Decorating Wednesday {Going BOLD}

This decorating Wednesday we are going bold. One or two stand out bold colors can accentuate any room our outdoor patio in Your Home.

TV TUESDAY

If you missed the Lake Ozark Christmas Parade...NO WORRIES! Here is footage from Lake TV where you can view the parade in the comfort of your warm home or office.

Until Next Time, Ebbie

Decorating Wednesday!

I'm in a Contemporary Mood Today. Here are a couple ideas. These are also great concepts for staging your home for sale.

Until Next Time,

Ebbie

TV TUESDAY!

The first blast in the demolition of the old Hurricane Deck bridge in Sunrise Beach was completed Saturday afternoon.

This blast removed the north steel truss span.

According to MoDOT, Saturday's blast was the first of three. The second blast will be scheduled within two weeks of the first blast and the third blast will take place around two weeks after that, weather permitting.

MoDOT says the steel from the old bridge will be removed from the water and eventually recycled.

American Bridge Company, Inc. is the prime contractor on the $32 million bridge replacement project. The original structure was built in the 1930's

Until Next Time,

Ebbie

Positive Economic Data Fuels Mortgage Rise

Mortgage rates have surged upwards for the second consecutive week in response to better-than-expected economic reports, particularly in the growth of private-sector jobs.

“Fixed mortgage rates increased this week following stronger-than-expected economic data releases,” Frank E. Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, said in a statement.

“Private companies added 215,000 new jobs in November according to the ADP employment report, well above the consensus. In addition, revisions added 54,000 jobs in the prior month.”

The average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages rose to 4.46 percent this week, up from 4.29 percent last week, according to the latest Freddie Mac mortgage survey. The average was 4.16 percent a month ago and 3.34 percent a year ago. The 30-year-fixed average has not surpassed 4.5 percent since late September.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also saw a sharp increase this week, climbing to 3.47 percent  from 3.30 percent last week. The 15-year-fixed average was 3.27 percent a month ago and 2.67 percent a year ago.

In addition to the positive economic data, Nothaft reported an uptick in home sales during October.

“[N]ew home sales rose 25 percent in the month of October to a seasonally adjusted 444,000 annual pace, though this followed a weaker-than-expected September report and downward revisions over the summer months,” Nothaft said.

The increase in home sales is a sign that, despite the recent increase in rates, fixed-rate mortgage loans remain affordable for many home buyers.

Averages on hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage loans were mixed. The five-year ARM saw a slight increase of 0.05 percentage point over the last week and settled at 2.99 percent. The one-year ARM fell by 0.01 percentage point to 2.59 percent.

In the latest Mortgage Rate Trend Index by Bankrate.com, 55 percent of the loan experts polled said they expected mortgage rates will continue to climb.

“I believe that rates are likely to rise in the coming week as solid employment data are likely perceived as increasing the chances of the Fed making a December tapering announcement,” opined John Walsh, president of Total Mortgage Services.

Source: Click Here

Until Next Time and Have a Wonderful Week!

Ebbie

TV TUESDAY!! This is absolutely amazing!!!

It warms my heart to see Good Sportsmanship. Check out this video.

TV TUESDAY with our Local TV STATION

Tis The Season To Be Jolly......To Win a IPOD SHUFFLE!!!

Enter to win a IPOD Shuffle!!!

Rules: 

1. Like the "Spouses Selling Houses" Facebook Page and this picture of the ipods :https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spouses-Selling-Houses-Lake-of-the-Ozarks/102204023172120

2. Must "Share" Link to Spouses Selling Houses Facebook page on your Facebook profile wall :http://spousessellinghouseslakeozark.blogspot.com/

Contest Starts today Dec 2nd, 2013 at 5:00 pm CST and ends as stated below in rules Dec 4th, 2013 at 4:30 pm!!!

This contest is governed by these official rules (“Official Rules”). By participating in the contest, each entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and understands that the results of the contest, as determined by Sponsor and its agents, are final in all respects. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the promotion will be directed to Sponsor, not Facebook.

