Real Estate Lake of the Ozarks

BEST in the Complex!

2012-01-27T15:11:00.001-06:00

BEST price, BEST location, BEST condominium! Convenient, walk-in level condominium in one of the newest buildings at Bristol Bay. This spacious and open 3 bedroom condo is tastefully decorated and includes a large boat slip. Lovely, wooded landscaping, beautiful pool and clubhouse, and great Horseshoe Bend location make this a favorite for family gatherings. You will love the superior construction, over-sized, screened-in deck and great value! Don’t wait—call us today!

$179,900
3 bedroom/ 2 bath
1,418 square feet
MLS#3082590

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Instantly Appealing!

2012-01-27T14:35:00.000-06:00

You will find this condo instantly appealing! Pride of ownership shows throughout. This unit has great views and is situated across from the pool, clubhouse & playground. It features crown molding, corner niche for TV and ready to insert an electric fireplace. Open kitchen, dining and living areas that open up to screened deck with walk out for easy access to the dock. Perfect location on quiet waters yet close by land & water to all the lake amenities. Comes with 10x24 slip, 4500# hoist with single garage with loft storage for additional money.

$135,000
2 bedroom/2bath
1,050 square feet
MLS#3082348

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

Missouri Boat Shows

2012-01-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

At the Fran Campbell Team we love boating at the Lake of the Ozarks! Here is info on upcoming Missouri Boat Shows that are sure to be of local interest.

Overland Park Boat Show

The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Assoc is bringing The Lake to OP in the heart of winter! See the latest in 2012 cruisers, pontoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts and more at KC's largest boat show. Bring the entire family!

January 26-29, 2012

Overland Park Convention Center

6000 College Blvd. Overland Park KS

Show Hours
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 5pm-9pm
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 12pm-10pm
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 9am-9pm
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 10am-5pm

Admission

Adults 9$

Children 6-12 5$

Under 6 Free

www.lomdaboats.com

Saint Louis Boat and Sportshow

Whether you’re an avid outdoors-man or are justlooking for a way to escape winter for the day, this is YOUR show! See nearly one thousand boats—from fishing tocruising to family fun there are boats for every activity, lifestyle andbudget. Browse specialty booths showcasing the latest in boating, fishing andhunting gear. Visit outfitters and resorts to plan your next trip or book avacation, too. There’s really no better place to shop, compare and save!

Special attractions make a day at the show funfor the whole family! Get tips from the pros at hunting and fishing seminars.Compete in archery, turkey calling or owl hooting contests. See native fish inaction at the Texas Bass Tank. Kids’ Cove hosts the Bassmasters kids’ castingcontest, plus free trout fishing, face painting and more. There really issomething for everyone!

February 8-12, 2012

America's Center andEdward Jones Dome
701 Convention Center Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101

Show Hours

Wednesday, February 82pm–9pm
Thursday, February 9 2pm–9pm
Friday, February 10 12pm–9pm
Saturday, February 11 10am–9pm
Sunday, February 12 11am–5pm

Admission

Adults $10
Youth 15 and younger FREE!
2-day pass $14 (good any two days of the show)
Online discounts: E ticket offer Buy 3 get 1 free

www.stlouisboatshow.com

If you ever dreamed of having a your own getaway for boating and enjoyment at the Lake of the Ozarks let us help you make that dream come true! Contact the Fran Campbell Team today!

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Lake of the Ozarks Upcoming Events - 11th Annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl

2012-01-23T13:22:00.001-06:00

Mark your calendars for one of the biggest winter events at the Lake of the Ozarks! While you are in town for the Pub Crawl, be sure to contact the Fran Campbell Team to schedule showings for any of the Lake of the Ozarks real estate that you are interested in. You'll find great prices on everything from lakefront homes to condos at the Lake.

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - Get into celebration shape for Fat Tuesday with a festive tour of Lake of the Ozarks bars and restaurants on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the 11th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl.

"Last year, over 5,700 people attended the Pub Crawl and it's getting more popular every year," said Pub Crawl coordinator Jeff Carroll. "In fact, most of the people who attend the Pub Crawl have turned it into a weekend getaway with shopping and sightseeing and when the weather is nice some of them will get in a round of golf or they get out onto the Lake. There's just a lot to do at the Lake, so it's best to stay a few days and experience as much as you can. I think the word is spreading that the Lake is a beautiful place to visit year around."

