Lake Ozark Real Estate and Community News

The Lake of the Ozarks is just not for summer. It is a really beautiful place to enjoy in the fall, too. But what exactly is there to do at the Lake? You are about to find out!

Pumpkin Patch

Going to the pumpkin patch has always been a fun trip for the little ones to adults. Picking your pumpkin, playing all the fall games, and enjoying some fall foods are some of the things that people look forward to doing every year.

Here are two local pumpkin patches:

Mecca Family Farm and The Cave Pumpkin Patch.

Haunted House

Like to get spooked? Going through a haunted house is definitely a fall favorite. Take a date to hold them when they get scared or go with a group of friends to laugh at all their reactions afterward.

Here is a local haunted house:

The Haunted Holler.

Fish

Fishing at the Lake is great year-round, offering some of the best fishing in the country; but autumn offers some of the best temperatures and scenery you could ask for. The water starts to cool down and the bass begins to migrate to feed. If you are a bass fisherman, this is something you cannot miss out on!

Here is a link to a few fishing guides and the fishing report - click here.

Play Golf

Playing golf is a great past time, especially at one of the most premier golf destinations in the Midwest. What's even better than playing golf? Playing golf in the fall! Enjoy the nice temperature, the crisp air, and the beautiful scenery the Lake has to offer.

Here is a link to a few golf courses at the Lake - click here.

Enjoy the Scenery

There are no words to describe how perfect the scenery is here at the Lake. You would just have to see for yourself. From trails to state parks to caves, you will never get old of seeing this beautiful lake in the fall.

Here is a link to learn more about trails, state parks, caves, and outdoor activities around the Lake - click here.

Festivals

The sights, sounds, and smells of fall festivals always brings good vibes to the season. The food, the activities, the crafts are all something to look forward to. There is something for everyone at a fall festival.

Here are two local fall festivals:

Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival and 17th Annual Osage Beach Fall Festival

First-time buyers eyes get big with a confused look clearly written upon their faces when they hear the word “closing”. The thing is, it is not only first-time homebuyers that get that look. It is also buyers and sellers, whether it is the first home or the 50th home. All they know is that there is a lot of paperwork to sign. It is a confusing process to wrap your mind around, but we are going to make it a little easier to understand for you.

What is a “closing” anyway?

Basically, a closing is the last step in the real estate transaction. The property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. All of the funds within this transaction will be distributed to where they belong. The buyer will pay all the closing costs. The seller will receive their proceeds. Finally, the real estate agent will get his/her commission. The paperwork (tax records, mortgage documents, disclosures, etc.) will all be signed, as well.

The Specifics of Closing Day

There are a few things that happen when you are closing:

• The buyer will provide a check to cover the remaining amount left to purchase the house.

• The seller will sign over the deed to the buyer and give him/her the keys.

• The title company will register a new deed.

• The seller will get his/her profit (after the closing costs and mortgage balance is paid in full).

To sum it all up, the property ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer. The funds are distributed and a new deed is registered to the buyer. The buyer brings a check to cover the mortgage and fees. Once the documents are all signed, the buyer becomes a homeowner. The buyer gets the keys from the seller, and then you are finally done!

If you have ever heard a real estate agent speak, you notice that they have a vast vocabulary of words you probably never heard of and do not know the meaning of. It is all a bunch of gibberish to you. What if you are in the market to buy or sell your home? Knowing these terms will help the process for you go a little smoother. Here are some real estate terms you should know.

Buyer's Agent- This is the agent that is representing the home buyer.

Listing Agent- This is the agent that is representing the home seller.

Listings- Agents refer homes for sale as listings. Listings have all the information about the home, such as the square footage and the number of bedrooms in the home.

Offer- This is what you will do with the help of your agent to buy the home that you want. The seller would have to accept your offer or the seller could counteroffer.

As Is- The seller is selling the home without making any improvements or repairs before the home is sold.

Contingencies- Contingencies help protect the buyer and the seller. These are certain conditions that are to be made before having the deal to go through.There are many types of contingencies that can be found in a contract.

Underwriter- This is a person that makes sure that you can meet your loan guidelines financially.

Pre-Approval Letter- This is a letter from the bank that determines an estimate of how much they will lend you to buy a home.

Fixed Rate Mortgage- This type of mortgage has an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan. It is best to choose this type of loan if you are planning to live in your home for a very long time.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage- This type of mortgage has an interest rate that can fluctuate. This is the best type of mortgage to save some money if you do not plan on living in your home very long.