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The Contest begins at Dec 2nd, 2013 5:00pm CST and ends at Dec 4^th, 2013, 4pm CST. (“Contest Period”). All entries (submissions) must be received on or before the time stated during that submission period. Sponsor reserves the right to extend or shorten the contest at their sole discretion.

HOW TO ENTER

You can enter the Contest through the Sponsor Facebook Page.

1.       You must “Like Spouses Selling Houses” Facebook page

2.       You must share on your facebook profile page the Spouses Selling Houses Facebook Link for Contest:

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All eligible entries received during the Submission Period will gathered into a database at the end of the Submission Period. A winner will be chosen at random.

The winners will be announced on or about Dec 4^th, 2013 on or about 4:30pm CST. Announcement and instructions for prize will be sent to the e-mail address supplied on the potential prize winner’s entry form. Each entrant is responsible for monitoring his/her e-mail account for prize notification and receipt or other communications related to this sweepstakes. If a potential prize winner cannot be reached by Administrator (or Sponsor) within fifteen (15) days, using the contact information provided at the time of entry, or if the prize is returned as undeliverable, that potential prize winner shall forfeit the prize. Upon the request of the Sponsor, the potential winner may be required to return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release and Prize Acceptance Form and IRS W-9 form. If a potential winner fails to comply with these official rules, that potential winner will be disqualified. Prizes may not be awarded if an insufficient number of eligible entries are received.

PRIZE:

ONE IPOD SHUFFLE

Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all other costs and expenses which are not specifically listed as part of a prize in these Official Rules and which may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECEIPT OR USE OF ANY PRIZE IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNER.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

We are always happy when Thanksgiving approaches because this festive occasion gives us the opportunity to appreciate and express our gratitude to all those with whom we have worked together and have had a fruitful association.

It's a pleasure to declare that the past year has been good for us, and we thank you for your unending support which has helped both of us grow.

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings,

Ebbie

Decorating Wednesday!

Decorating Wednesday!

With the holidays coming up a Planter with Red Plants makes a beautiful simple easy outside decor.

Sometimes I just really like simplicity.  This is a perfect example for the on stop type to hang everyone's winter coats from the blistery cold winter we are having.

Underneath these rich colored cabinetry are mounted lights giving that warm inviting glow for any Chef in the Kitchen. Pretty inviting right???

That time of year where everyone is bringing out the Red Wines for their Holiday Christmas Parties and Family Dinners!! Love the way you can store your wine and the uniqueness of the stools!

I love a long gorgeous table. The more the merrier! We love having company over!!

Again, the perfect man cave or after that thanksgiving turkey where everyone gets sleepy. Have your own personal Home Theater instead of going out in the cold!!!

End the night surrounded by family whether playing cards on the table, or charades in the couch area. Who doesn't love games???!!

Until next time and have a wonderful warm Happy Thanksgiving,

Ebbie

TV TUESDAY! Lake News

Was My Home A Good Investment?

Here is a interesting Calculator on Home Rate of Return:

Link to use Calculator: http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/home-rate-of-return/

Until Next Time,

Ebbie

Buy new or remodel?

The decision to buy new or remodel depends on a number of factors, some financial and some not — and ultimately, only you can decide what answer makes the most sense for you. That said, I'm leaning towards the new purchase.

Let's look at some of the issues to consider:

1. Cost per square foot: Although figuring the cost per square foot is an imperfect exercise at best, since it doesn't account for variations in floor plans and materials, it's worth doing the math (price divided by square footage). The bigger house is less expensive at $143.47 per square foot, versus $147.36 per square foot for the smaller one (after it's been expanded to 1,900 square feet).

What's your home worth?

2. Transaction and moving costs: You need to compare the costs of refinancing — and perhaps renting a place to stay while the remodeling takes place — versus the costs of buying new and moving. An online calculator can help you compare these expenses. An interesting one that not only allows you to compare costs but also asks questions to help you sort out your "gut feelings" towards remodeling versus moving can be found at RemodelOrMove.com.