This year, a fleet of 22 buses is scheduled to transport Mardi Gras-themed revelers on a safe and fun Pub Crawl to more than 20 Lake-area restaurants and bars. Buses begin departing from participating hotels, motels and resorts at 3 p.m. and bar/restaurant buses will operate from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Throughout the celebration, 20 of the buses will complete continuous circuits of the bars and restaurants on the Pub Crawl and will make numerous stops at each venue in order to accommodate the shuttle riders. Two express buses will make regular stops at only three specific Pub Crawl locations. According to Carroll, a uniformed security guard will be on each of the buses to ensure that partygoers have a safe and enjoyable evening.

To ride the buses, participants must purchase a $5 Mardi Gras Pub Crawl wristband, which includes entry into all participating bars and restaurants, bus transportation between Pub Crawl venues and drop off/pick up at participating hotels and motels. A wristband can be purchased either in advance or on the night of the event at all participating Pub Crawl locations.

"The wristbands are a real bargain," said Carroll. "For just five bucks, you don't have to pay a cover charge at any of the participating Pub Crawl bars. You don't have to drive and you don't have to worry about parking at each place. So for anyone looking for a fun night out at the Lake, it's a no-brainer."

Entertainment is varied at the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl's featured nightspots with options ranging from live music (blues, rock and country) to DJs and karaoke. Participating restaurants cover an assortment of menu choices, including Ozark-style barbeque, Chicago-style pizza, Mexican cuisine, prime rib, seafood and much more. And, of course, the shuttle riders will have the opportunity to collect Mardi Gras beads and other souvenirs along the route.

"Our Pub Crawl is just a safe way to go out and have a great time around the Lake of the Ozarks," said Carroll. "Enjoy some outstanding live entertainment and experience the delicious food we have to offer. And the great thing is, you can leave your keys at the hotel or at home and we'll chauffeur you around the area to the best bars and the best restaurants."

Bus riders must be 21 years of age and have a valid ID. Riders are asked to drink responsibly. No alcohol is allowed on the buses and no alcohol can be carried into or out of any establishments on the tour. Buses will only make scheduled stops on the Pub Crawl route.

For a complete schedule of entertainment and for an up-to-date listing of hotels, motels, resorts, bars and restaurants participating in the Pub Crawl, visit LakePubCrawl.com. If you need additional information, please call the Lake of the Ozark Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the CVB's website at FunLake.com.

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Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Search Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate from Your iPhone

2012-01-16T14:18:00.001-06:00

Find more homes for sale at Lake of the Ozarks on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch with using this cool app available from iTunes!

Features include: map search, saved searches and listings synchronized with the website, private ratings and notes and the ability to share listings with your friends, agent and social network.

Key Features:

Instantly access the most accurate and up-to-date real estate listings, updated every 15 minutes
Show homes for sale in any city or in your current location on a map instantly
Multiple photos, property details, open house information and pricing on nearly any home for sale
Sign-in to access saved searches and listing
Create and save private notes & ratings for promising listings
Share your favorite listings with friends & family, your agent or social network
The Area Highlighter allows you to draw your free-formed search area on map
The Area Scout updates your search results as you move the map

And now available for the iPad:

View search results on a full-screen map with collapsible list view
Large gallery view for browsing listings
Immediately access next and previous listings without returning to search results screen

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE!

How to Connect with the Fran Campbell Team through the App
As you find listings you like, you can tap "Save this Listing". If you find listings you want to see, tap "Send" and then "My Agent". A box will pop up for you to enter your Fran Campbell Team's agent email address along with a message. What a great way to schedule a showing for Lake of the Ozarks real estate!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Home Snow Removal: Tips on Choosing the Right Snow Blower

2012-01-12T15:58:00.001-06:00

The song says “let it snow” but for home owners, that snow has got to go! For home snow removal tasks, electric and gas-powered snow blowers are just the ticket. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right snow removal tool for your area.

Home snow removal is an easier task with a snow blower. To choose the right snow blower, take into consideration the size of your property, average snowfall amounts in your area, and your budget. Generally speaking, as snow blowers go up in price, they increase in size and power, reducing the amount of time and effort it takes for snow removal.

