The Lake of the Ozarks real estate market can be very challenging for buyers.  You need an experienced and qualified agent like John Garrett to help you make the right choice. 

There are things a real estate agent, by law, CANNOT tell you when you are buying a home unless you have a signed buyers agency agreement. Things like:

How much you should offer on a home?

What price the seller will accept?

What terms are in your favor?

Why the seller is moving?

How long the property has been on the market?

Is this property a short sale or foreclosure?

Purchasing real estate is a complex transaction and in most cases the seller will be represented by an agent. Even if you are looking at new construction, a buyer broker costs you nothing yet has a lot to offer. Here’s a great article on how to interview a Lake of the Ozarks Buyer’s Agent.

Research by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS has shown that when a buyer’s representative is used, the prospective buyer found a home faster than consumers who did not use a buyer’s representative. At the Lake of the Ozarks, given our very large geographical area, the need for a buyer’s agent is even greater. In many cases, I, as a buyer broker can help you save money by showing you “Sold Comps” helping you to make a more informed initial offer on the property.  As your buyer broker my services include:

Evaluating your specific needs and wants, locating properties that fit those specifications.

Utilizing technology to your advantage to make sure it makes your buying process easier, not more confusing!

Coordinating showings – accompanying you on the showings, or previewing properties on your behalf.

Researching the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the buyer make an informed decision. Many Lake Areas have no planning and zoning, and my local real estate knowledge is invaluable.

Advising you on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase.

Negotiating the fairest purchase price on the most favorable terms that the market will permit on your behalf.

Helping secure appropriate financing for the selected property.

Providing you with a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. appraiser, surveyor, inspectors, movers, attorneys, carpenters, etc.) if these services are needed.

Answering your questions, and getting answers for you. I always keep the lines of communication open with my clients.

Most importantly, the ability and willing to LISTEN TO YOUR NEEDS AND WANTS and find the best fit for you.

Clearly, by working with a buyer broker you receive a great deal of valuable services at no charge. At the end of the day, my job as your broker is to deliver results and you can take comfort in knowing that my interest are 100% aligned with yours. Since the seller is paying the commission, the worst agents cost you the same as the best, or so it might appear! Don’t make the wrong choice, because the bad or less experienced agent can cost you with their mistakes that hit your pocketbook, consume your time, add hassle and stress to your life. You have enough to worry, make sure your real estate purchase at the Lake is not one of them. Contact me today and you’ll quickly see the value I add to every transaction that I sign my name to.

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Prewitts Point Lake of the Ozarks located at the intersections of US Hwy 54 and Hwy 42 in the popular vacation destination Osage Beach, Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks.   Current tenants include HyVee, Target, Pier 1 Imports, Petco, Steak & Shake, Maurice’s, Marshall’s, Lowe’s, Famous Footwear, Outback, Walgreen’s, Arris Pizza, Quizno’s, Patio Pleasures, West Marine.  This is a great location for your business.

Here`s your opportunity own your own office, retail shop, or whatever your needs may be. Stop paying a lease! Well constructed office suites in an ideal location in The Crossings Centre off of Bus. 54 and Hwy MM. Excellent exposure!!! Located right in the heart of Lake Ozark business district. Great traffic counts at a price that`s affordable! White box finish can be combined for more square footage. Ability to combine units for additional money.  Call John Garrett 888-322-1802.

Excellent investment opportunity! Location is the key! Brand new Villa`s with great floorplans, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths each, 2 car garages for each side and boat slips available. Community amenities available at The Palms Complex. Come and take a look today! Nothing else out there compares. Call John 888-322-1802.

$449,900  MLS#3049105

AWESOME commercial opportunity available now! Great visibility from the toll bridge and Business 54. Owner will subdivide. Prime 2+/- level to gentle acres with two access roads to property. Located in the heart of Lake Ozark business district.  This would make a great hotel site, additional land available.

Call John Garrett at 888-322-1802 for details.

Attention investors. Need a solid investment offering an ideal location for rentals Brand new built for low maintenance 4-Plexs. 3 Four Plexs being conveyed. Close to amenities, city park and pool and the school. Current management in place and numbers that work! Spacious floorplan offering 1410sq.ft. per unit: 5,640sq.ft. per bldg. 3 bedroom, 2 bath floorplans. Open living room, large master bed bath w/walk-in, double vanity sink, full laundry room and patios! Rentals are in Innovia and could be increased! Additional land can be purchased to build more 4-Plexs.

Everyone knows that we have a shortage of housing for the Lake of the Ozarks.   Call John Garrett today for more information on this property at 888-322-1802.

1031 exchange can be used for second homes, and on February 15 2008, the IRS finally gave some guidance on this with its “rev proc” or Revenue Procedure 2008-16 that clarifies this controversial matter.  I’ve contended all along it was possible, but it was really a guess on my part as to what would be safe and what wouldn’t.  Now, we can see some of the safe harbor guidelines that should put to be this issue finally, and allow this wealth building tool for Lake of the Ozarks property owners.

With Revenue Procedure 2008-16, the IRS will allow a vacation home to qualify for a Section 1031 exchange if the following conditions are met: For the relinquished property

• You have owned it at least 24 months before the exchange
• In each of the two 12-month periods prior to the exchange the property has been rented at fair value for 14 days or more
• The taxpayer’s personal use of the property during the prior two 12-month periods doesn’t exceed the greater of 14 days, or-10% of the number of days during the periods that the property is rented at a fair rental rate.

The part about at least 14 days on rental may trouble some, but think of the power of this for Lake of the Ozarks property owners that have highly appreciated waterfront homes and condos.  The average sales price of a waterfront home has increased 17.2 per year on average the last 5 years.  This opens up several interesting options, all of which end with either deferment of capital gains to a future date, or possible the complete removal of paying any gain on your Lake property!

This is a great unit where you can park right in front of the condo and have no steps into the unit.  The 12 x 30 boat dock is close by, and so is the pool.  The deck is screened-in, and has tile flooring.  The unit was professionally decorated, you will be impressed by the colors, decorations, and furniture.

Parkview is a great family location, and has all the amenities a renter would want in a Lake front community.

A 12×30 slip right in front of the unit, just a few steps away is available.

 See the link below to get more information from Vacation Renter By Owner.

Lake of the Ozarks condo sales were up from 17 million in April of 2006 to 18.2 million in April 2007.  This is good news for condo sales, and the year to date totals for 2007 have almost caught up to the YTD totals for 2006, lagging behind at $54,530,355 versus $58,748,060 for 2006.  Price per square foot from April 2006 was $129.72, increasing to $142.50 in 2007.  Condo sales had been waaay off the first few months, but much of that can be attributed to the inclimate weather.

Condo sales appear to be right back on pace, and the early May returns look very strong.

UPDATE 2011 here are more current numbers