Craving a specific type of food, but do not know where to go? We made it a little easier on you and suggested the best restaurant for what you are craving here at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Chinese/Oriental:

Wok N’ Roll

Everyone gets a craving for some oriental food from one point to another. This place knocks that craving with some of the best food out of the ballpark. They have the typical Chinese comfort food that everyone loves and awesome, intense Thai food that will blow your taste buds out of the water.

Mexican:

Sergio’s

If you are looking for some great Mexican food, you have found it. The food is fresh, consistent, and authentic. They also have great prices, great services, and large portions. What all could you ask for?

Italian:

Lil Rizzo’s

Authentic Italian? Heck yes. Some of these recipes that Lil Rizzo’s made from scratch with all fresh ingredients come from “The Hill” area in St. Louis. You know it is going to be great. They have a fun atmosphere with great pasta and a legendary house salad.

Homestyle:

Stewart’s

Home of the biggest cinnamon roll at the Lake! Stewart’s is one of those traditional diners that everyone loves and enjoys eating at. They have wonderful breakfast and excellent burgers. You get large portions and at great prices. This is a local favorite!

Breakfast:

Blueberries Bistro

This little place is known for having some of the best breakfast dishes at the Lake. They even have a tasty fresh juice bar! This is a family restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. They use all fresh ingredients and the staff is great.

Pizza:

Pepperoni Bill’s

Italian food is A-1 here at Pepperoni Bill’s, especially if you love pizza. If you are a crust guy, you will be craving it until you have it again. They have all sorts of specialty items you can choose from or you can even build your own pizza! How cool is that? They are even gluten-free friendly!

Sandwiches:

Wise Guys Sandwich Pub

Sometimes your mouth just waters for a good sandwich. Wise Guys has some killer sandwiches and some great sides and a large selection of beer to wash it down. Nothing fancy about it, just some great sandwiches that will have you satisfied.

Steakhouse:

Bentley’s

The British elegance ambiance manifests throughout the whole establishment. They have wonderful steak and seafood. They have been voted best restaurant at the Lake multiple times! Come relax on their beautiful patio overlooking the water and enjoy a drink or two!

Barbecue:

Wobbly Boots

If you enjoy barbecue like the next guy, this place is a hit. Wobbly Boots is known for their award-winning barbecue and has even been featured in several magazines, including Southern Living! Their mouthwatering food will have you begging for more!

Ice Cream/Frozen Custard:

Randy’s Frozen Custard

Fresh, great-tasting, and affordable. This hole-in-the-wall gem will have you coming back for more. There are so many flavors to try and something for everyone. Randy’s Frozen Custard never disappoints!

Swimming pools are a great add-on to any home. Especially, in the dog days of summer and you just want to jump in and cool off. Having a pool installed may be great; but there are also some downs of it, too. If you are deciding to install a pool for your home. Keep these pros and cons in mind.

Pro: Exercise

We all require exercise every day. This is an easy way to get in your daily workout. You are not sweating like crazy and you do not get tired so quickly. The chilled pool water keeps you cool and wanting to stay and play in the water, resulting in more exercise!

Con: Possible Dangers

There are all sorts of dangers in the world, and having a pool can add on to that list. If someone gets injured; you, as the homeowner, could be held responsible. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment, fencing, and locks to decrease the chances of an incident like that to happen.

Pro: Entertainment

Everyone that owns a pool knows that they have the hangout spot of the summer. Everybody that you know wants to come over and swim. Hosting summer pool parties are so much fun and a great way to socialize with friends, family, and neighbors.

Con: Maintenance

Already, there is so much to do to keep the house up to standards in the summer even without a pool. Adding a pool means extra time, extra effort, and some extra money to upkeep. It is a commitment.

Pro: Adds to Resale Value

Moving and having to sell the home that you love is alway a bummer. Finding a new home is stressful, but selling the one you already have is even more stressful. Lucky for you, having a pool installed in your home ups the resale value. Most home buyers will likely purchase a home with a pool than one without. It is cheaper to buy a home with a pool than it is to install one, but installing one can be a great investment.

Con: May Not Get Back What You Put In

Investing is a game of either winning or losing. You may win and make more than what you put in, but there is also the chance that you may lose some money. If you invested $30,000 in installing a pool, you cannot just tack on another $30,000 to the asking price of your home. You have to get it appraised and correlate with the current housing market at that time.

Gathering all the information you possibly can and having a lot of knowledge about having a pool can help you make the right decision for you.

You are down here enjoying your time here at the Lake. You check the forecast to see how hot it will be, but there is a change of events. It is going to rain all day! What do you do now? We have assembled a list of a few indoor attractions that everyone in the family is bound to enjoy!