Keep in mind that costs for loans and moving tend to fall into line with budget projections, while remodeling costs often exceed them, swelled by change orders, delays in delivering materials and unexpected problems that crop up during construction, like leaky pipes that are discovered when the drywall is removed.

3. Age and obsolescence: Although you don't say how old each house is, you need to take their relative ages into account, because that can make a difference in the eyes of future buyers. How much depends on the actual age of each house. For instance, if the larger house is 15 years old, and your current house is 20 years old, there may not be much of a qualitative difference between the two in most buyers' eyes. But if you only plan to put an addition on your home, it won't be competitive with a house that's five years old or less, and won't appreciate as quickly. A house that's new will have an updated floor plan, a current kitchen and bath, and materials, fixtures and finishes that have yet to see much wear and tear — well worth the $50 extra you'll pay per month on the loan.

4. The economy: You may get bargain rates from remodelers trying to keep their businesses in the black during a tough economy (though $33 a square foot for a 750-square-foot addition seems awfully low). But as home prices continue to fall, many people are seeing their home-equity lines of credit shrink or get cut off — so don't expect them to be reliable sources of money for a renovation. What's more, most of the measures the government is currently considering to stimulate housing, including mortgage rate buy-downs and tax credits, are targeted towards people who are purchasing homes, not those who are refinancing or remodeling.

The bottom line: If you remodel your house instead of moving, you'll be able to get exactly what you want and will have total control over the final result. But given the costs, uncertainties and hassles of remodeling — and the fact that you have a buyer in hand for your current home — if I were you, I'd trade up.

By June Fletcher, The Wall Street Journal

Until next time,

Ebbie

Decorating Wednesday!!!!

Keeping it simple and classy, what little girl doesn't like pink!!!

Want a movie theater in your house? This is a perfect example of how easy it is to have one.

Stick with a color tone and use variations of the color pallet is sure to make a statement.

A entry way to DIE for!!! Absolutely breathtaking!!

Want to cover a bare wall? EASY! Just buy a bunch of frames and put your favorite pics in it. 

Great conversation piece when friends or family come over.

It does not have to cost much to have the bedroom of your dreams. I like to make the bed the center piece and decorate around it.

Okay Okay, I know. What women does not like a HUGE closet!!!  A perfect example of every women's dream closet.

Until next time and have a wonderful day,

Ebbie

TV TUESDAY with LAKE TV

Laurie's "Enchanted Village Of The Lights"

Enchanted Village Of The Lights is held every year with beautiful light displays for the Holiday Season.

Opening date this year is November 17th with the last lighting for the season on January 1, 2014. We hope you enjoy it this year. 

Until next time, 
Ebbie

Every Wednesday We Will have {Decorating Wednesdays!}

I am so excited to share with you various ideas and concepts of different layouts on Decorating your home with what we call "Staple Pieces".  "Staple Pieces" are items I like to start off with than go from there and add other pieces of furniture, home decor, and various other items to go off of the Staple piece I work with.

Here are some neat ideas on decorating your home. It DOES NOT have to be costly.  We love clean, cut, and crispy.

No matter where you came from its always lovely to have that one stop for everyone to hang up your Coats, purse, and misc. items. This is one way with many options to do just that right next to the entry way.

Living at lake of the Ozarks we have plenty of Fisherman. Finding a simple item like these Fish Stands will accent any avid Fisherman's Kitchen.

 A "Staple Piece" is usually the main item or furniture you decorate off of. In this one the Couch and Rug are the "staple pieces" and all other furniture/items selected to surround and coordinate it fashionably!

It truly does not take much to accentuate a bare wall with these items creating a "Piece of Simplicity".

The Winter Month is coming and no matter what kind of Fireplace you may have...you can never go wrong with the basic Rocking chairs to cozy up to the fire.

Dining rooms may seem like a daunting task to decorate.  Not so true.  The staple piece is the artwork on the wall. Throw a black table and upholster chairs with the colors off the artwork. Easy Peasy!