The best way to decide what kind of snow blower you’ll need is to know the amount of snow your area gets. Find annual snowfall totals in nearby cities, or check winter storm snowfall totals at the website of your local news and weather source, such as a television or radio station.

Also, size matters. “The main thing I ask shoppers is, how big is their property,” says Andrew Kelly, department manager for Lowe’s. If you have a long driveway or more than 150 feet of sidewalk to clear, see if you can afford a heavier, more capable machine than indicated by snowfall totals.

Light snow removal jobs (up to 4 inches per year)

If you live in an area that receives the occasional light dusting of snow, you can likely get by just fine with a shovel. But if for reasons of health (or motivation) shoveling is impractical, an electric snow shovel is ideal. These walk-behind tools are good for small jobs, such as front porches and walks.

Plug-in, electric snow shovels feature plastic, rotating blades that throw snow out of the front of the machine. Expect to pay about $100. You’ll need a UL-listed outdoor extension cord to power your electric show shovel.

These lightweight machines have a few drawbacks. Small front openings can handle snows of only a few inches deep, and they’ll only clear a path about 1 foot wide. Their plastic blades are prone to cracking or breaking when they come in contact with ice and stones.

Light to moderate snow removal jobs (up to 12 inches per year)

Capable of handling snowfalls up to 8 or 10 inches in height, an electric snow blower is the right choice for home owners in moderately snowy locations.

Electric snow blowers are as close to maintenance-free as possible, requiring none of the hassles that accompany gas-powered lawn equipment, such as keeping gas cans and mixing two-cycle oil with the gas.

The downside, of course, is that you’ll need to drag around a lengthy extension cord.

With widths of just 14 to 18 inches, electric snow blowers are not the best choices for home owners with long, winding driveways or extra-lengthy sidewalks. Because their clearing paths are roughly half that found on many gas-powered blowers, they require twice the passes to get the job done.

Basic models are priced between $150 and $250. They lack any of the bells and whistles found on pricier gas machines that can make the job easier, such as headlamps, remotely adjustable discharge chutes, and self-propel systems.

Moderate to heavy snow removal jobs (up to 40 inches per year)

For all but the snowiest locales, a single-stage gas-powered snow blower should fit the bill. This machine features an auger or set of rubber blades that chews up snow and throws it out of a moveable discharge chute.

Single-stage gas-powered blowers are smaller and easier to handle than two-stage blowers (see below). Capable of clearing paths 18 to 22 inches wide, single-stage blowers are large enough for all but the biggest jobs.

Priced between $300 and $600, most single-stage gas blowers feature push-button electric ignition, making for easy cold-weather starts. While these models lack a propulsion system found in bigger, pricier units, they do travel forward thanks to the movement of the blades.

Heavy snow removal jobs (more than 40 inches per year)

So, you live in Cleveland, Denver, or Buffalo. What you need is a two-stage, gas-powered snow blower. With snow-hungry openings that devour paths 24 to 30 inches wide, these powerful machines are perfect not only for the snow-bound home owner, but also those who make a living clearing snow.

Strong auger-and-impeller systems gobble up snow as much as 20 inches deep and fling it up to 50 feet away. Joystick-controlled adjustable chutes allow the operator to control both direction and angle of the discharge with the flick of a finger.

Engine-driven wheels propel the machine both forward and reverse — some in multiple speeds — a key feature not found on smaller and less expensive models. Extras, such as headlights and heated hand grips, enable you to remove snow in severe cold and even at night.

Prices start around $600 and climb to $1,000 and up.

Home owners with gravel driveways are pretty much compelled to purchase a two-stage machine as they are the only units that can be raised or lowered to protect the auger from rocks and debris. The downside is that they’ll leave behind an inch or so of snow when in the raised position.

Accessories

For electric models, a UL Listed extension cord that can handle the wet and cold is mandatory. Cost is $20 to $40, depending on length.

A cover to protect your blower during the off-season will run about $35.

For really big jobs, it might be worth it to splurge on a cab enclosure to protect you from wind and blowing snow. Expect to pay at least $100.

Snow blower maintenance

Electric models are essentially care-free. Gas-powered blowers require you to either run the machine dry of fuel at the end of your home snow removal season, or that you add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining gas in the tank.

