Archive for January, 2009

Real Estate Mortgage Market Update: Jan 29,2009

Where are home interest rates headed at the Lake of the Ozarks?

In today’s broadcast, Andrew Conner of Mortgage Resources addresses the question of where interest rates are heading in the coming weeks and months. He also discusses the factors which determine mortgage interest rates.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7xCwA7Iqc4[/youtube]

This segment is an authorized re-broadcast of a local radio station feature aired at the Lake of the Ozarks on News Talk 1150 KRMS AM.

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Author: | January 30th, 2009
Categories: Mortgage News
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Looking after our feathered friends

Finding food can be challenging during the cold winter months.

Birdwatching has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in the US in recent years.  And there are many of us who have discovered that a great way to watch birds easily in the winter is by setting up and maintaining bird feeders in our yards.

By feeding our feathered friends not only do we get the opportunity to observe them close up,  but we lessen the challenge they face finding food during the cold  winter months.

How it can brighten a cold dreary day to hear them chatter and sing outside my door!  Not to mention what a joy it is watch them gather at the feeder – even when the bluejays rush in to scare off the titmouse.  (I really want to scold them sometimes.)

And it’s even more a delight to watch one splash their beak into a heated bird bath taking a well appreciated drink of fresh water.

When setting up a winter bird feeder, I’ve found that it’s important to select one that has a wide cover to protect the seed and perch from getting buried in snow.    Placing it in a sheltered area protects it from the wind, and putting it no more than 5 feet from the house helps them to avoid crashing.   With lots of stray cats around, I make sure the feeder is out of their reach.

What should you serve your bird visitors for dinner?  Seeds with high fat content are best, I’m told.   I have friends who serve shelled peanuts.  Usually I buy the mixed seed in hopes of appealing to varied tastes and  needs.

Even though many of my neighbors disagree, I like to take care of my squirrel buddies, too.  With effort, it’s possible to set up feeders so that everyone has access when times are tough.

(Photos by Rick Hebenstreit,  and used with permission)

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Author: | January 29th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Area Photographers
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Winter finally comes to Camdenton

Winter weather stalls real estate showings for a few days.

Aside from a few cold days here and there, the Lake of the Ozarks area has had a fairly mild winter this year.

But this week we finally got to experience some of the delightful aspects of winter with our first snowfall of any significance.   Today by noon all my neighbors and myself had shoveled our drives, cleaned off our cars, and taken a few minutes to talk about the weather – wondering how many more days until Spring.

But I, for one, am really appreciating a quiet day at home catching up on so many of the chores that are left for these types of quiet days.

Before this weather pattern moved in, I had been as busy these past few weeks as I generally am during the summer months with new listings and working with motivated buyers.  We can all hope that the confidence I’m experiencing – in both buyers and sellers – continues and inspires others in the several weeks to come.

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Author: | January 28th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities
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Blessed Abode: Rites for Protection and New Beginnings

Many religions offer ceremonies for the blessing of homes.

Having lived in New Mexico for many years, with the convergence of so many rich cultures and traditions,  I have attended a number of house-warming ceremonies in which homes were blessed and cleared of any possible negativity.

I recalled some of those practices today in conversation with a couple who were interested in a home for sale, but who didn’t like the idea of buying a home in which the former owner had passed.  They hadn’t heard of house blessings before  and so I offered to research some of the customs I have witnessed, and blog about them.

From what I have experienced personally, whether the ritual is conducted by a Catholic priest, some Buddhist monks, a Shaman, or the homeowners themselves (as may be encouraged by theEpiscopalian church), the essence of the ritual Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | January 17th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities
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Homes sales report for Lake of the Ozarks

Sales of single family residences down 30% from last year

An analysis of recent sales figures reflects what we knew already: that the sales of single family homes in 2008 were down substantially from previous years.  To see it on a graph is even more impacting.

Sales of single family residences in 2008 were Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | January 17th, 2009
Categories: Market Trends
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Camdenton Mortgage Market Update: Jan 14

In this week’s radio broadcast,

Andrew Conner of Mortgage Resources talks about the possible risk of identity theft arising from the sharing of your mortgage and loan activity by the credit reporting bureaus….. and how to opt out.

[youtube]http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=G1xLFoV5VSU[/youtube]

For more information on opting-out, go to www.OptOutPrescreen.com, the official website for the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry;  or call 888-567-8688.

[ This radio broadcast originally aired on News Talk 1150 KRMS at the Lake of the Ozarks, and is re-distributed here with Andrew Conner's permission. ]

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Author: | January 14th, 2009
Categories: Mortgage News
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