Outside Fire Pits are all the Rage these days. Easy to build and do it yourself. Here is a tutorial and easy steps to create your own before the snow comes down!

Click Here!

With that said We wish you a warm and cozy fall.

Until Next Time,

Ebbie

Lake of the Ozark News November 5, 2013

How to prepare on buying your "Dream Home"....

If you’re like everyone else, you dream about buying a house but wake up to the reality of loose-end finances and the overwhelming prospect of a monthly mortgage.

So how to prepare?

1. Check your credit – Requesting a credit report is actually one of the easiest things you can do; clearing fraudulent activity is one of the hardest. That’s why it’s important to check your credit history early in the process if you’re thinking about buying. If you find something negative on your report, it could take months to clear things up. The U.S. government allows for one free report each year from each of the three national credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Visit annualcreditreport.com for your free reports. It's a great first step.

2. Pay down debt – This might seem like a no-brainer, but banks don’t want to see that you have a whole lot of stuff and not a whole lot of money. Banks need to know you’ll be able to pay their loan first and foremost, and they like to see a high credit score, which debt negatively affects. So start paying off those credit cards, and put off purchasing that new car or making any other major purchases until after you’ve secured a mortgage. Speaking of mortgages…

3. Build a down payment – Conventional wisdom says a down payment should be no less than 20 percent of the home price. A 20-percent down payment is something to shoot for, but it's not necessarily required or entirely realistic, particularly for first-time homebuyers. A 3.5 percent down payment is the minimum required to secure an FHA loan. So although you might not end up bringing 20 percent to the transaction, you will have to prepare to bring some cash to the transaction.

4. Research neighborhoods – This is where the fun starts. If you’re not sure which part of town you’re looking to live, get out and explore! Drive around, walk the streets, visit the shops and eat in the restaurants. If you don’t see yourself living there, then move on to the next community. And don’t forget to research school districts – even if you don’t have children or don’t have children in public schools. Homes in good school districts move the fastest when it’s time to sell – should that day ever come.

5. Get pre-approved – Unless you’re paying cash, nothing shows a seller you’re ready to buy quite like having a pre-approval letter from a lender. Plus, you’ll know exactly how much you can borrow, which can guide you toward properties in your price range. Plan to secure a pre-approval just before you start looking at homes. Meet with several lenders to determine which company you trust most and which one can offer you the best terms and interest rate. Oftentimes, your real estate agent can provide you the names of reputable lenders.

If we can be any help to you finding your perfect home at the lake, please let us know or call 573-302-2313. Until next time! Ebbie :) 

RE/MAX Real Estate Symposium last Thursday generated a little more excitement than usual

• CBRE, Inc. imageThe plans for Towne Harbour near the Grand Glaize Bridge calls for two hotels and a broadwalk shopping area.
  
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  The annual Re/Max Real Estate Symposium last Thursday 
  generated a little more excitement than usual when developer
  Kent Nixon announced plans for a major hotel and retail 
  center in Osage Beach.
  Nixon said he plans to build Towne Harbor on the former 
  Kalfran Resort property off Jeffries Road at about the 
  19.5 miler marker of the Main Channel. The major stumbling 
  block, he said, was the success of a Tax Increment Financing 
  (TIF) application he has yet to file with the city of Osage Beach.
  Nixon said his vision is for an “entertainment district” that 
  would include two hotels, a boardwalk of retail shops, restaurants 
  and bars and other facilities. It would be built in two phases, 
  with the first getting underway by next summer.
  “It all depends on the success of the TIF application,” he said. 
  “There won’t be anything quite like this at the lake.”
  Nixon plans to have the letters of intent ready by the end of the
  year and begin the TIF application process at the beginning of 2014.
  