Oil, sparkplugs, auger belts, and air filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. Shear pins, designed to break to protect the auger from damage, cost just a few bucks for a multi-pack. You might go through a pack per season.

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Thank you to Douglas Trattner! Douglas Trattner has covered home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He lives in a 1925 Colonial.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

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Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Before You Sell Checklist - Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

2012-01-09T13:17:00.001-06:00

Planning to sell your Lake of the Ozarks home this Spring? It’s a great time to think about home improvements to add value to your house, and catch potential buyers’ attention.

This checklist provides several simple, inexpensive ways to increase the appeal of your home, inside and out. It’s also a good idea to talk to a REALTOR® with the Fran Campbell Team who can offer helpful advice about giving your home that extra advantage.

We'll call out the highlights in this article, but you can PRINT THE FULL CHECKLIST here!

Do a little landscaping

Replace mulch.
Pressure wash the house.
Edge sidewalks.
Remove vegetation between concrete and bricks.
Trim tree limbs that are near the roof.
Cut the grass.
Prune hedges.
Freshen flowerbeds.
Clear away dead trees and debris.

Make your home more welcoming

Install a new door.
Paint your front door.
Add some new house numbers.
Get a new lockset, kickplate and house number combination that coordinates with a new light fixture.

Refresh your deck

Power wash deck clean.
Reseal the deck.
Use a wood lattice to enclose unsightly areas underneath.
Add a bright umbrella.
Replace cushions on furniture.
Decorate with potted plants and flowers.
Accent with a small fountain.
Install wind chimes to create a serene atmosphere buyers are sure to appreciate.
Use citronella candles to deter bugs.

Repair every imperfection

Patch small cracks.
Repair drywall.
Replace broken tiles.
Replace old fixtures.

Clean every spot

Scrub the bathroom and kitchen floors.
Steam clean rugs.
Polish hardwood floors.
Wash windows inside and out.

Minimize the clutter

Remove all personal items and pictures and place personal items in storage.
Clear clutter from the floor by using a shoe cube organizer.
Store all children’s toys.
Add wire shelving / closet shelving for additional storage space.
Add a fresh coat of paint inside closets to make everything look clean and organized.
Place a few cedar blocks in your closet for a great scent.

Improve energy efficiency

Install a programmable thermostat.
Place weather-stripping on doors and windows. Weatherstripping
Wrap pipes to conserve energy.
Insulate your water heater.
Replace furnace filters.
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.

Give your favorite space a makeover

Paint walls in neutral colors like linen, cream and beige.
Use thin drapes in a neutral color to accent.
Switch generic switches with painted or ceramic ones.
Boost the look of natural lighting with daylight bulbs.
Add a throw rug to give a touch of softness to the place.

Create a camera-ready kitchen

Paint walls with white or neutral paint that complements the cabinets.
Replace existing hardware with cabinet pulls and knobs for a new look.
Install new lighting under the cabinet for a dramatic effect.
Highlight the island or countertop with a simple fixture.
Replace vinyl blinds with sheer bamboo or linen blinds.

Design a relaxing space

Paint walls in soft, sedated colors like light blue, pale green or cream.
Install a new faucet, fixtures and towel bars.
Put in a medicine cabinet for added storage.
Buy new towels in a light or neutral color.
Replace the shower curtain and bathmat. A new shower curtain offers that “new car” smell.
Keep the room looking clutter-free by organizing bath accessories in a shower caddy.
Add a new bath mat.

This handy checklist is compliments of LOWES and sponsored by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® .

Do you have any GREAT tips for preparing your house to sell? Tell us some of the cool things that you've done!

PRINT THE FULL CHECKLIST here!

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Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Spacious Lake View Home!

2012-01-04T11:53:00.003-06:00

This home has everything you need to enjoy the lake at an affordable price. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace & wall of windows to enjoy the lake views. There have been many recent updates including roof, HVAC, interior doors. The lower level of this home has been completely remodeled. Entertain or relax and enjoy the views from the upper deck. Lower level has screened porch. There is a heated pool just steps away for your enjoyment. Includes 10 x 24 slip in community dock & hoist (new dock in 5/2011).