Miner Mike’s Indoor Family Fun Center

This 35,000 sq. ft indoor family fun park has everything that everyone in your family will enjoy! There are rides (a chuckwagon Ferris wheel and a runaway mine train coaster), fun games, challenging games, a giant maze, simulators, and awesome food. Collect tickets playing games and turn them for cool prizes, as well! For more information, check out http://minermikes.com/index.html.

Lake Escape

If puzzles suit your family’s fancy, you would love this place. You have 60 minutes to escape a room by solving puzzles and riddles, finding clues, and deciphering codes. There is two challenging rooms to choose from and a third coming soon. It is a great way to work as a team and create an even closer bond. To book a room, click here.

Get Air Trampoline Park Osage Beach

If the kids are getting antsy, take them here! They can jump all the energy away, and you even can have a little fun, too. Jump around on all the trampolines, play dodgeball, tumble into the foam pit, and try out the obstacle course. Parents, if you are worn out before the kids; there are massage chairs! Check out their daily deals!

Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark

Bummed about not getting in the water on a rainy day? Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark at Tan-Tar-A Resort has got you covered. There is 20,000 sq. ft of pools, waterslides, and a lazy river to splash in! It is even open to non-hotel guests. For more information, check out http://www.tan-tar-a.com/play/timber-falls-water-park.aspx#gref.

My Playhouse Indoor Cafe

Having a family of young kids is a little difficult to find things to do, but the Lake has something to offer! My Playhouse is a fun place for children six and under to play and learn. They have a bounce house, a ball pit, climbing equipment, a safe baby area, and a lot more. You get to relax and let the kids play! To see the hours of operation, click here.

Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry Museum

Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry was one of the most popular attractions here at the Lake of the Ozarks and has gone down in history as one of the best country music shows. For the family members that enjoy local history and/or country music, this is the place to check out. Learn about the legend Lee Mace and how this great attraction was founded. For more information, check out http://www.leemacesozarkopry.com/index.php.

See.. Rainy days at the Lake of the Ozarks is not all that bad!

Unsure about moving to Lake of the Ozarks with your child(ren)? Concerned about the public schools in the area? We have compiled a list of some of the best schools around the Lake of the Ozarks and surrounding areas.

School of the Osage

• Niche School Rating: A-

• #44 of 501 - 2017 Best Public High Schools in Missouri

• “My experience since I've been at Osage has been incredible. The amount of effort the teachers and faculty put in to help the students in unreal.” -School of the Osage Senior

• Osage Beach, MO

Camdenton

• Niche School Rating: B

• #50 of 445 - 2017 Largest School Districts in Missouri

• “I love Camdenton high school because it is an outstanding learning district that strives for excellence.” -Camdenton Senior

• Camdenton, MO

Eldon

• Niche School Rating: B-

• 92% Average Graduation Rate

• “At Eldon, you have many opportunities to challenge yourself throughout the years. The teachers are excellent and always there to assist.” -Eldon Alum

• Eldon, MO

Iberia

• Niche School Rating: B-

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1

• “The Iberia School District was a very small rural school full of passionate teachers whose only desire was to see the students they teach to strive. This place is one of the best small town schools to grow and develop in. Iberia is full of love and dedication to its students and teachers alike.” -Niche User

• Iberia, MO

The Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to live. It is not only a great vacation area; it is also a great full-time area. These schools prove it to be, as well.

Visiting the Lake this weekend or just don’t know where to eat? We have put together a list of some of the best restaurants around the Lake for you to try out this weekend; one for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bon appétit!

JB Hooks

Great food and great views. This fine dining establishment is one of the best here at the Lake.

They are known for their delicious steaks and savory seafood. The best thing of than the view and the food? Casual attire is fine! So you can just come in after a nice day on the water.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3 PM-8PM

• Buy one, get one free on well drinks

• Buy one, get one free on house wines (including their homemade sangria)

• Half price appetizers

Der Essen Platz

Great German cuisine is what is key for this restaurant. There is traditional German fare in every dish they make. This restaurant offers some of the best views of the Lake! It sits on top of Thunder Mountain in Camdenton. Craft beers, amazing food, and beautiful views!

Maifest  2017 - May  10-13  &  May  17-21

• German specials, beer and wine and fresh baked desserts.

• Starts at 5 PM

• Reservations recommended

• Call 573-346-1122

Stewart’s

Home of the biggest cinnamon roll at the Lake! Stewart’s is one of those traditional diners that everyone loves and enjoys eating at. They have wonderful breakfast and excellent burgers. You get large portions and at great prices. This is a local favorite!