  The project would be the first major hotel resort/entertainment center
   at the lake since Tan-Tar-A and the Lodge of Four Seasons were built. 
  A similar hotel resort planned by John Q Hammons near the Grand Glaize 
  Bridge failed to materialize several years ago after its TIF application 
  was delayed by a lawsuit, followed by Hammons’ poor health and eventual 
  death.
  Nixon said the entire project would take about four years to complete, 
  with the first phase finished about two years after a TIF application 
  is approved by the city of Osage Beach. One of the hotels would be 
  located on the water, while the other would be closer to the Osage Beach
  Expressway.
  Nixon said he decided to unveil the plan here because the entertainment
  and hotel segment of the market is beginning to show some age.
  “The public expects a lot, and we seen an opportunity to create a game 
  changer, to swing the lake’s pendulum in the proper direction,” he explained.
  
  “The lake needs to work on increasing its static population so it doesn’t 
  have to rely on only seven or eight months of income,” he said. 
  “It needs to be more of a year-round retail center.
  While the city of Osage Beach is aware of the development, there has not 
  been an application for a TIF filed.
  City Planner Cary Patterson said Nixon has visited with the city but so 
  far, there has not been any development plans filed with Osage Beach.
  Zoning is not an issue for the proposed development. The current zoning 
  would allow for a development of this type, he said.
  
  More to read on this at original source: 
  http://www.lakenewsonline.com/article/20131021/NEWS/131029887#ixzz2jDZUpzbJ
  
  
  
  

  
  

Dick's Sporting Goods.... Bed Bath & Beyond slated to join Dierbergs in Osage Beach

Dierbergs

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — As Dierbergs Markets opens its doors next week, two national retailers new to the development will be getting their construction plans underway.

Dierbergs confirmed today that DICK’S Sporting Goods and Bed Bath & Beyond will open in the Dierbergs Lakeview Pointe Shopping Center within 11 months.

Dierbergs' new store in the center, 4655 Osage Beach Parkway, is set to open its doors at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

DICK’S Sporting Goods, a full-line sporting goods equipment, apparel and footwear company, plans to open its 34,000-square-foot store in November.

The housewares giant Bed Bath & Beyond, known for excellent customer service, everyday low prices and an extensive breadth and depth of product assortment, will open a 20,000-square-foot store in March 2014.

Two tenants attached to the supermarket, Eyes on Missouri (an optical store) and Great Clips Salon, are scheduled to open in May.  The UPS Store and JJ Twigs Pizza both occupy space within the supermarket and will open for business when Dierbergs cuts its ribbon Wednesday. Dierbergs is still in discussions with a variety of national and local businesses interested in the center’s remaining retail space.

Tracing its roots to a country store founded in Creve Coeur, Mo., in 1854, Dierbergs Markets is a fourth-generation, family-owned chain of 24 supermarkets with more than 4,000 Associates. The company’s 25th store opens April 24 in Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks; it is Dierbergs’ first store outside the metropolitan St. Louis market.

Source: http://lakeexpo.com/news/lake_news/article_8e881e44-a872-11e2-a3cc-001a4bcf887a.html

The Foreclosure Crisis is Drawing To a Close

The number of new foreclosure filings in August hit its lowest level in nearly eight years, according to RealtyTrac, an online marketer of foreclosed properties.

Soaring home prices and a big decline in underwater borrowers -- those who owe more on their mortgage loans than their homes are worth -- have helped drive the trend.

August's initial foreclosure filings fell 44% to 55,575, just below the 56,063 that were recorded in October 2005. The foreclosure crunch began in summer 2006, at about the same time that housing prices hit their peak.

"This is a strong indicator that the crisis is over," said Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac. "The foreclosure floodwaters have receded in most parts of the country, although lenders and communities continue to clean up the damage left behind," he added.

The mopping-up process continues, however. In August, for example, the number of homes repossessed by lenders rose 6%, compared with July, to 39,277. But that still represents a drop of 25% year-over-year, and is more than 60% below the peak of repossessions in September, 2010.

The state with the highest rate of foreclosure filings was Nevada, with one for every 359 homes. According to Blomquist, many of those filings had been delayed by recent state legislation there that required lenders to redo their paperwork.

In Florida, one of every 383 homes had some kind of filing, the second highest rate among states. Ohio, Delaware and Maryland filled out the top five.