$168,000
3 bedrooms/ 2 baths
MLS# 3075572

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Military Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility

2012-01-02T13:51:00.003-06:00

Central Missouri, and the Lake of the Ozarks area in particular, is a popular destination for military veterans and retirees. We thought it might be useful to publish the current guidelines for VA Loan Eligibility.

Note: The following information is accurate as of 1/2/2012 and is republished from the Department of Veterans Affairs website : http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/elig2.asp

Military Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility:
Note: Applications involving other than honorable discharges will usually require further development by VA. This is necessary to determine if the service was under other than dishonorable conditions.

Wartime - Service During:

WWII: 9/16/1940 to 7/25/1947
Korean: 6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955
Vietnam: 8/5/1964 to 5/7/1975

You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. If you served less than 90 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service connected disability.

Peacetime - Service during periods:

7/26/1947 to 6/26/1950
2/1/1955 to 8/4/1964
5/8/1975 to 9/7/1980 (Enlisted)
5/8/1975 to 10/16/1981 (Officer)

You must have served at least 181 days of continuous active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. If you served less than 181 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service connected disability.

Service after 9/7/1980 (enlisted) or 10/16/1981 (officer)
If you were separated from service which began after these dates, you must have:

Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 181 days) for which you were ordered or called to active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or
Completed at least 181 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 USC 1173 (Hardship), or 10 USC 1171 (Early Out), or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability;
Been discharged with less than 181 days of service for a service-connected disability. Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances for the convenience of the Government.

Gulf War - Service during period 8/2/1990 to date yet to be determined
If you served on active duty during the Gulf War, you must have:

Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or
Completed at least 90 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 USC 1173 (Hardship), or 10 USC 1173 (Early Out), or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability, or
Been discharged with less than 90 days of service for a service-connected disability. Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances, for the convenience of the Government.

Active Duty Service Personnel
If you are now on regular duty (not active duty for training), you are eligible after having served 181 days (90 days during the Gulf War) unless discharged or separated from a previous qualifying period of active duty service.

Selected Reserves or National Guard
If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of 6 years in the Selected Reserves or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills and 2-week active duty for training) and

Were discharged with an honorable discharge, or
Were placed on the retired list, or
Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service, or
Continue to serve in the Selected Reserves

Individuals who completed less than 6 years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.

Unremarried Surviving Spouses/Spouses of POW or MIA Serviceperson:

Are an unremarried spouse of a veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or
Are a spouse of a serviceperson missing in action or a prisoner of war

Note: Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit. However, a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must apply no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 6, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.

Eligibility may also be established for:

Certain United States citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in WW II.
Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with WW II service, and others.

Attention Veterans:
Apply online. Go to the eBenefits portal (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov) and click on the My eBenefits tab towards the top, on the left side. It will open a screen with several benefit areas. On the bottom right of the screen is the Housing tab. You will need login credentials to request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If you have them, enter your Username and Password, if you need to request login credentials, you can simply click on the "Request/Activate a DoD Self-Service Logon" link which is shown below the area where you logon.

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Tax Season! The Schedule A Form & 6 Home Deduction Traps

2011-12-27T16:49:00.006-06:00

HouseLogic.com recently posted an interesting article on the Schedule A Form and 6 Home Deduction Traps that we wanted to share. Be sure to consult with your accountant or a tax professional to see if any of these apply to you!

Schedule A is the part of Form 1040 you use to list myriad deductions, and the more moving parts, the more prone you are to misinterpretation. To save you heartache, we asked four tax experts to weigh in on the six most common Schedule A mistakes do-it-yourselfers make.

Trap #1: Line 6 - real estate taxes

Your monthly mortgage payment often includes money for a tax escrow, from which the lender pays your local real estate taxes.

The money you send the bank may be more than what the bank pays for your taxes, says Julian Block, a tax attorney and author of Julian Block's Home Seller's Guide to Tax Savings. That will lead you to putting the wrong number on Schedule A.

Example:

Your monthly payment to the lender: $2,000 for mortgage + $500 escrow for taxes

Your annual property tax bill: $5,500

Now do the math:

Your bank received $6,000 for real estate taxes, but only paid $5,500. It may keep the extra $500 to apply to the next tax bill or refund it to you at some point, but meanwhile, you're making a mistake if you enter $6,000 on Schedule A.

Instead, take the number from Form 1098—which your bank sends you each year—that shows the actual taxes paid.

