I just saw a national stat that 20% of all sales in 2008 were foreclosures.  Yes, we are seeing an increase at the Lake of the Ozarks, but for the year 2008, only .008 of residential sales were listed as “foreclosure” on the appropriate MLS field.   Not every agent is diligent about listing this way, but I’d say most are. 

Right now there are 2127 homes listed for sale, and only 50 of them are listed as foreclosure properties.  That is a percentage of less than 2/10th of one percent.   I get one phone call and 3 e-mails a day looking for “foreclosures” to buy, but if we have this few, you are putting yourself into the hottest sellers market segment based on scarcity that we have right now.  Realty Trac, the big name in foreclosure searching charges money to have access to foreclosures, but don’t pay much, I have the service and it lists ONE bank owned property for all of Camden County right now!   

There are many great deals at the Lake of the Ozarks, few are foreclosures, looking at the numbers.   I have recently assisted buyers on some really great deals lately that beat the heck out of any foreclosure deal I’ve seen in a while.  The first one is a home off F road at the 26 milemarker.  This buyer was able to buy a home for $232,000 that appraised for $279,000!  My latest closing was a waterfront home in Osage Beach a buyer was able to get for $235,000 that appraised for $309,000!  These were done by appraisers that knew the purchase prices, but they still showed the value that was really in the property.  How do you get these “hot” deals?  Many times an agent that has been in the market for a long time and who has sold may properties can rely on their contacts to come up with a property that may not be listed on the MLS.  Another advantage I have is that my sales team has sold more property over the last 5 year at the Lake of the Ozarks than any other team, so we have a very large pool of homes to reference when we have a buyer that cannot find the right deal. 

Everyone is looking for a deal, and choosing the right agent to work with is crucial and critical.  I like to say that “I can deliver certainty of outcome.”  You will be certain that you didn’t overpay for property and you will feel comfortable with your deal.  I sell enough real estate that no one deal is going to make or break me, so you won’t feel pressure from me to go ahead and buy a deal that you are not 100% convinced is right for you. 

If you would like to interview me to see if we might be able to work together, call 573-302-2320 or e-mail me.   

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