Florida cities accounted for six of the 10 hardest hit metro areas. Port St. Lucie topped the list, with a filing for one out of every 201 homes. Jacksonville, Miami and Ocala were also hard hit. Las Vegas reported the third highest rate and three Ohio cities -- Toledo, Cleveland and Akron -- also made the top 10 list.

If you are looking to list your property, or if you're looking for your new property at the Lake of the Ozarks please call the "Spouses Selling Houses" team at 572-302-2313. Until next time... Ebbie :)

6th Annual Real Estate Symposium

Please join us for the 6th Annual Real Estate Symposium sponsored by RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks.  As in previous years, this event has attracted area lenders, appraisers, the media, and others with a vested interest in real estate at the lake.  Information presented will focus on Sales Trends, Changes in Property Values, Foreclosure Activity, Market Trends and Absorption Rates.

Because of the limited seating, reservations are required for this event.  There will be no charge for admission.

To register for the seminar click here:

http://resymposium2013-eventful.eventbrite.com/r/eventful

Hope to see you there!! Ebbie :)

Small Home Improvements Offer Big Returns

Even in a housing market where inventory is low, buyers still want a move-in ready house and are willing to pay more for one that's turn-key. Sellers can increase their listing price and decrease the time their home sits on the market just by doing a few home improvement projects, experts say. But not all projects carry the same return.

"A big mistake a lot of home sellers make is they upgrade the kitchen thinking they will make so much more money on the house. But the rest of the house still needs upgrading or repairs," says Michael Corbett, Trulia's real estate expert. Home sellers have to look at repairs as a whole rather than a sum of parts, he says.

For a kitchen renovation, Corbett says the return on the investment is typically 78 percent, which may not make financial sense for all homeowners. However, if other improvements and upgrades are made, the seller is more likely to recoup the money spent, and then some.

The home improvement priority list depends on the seller's time frame. For those looking to list in the next couple of months, they can take on bigger projects than those looking to sell in a few weeks. However, every seller can increase the interest and price tag of their home by investing in increasing the curb appeal.

"Buying a house or selling is kind of like dating," says Corbett. "A pretty face gets them in the door." Since a buyer can make a decision about a home without stepping out of the car, real estate experts say the landscaping has to be pristine, the front door painted and the windows cleaned. But it shouldn't stop there.

Don't overlook the garage. "Have the floors painted with garage floor epoxy. It's amazing how many people comment on a clean crisp garage with a painted floor."

He adds that removing the window screen and cleaning the frames can also boost curb appeal. "Most window screens darken a home and trap dirt. Removing them and cleaning all windows before the home has been photographed will give it a much brighter appearance, inside and out."
Inside the home, there are numerous improvement projects of varying price tags that can speed up the selling process.

Painting is a low-cost way to make a home look more fresh and clean and show an owner's commitment to maintenance. However, choose the paint carefully. Red walls or wildly-patterned wall paper can limit the appeal of a home as buyers are more drawn to neutral wall colors.

"Paint freshens everything up and provides a clean and crisp feel," says Officer. "If you aren't an interior designer by trade, this is not the time to play designer. Find a reputable designer and pay them a consulting fee to pick your colors."

Other low cost improvements include decluttering the home, getting rid of old fixtures, particularly if they are brass, and ridding the home of personal artifacts and pictures. "You want to create the feeling of stepping into a hotel. It should be nice and appealing for everyone.

For homeowners who have the time and the budget, remodeling the kitchen and baths will go a long way in boosting the list price. But sellers have to know their market before they start making the upgrades. Sellers living in an area where granite countertops are the norm, they better follow suit. If laminate countertops are more commonplace, then it doesn't make sense to pay for the more expensive materials.

Another more costly upgrade that is sure to get more bang for the buck is upgrading kitchen appliances. "Appliances that bling, bring the cash," says Officer. "Every homebuyer at every price range wants new or updated appliances. ... No one wants old and outdated appliances."

If you are looking to sell your property, or looking to purchase in the lake area please give the "Spouses Selling Houses" team a call. Until next time! Ebbie :)

Home appraisers say market is strong!