Trap #2: Line 6 - tax calculations for recent buyers and sellers

If you bought or sold a home in the middle of 2010, figuring out what to put on line 6 of your Schedule A Form is tricky.

Don't simply enter the number from your property tax bill on line 6 as you would if you owned the house the whole year. If you bought or sold a house in midyear, you should instead use the property tax amount listed on your HUD-1 closing statement, says Phil Marti, a retired IRS official.

Here's why: Generally, depending on the local tax cycle, either the seller gives the buyer money to pay the taxes when they come due or, if the seller has already paid taxes, the buyer reimburses the seller at closing. Those taxes are deductible that year, but won't be reflected on your property tax bill.

Trap #3: Line 10 - properly deducting points

You can deduct points paid on a refinance, but not all at once, says David Sands, a CPA with Buchbinder Tunick & Co LLP. Rather, you deduct them over the life of your loan. So if you paid $1,000 in points for a 10-year refinance, you're entitled to deduct only $100 per year on your Schedule A Form.

Trap #4: Line 10 - HELOC limits

If you took out a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you can generally deduct the interest on it only up to $100,000 of debt each year, says Matthew Lender, a CPA with EisnerLubin LLP.

For example, if you have a HELOC for $200,000, the bank will send you Form 1098 for interest paid on $200,000. But you can deduct only the interest paid on $100,000. If you just pull the number off Form 1098, you'll deduct more than you're entitled to.

Trap #5: line 13 - Private mortgage insurance

Form, as long as you started paying the insurance after Dec. 31, 2006. (Also, this is also a good time to review your PMI: You might be able to cancel your PMI altogether because you've had a change in loan-to-value status.)

Trap #6: line 20 - casualty and theft losses

You can deduct part or all of losses caused by theft, vandalism, fire, or similar causes, as well as corrosive drywall, but the process isn't always obvious or simple:

Only deduct losses that are greater than 10% of your adjusted gross income (line 38 of Form 1040).

Fill out Form 4684, which involves complex calculations for the cost basis and fair market value. This form gives you the number you need for line 20.

Bottom line on line 20: If you've got extensive losses, it's best to consult a tax pro. "I wouldn't do it myself, and I've been dealing with taxes for 40 years," says former IRS official Marti.

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Quick & Easy Dip for Holiday Entertaining at Lake of the Ozarks!

2011-12-22T14:05:00.008-06:00

Two (and a half) more shopping days until Christmas!

If you have a crowd coming to your home at Lake of the Ozarks for the holidays, you'll love this easy and delicious hot artichoke and red pepper dip ... another Fran Campbell Team favorite!

Ingredients
1/3 cup sliced green onion
2 T butter
1 14 oz can artichoke hearts (drained & chopped)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayo
1 7oz jar roasted red sweet peppers (drained & chopped)
Salt & Pepper to taste
2T grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. In a medium skillet, melt butter and cook onions until tender but not brown. About 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat
3. Add artichoke hearts, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, mayo, red peppers, and salt & pepper.
4. Transfer to an 8" or 9" pie plate and spread evenly. (This can be refrigerated at this point for 24 hours prior to baking)
5. Sprinkle with remaining 2T Parmesan and bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, fresh bread, crackers, fresh vegetables!

Your friends and family will ask for this recipe, so be prepared!

Happy entertaining at beautiful Lake of the Ozarks!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

157 Acres- Priced to Sell!

2011-12-21T10:41:00.003-06:00

Beautiful, wooded acreage priced to sell quickly. Perfect for hunters or nature lovers. Own a true Ozarks retreat with deer and wild Turkey. This is a extremely great deal for a substantial amount of land. Call the Fran Campbell Team today!

$160,000
157.8 Acres
MLS#3081906

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTOR S
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390
1-866-306-FRAN

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Darling Resort Condominium

2011-12-21T09:27:00.005-06:00

Perfect Top Floor, End Unit condo offers lots of privacy and it’s only one flight up from parking. This darling unit comes turnkey and has vaulted ceiling and wood burning fireplace. Kitchen features plenty of cabinets and counter space. Start enjoying the resort life with the available year round amenities available at the complex. There is a clubhouse w/game room, indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, exercise room, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, BB court. This unit has great rental history and has a 10x24 slip and hoist available for additional $s to make the perfect package.

