2 until noon.

With Missouri being such a hotly contended battleground state for the Presidential election, one can’t help but wonder the effects of such a strong turnout.

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Author: | October 31st, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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Change more than your clocks this Sunday.

This weekend is a good time to do semi-annual tasks.

Time revents to standard time at 2 a.m. this Sunday.  And so while you’re  changing your clocks, it would also be a good time to do a few other routine tasks -

tasks that may improve your convenience and safety at home and in your car:

1) Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  And if an alarm is older than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to replace it altogether.

2) Check your emergency medical kit and replenish items as needed.

3) Prepare a disaster supply kit of water, food, flashlights, batteries and blankers.   If you have one already, rotate old batteries that are dated.

4) Winterize your vehicle and replenish car-emergency kit as needed.

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Author: | October 30th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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Price of gas in Camdenton keeps dropping

I didn’t think I would see this again.

Did you?

 

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Author: | October 29th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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Trick or Treat the Lake of the Ozarks

Lake communities offer family friendly Halloween options.

Osage Beach

Here you’ll find many options for safe trick-or-treating plus other fun activities for the kids at the shopping malls, including: Shriners clowns and balloon fun at StoneCrest Mall, a costume costest at the Premium Outlet Malls, and a Crazy Maze at the HyVee parking lot.  Admission to the Crazy Maze is only $2, which will be donated to the Dream Factory.

Camdenton

For those loving the thrill of haunted places, visit the Castle at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park for some Ha Ha Haunt fun, and then go to the Bridal Cave for a self-guided Haunted Cave tour.  Admission to the cave is $8 for adults, and $6 for children 12 and under.

Sunrise Beach

If you prefer a more health conscious and less frightening Halloween celebration,  Westlake Aquatic Center is having a Spooky Swim.  For $2 a person, the public is invited to an open swim night with nothing scarier than a lightly lit pool.

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Author: | October 28th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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$7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers

If you have not owned a home or condo in the past 3 years – or have never owned a home – this is a particularly good time to buy.  Area lenders have many good loan packages available – such as a USDA first-time homebuyers loan package - that not only offers good fixed rate financing, but oftentimes allows 100% financing.  And now, thanks to a special tax incentive bill that has become effective, you could receive a $7500 tax credit if you buy a home between April 8, 2008 to July 1, 2009.  

It’s important to note that this is a tax credit, and not simply a deduction.   How great is that?! 

If you have a reasonably good credit score,  a steady employment history (or other reliable income sources), and can otherwise quality, you can take full advantage of a down market.    Call or email me and I’ll give you a list of local lenders who can help you determine whether or not you will qualify.

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Author: | October 27th, 2008
Categories: Real Estate News
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Farmers Market in Camdenton

Saturday morning fixture at Camdenton Square in Central Missouri closes for the season.

Part of a favorite Saturday morning ritual of mine (from April – October) is to stop by the Farmer’s Market at the Square in Camdenton to look for in-season fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants.   And even though we do have other good options at the Lake of the Ozarks, nothing in the area can compare to the quality of fruits and vegetables I find there.  

Oh, sure. There’s more to be found there other than food and plants: craftsmen bring chairs and other wood crafts, and there’s lots of Ozark-inspired art and crafts and linens.

But you know, it’s more than just a place to buy stuff.   It’s a gathering type of place where each week I’m sure to see someone I know who I  hadn’t seen in months.   I guess it’s a bit like an outdoor coffee shop – without the coffee!

For me, seeing an empty parking lot at the courthouse on Saturday mornings is as sure a sign of the change of seasons as are cooler days and falling leaves.

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Author: | October 6th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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Market report for Lake of the Ozarks

3rd quarter real estate report: Lake of the Ozarks Board of Realtors

Obvious to anyone driving around the lake area, and noticing the “For Sale” signs that seem to have become part of the lawn’s landscape for so many disappointed home owners; residential sales of single family homes are way down from this time last year. 

Total median selling price dropped from $162,000 for the comparable period in 2007 to $150,000 as of Sept 30th of this year.

Total sales dropped from over $129 million this time last year to $82 million this year.

So what’s this mean for potential buyers and sellers?   Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | October 6th, 2008
Categories: Market Trends
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