Real estate appraisers generally believe their local real estate markets are stronger now than a year ago –

particularly local residential markets. Demand for real estate valuation services has increased markedly in the past 12 months especially for residential valuation services. 

Overall, appraisers have a positive outlook for their businesses because they are cautiously 

optimistic that demand for appraisal services will remain strong for the next one- to two years. 

The survey findings show that opinions vary on the strength of the real estate market 

and direction of future demand for appraisal services depending on whether an appraiser 

focuses primarily on commercial or residential appraisals.

If you are looking for a home at the lake, please call the Spouses Selling Houses at 573-302-2313

Until next time!! Ebbie :)

Bagnell Dam Floodgates Open

Four to six inches of rain between midnight and 6 a.m. Wednesday forced the Osage out of its banks and flooded the town and surrounding region, closing Route V — the main road to the area.

According to Miller County 911 Director Michael Arnold, all low-lying areas on the banks of the Osage River including the cities of Bagnell and Tuscumbia, were advised to seek higher ground as Ameren Missouri opened the spill gates at Bagnell Dam late Wednesday morning.

According to Ameren Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks reached full pool about 6 a.m., and the staff wanted to open Bagnell Dam’s floodgates at 8 a.m. However, Lake Ozark fire and police departments advised them to wait until the low-lying areas on the Osage River were given warning to evacuate.

Presiding Commissioner Tom Wright declared a state of emergency for Miller County, and Gov. Jay Nixon deployed 50 National Guardsmen to assist local authorities in flooded areas throughout the Mid-Missouri Ozarks region. He also deployed marine operations troopers and a rescue helicopter to assist local emergency responders.

The following roads were closed due to flooding in Miller County:

• Missouri 52 between Missouri 17 and Route PP near Tuscumbia;

• Route A between route 17 and Route 42;

• Route K over Little Traven Creek;

• Route V, off U.S. 54 to Bagnell.

• Missouri 42, east of Iberia to Route TT and Route A, west of St. Anthony to Route TT.

In Camden County, Route T at Route H and Route BB at Baranowski Drive were also reported closed.

Lake Ozark Police Chief Mark Maples said an officer who was responding Wednesday to a local house fire possibly caused by a lightning strike at about 4 a.m. found a low-water area in the Osage National Golf Resort community was not passable and firefighters had to take a less direct route.

Maples said he received numerous calls between 4:30-5:30 a.m. of water over roads and debris blocking the road. He also said numerous rocks fell on the north side of the dam, making travel difficult as drivers crossed the dam and headed toward Route W in Lake Ozark.

“We checked all the lower areas along the river and warned residents of flash flooding concerns to include the Bagnell Dam Campground and the Riverview RV Park, and a few other areas,” he said.

Spectators watched as creeks and hill water run-off flooded the Osage River with water creeping up the floodgates of the dam. Once the dam floodgates were opened wide, onlookers even blocked traffic flow.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also closed the Osage River access area below Bagnell Dam because of concerns of fast-rising water.

Floodwater run-off on U.S. 54 early Wednesday morning caused several vehicles to skid off the road. In Bagnell, a Lake Ozark Fire Protection District fire truck was stuck in the water and flooded its engine.

In Tuscumbia, the Osage River stood a few feet from the roadway before the dam’s floodgates opened. On Route 17 west of Tuscumbia, Saline Creek was also flooded. MoDOT employees assisted in excavating ditches and trying to control run off that was filtering water, mud and debris over Missouri 17. Saline Road, which runs alongside Saline Creek, was also completely under water in many areas.

Individuals living along the rivers and tributaries were warned to remain vigilant to the river’s actions and to keep a close eye the weather conditions.

According to the Osage Beach city administrator, the extreme rainfall over the past few days has caused damage to the Osage Beach City Park, which is located off Hatchery Road in Osage Beach. It currently is closed until further notice with no one allowed in except city employees.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter Wednesday at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark for victims of the recent floods. The shelter will remain open until flooding in the lake area recedes.