$89,900
1 bedroom/1 bath
744 square feet
MLS#3082030

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Cove Location and Beautiful Views!

2011-12-20T14:40:00.006-06:00

Are you looking for a cove location with beautiful views? This is the one! The interior is open, light and lovely! The lakefront home is made for family get togethers, or quiet evenings by the fire (lovely rock fireplace). There is plenty of room for everyone with spacious bedrooms all with private baths. The home has been updated with new heating system, carpet, roof, & kitchen. This home shows like a model home. The large cruiser dock is included! This is a must see!

$359,000
3 bedrooms/ 3.5 bathrooms
2,224 sq. ft.
MLS#3081789

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Plaza III Steak Soup - Great for Rainy Days!

2011-12-19T15:10:00.003-06:00

Another favorite from the Fran Campbell team!

This warm delicious soup is perfect for rainy days. In the spirit of the holidays, we're sharing some our teams' favorite recipes, so tell us how you like them!

PLAZA III STEAK SOUP

½-pound ground sirloin or ground round
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped carrots
1 stick margarine or butter
1-cup flour
1 quart plus 1 cup water
1 teaspoon Accent
½-teaspoon pepper
1-tablespoon beef soup base
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 ½-teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
1 cup mixed vegetables (if frozen, thaw)

Brown and drain ground chuck set aside. Parboil onion, celery and carrots. Drain and set aside. Melt margarine in a 2-quart pan and add flour. Mix well. Add water and stir until thickened. Add Accent, pepper, beef soup base and tomatoes. Cook one minute more, stirring constantly. Add Kitchen Bouquet, mixed vegetables, ground chuck and reserved opinion, celery and carrots. Cook on medium heat 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes about 1 ½ quarts.

You can changed the basis receipt as follows:

You can use Ground chuck
When parboiling onions, celery and carrots, add a couple diced potatoes. Do not drain the vegetables; combine the vegetables and liquid with the browned meat
Instead of 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, use 1 can of stewed tomatoes chopped.
Omit the butter or margarine to reduce fat content.
Mix flour and ice water to a smooth lump free consistency. Add to the soup mixture until the desired thickness is achieved
Add kitchen bouquet until you have the right color

Serve with warm sourdough bread and enjoy!

Can't you just envision yourself enjoying this great soup overlooking a gorgeous lake view? Now is a great time to buy your Lake of the Ozarks lake front home or condo! Interest rates are low and real estate prices are RIGHT! Give our team a call to learn more about buying your dream home.

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Hot soup for cold weather!

2011-12-12T12:58:00.007-06:00

Another favorite from the Fran Campbell team!

Now that the weather is getting colder, we wanted to share another great recipe to help you stay warm! Let us know if you enjoy this one, and send us any of your favorites.

Tomato Tortellini Soup

1 pkg. (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 Cans (10 ¾ oz. each) Reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted

2 cups vegetable broth

2 cups 2% milk

2 cups half & half cream

½ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. salt

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Cook tortellini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired.

Makes 10 servings.

Can't you just envision yourself serving this great soup in a new home? Now is a great time to buy your Lake of the Ozarks luxury home! Interest rates are low and real estate prices are RIGHT! Give our team a call to learn more about buying your dream home.

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Baileys Irish Cream Cheese Cake

2011-12-09T14:17:00.002-06:00

'Tis the Season for More of the Fran Campbell Team's Favorite Recipes!

Baileys Irish Cream Cheese Cake

Crust Recipe
10 Whole Graham Crackers (Broken into pieces)
1 ½ cups pecans (about 5 oz. or 24 halves)
¼ cup sugar
6 Tbsps. (3/4 stick, unsalted) butter, melted

Filling Recipe
1 ½ lb. Cream Cheese (Room temperature)
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup Baileys Irish Cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 oz. white chocolate (broken into pieces)

Topping Recipe
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ cup grated white chocolate

For Crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly butter 9-inch spring form pan with 2 ¾ inch high sides. Finely grind graham crackers, pecans and sugar in food processor. Add butter and blend, using on/off turns. Press crumbs onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of prepared pan. Refrigerate 20 minutes.

For Filling: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Whisk eggs, Baileys and vanilla in medium bowl until just blended. Beat egg mixture into cream cheese mixture. Finely chop white chocolate in processor using on/off turns. Add to cream cheese mixture. Transfer filling to crust-lined pan. Bake until edges or filling are puffed and dry looking and center is just set, about 50 minutes. Cook on rack.
For Topping: Mix sour cream and powdered sugar in small bowl. Spread topping onto cooled cake. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 6 hours.

Tell us how you like it!

Delicious Cranberry Salad

2011-12-06T11:30:00.002-06:00

Enjoy more the Fran Campbell Team's favorite holiday recipes!

Cranberry Salad

1 Package fresh cranberries

1 ½ cup sugar

½ cup chopped nuts

2-3 Apples

½ pint whipping cream

½ package miniature marshmallows

Grind cranberries using food processor. After grinding add 1 ½ cup sugar. Let set overnight. The next day add ½ cup chopped nuts, 2-3 apples (with peelings on) chopped fine. About five hours before serving, add ½ pint whipping cream, whipped. Then add ½ package of miniature marshmallows. Mix well and serve.

Tell us how you like it!

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Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.
Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com
1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Set Maximum Loan Limits for 2012

2011-11-28T13:59:00.006-06:00

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
Maximum Loan Limits Set For 2012

Greetings from the Fran Campbell team! We hope your holiday weekend was wonderful and relaxing. We strive to always keep our followers on our Blog, Facebook page, Twitter Feed, and other social media channels up to date with current real estate news.

Here is the latest and greatest on loans offered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

The biggest loan that comes with a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guarantee will remain the same in 2012 for the entire US with the exception of Fairfield County, Connecticut where where the limit will rise to $625,500 — the same maximum loan size available in other high-cost areas.

In a nutshell, here are the limits:

$417,000 for mortgages on one-unit properties

$533,850 for mortgages on two-unit properties

$645,300 for mortgages on three-unit properties

$801,950 for mortgages on four-unit properties

To view the full article on loan limits - http:/bitly.com/tSjmN7

Here is a link to check the loan limit in the Lake of the Ozarks real estate market, as well as other areas around the USA - http://bitly.com/uIedEY

For any questions on financing for your new Lake of the Ozarks home, give the Fran Campbell Team a call! We work with fantastic local lenders who can guide you through mortgage maze. With rock bottom prices, large inventories on the market, and historic low interest rates, NOW is definitely the time to buy!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your Lake of the Ozarks real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team:
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Rum Cake for the Holidays!

2011-11-23T12:55:00.006-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Fran Campbell Team!

We thought we'd share another one of our favorite recipes for the holiday!

Rum Cake

1 package yellow cake mix

2 small packages of vanilla instant pudding

4 eggs

½ cup rum (light)

½ cup Crisco

½ cup water

Beat 3 minutes, high speed, Grease and flour Bundt pan, sprinkle ¾ cup pecans (chopped) in bottom of pan. Bake 325 degrees for one hour or until done.

Glaze:

1 stick oleo

1 cup sugar

¼ cup rum

¼ cup water

Boil 5 minutes. Let cake stand for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Pour glaze over cake slowly while hot. Let Stand 20 minutes and then turn out of pan.

Enjoy!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your Lake of the Ozarks real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team:
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Build in Porto Cima

2011-11-21T16:08:00.004-06:00

Excellent building site surrounded by magnificent homes located in prestigious La Riva Estates. Build your dream home on this great water front A lot today. Seller also has MLS# 3081647 for sale. Porto Cima sports membership for buyer of first lot to sell.

$79,500
Waterfront Lot
MLS#3081648

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@Francampbell.com

Happy Thanksgiving from the Fran Campbell Team!

2011-11-21T12:07:00.007-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

The Fran Campbell team would like to thank all of our clients and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks for a wonderful year and we wish everyone a happy holiday season. There is so much going on at the lake during this time of year and we will be posting many events via our blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed ,and YouTube channel.

One of Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

Chocolate Granola Pie

1 frozen pie crust
½ c. butter
½ c. brown sugar
¾ c. corn syrup
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. salt
8 Nature’s Own oats n’ honey bars crushed (they come 2 per pack so 4 packs)
¼ c. Oatmeal
½ c. walnuts
¼ c. chocolate chips

Melt the butter and brown sugar together in the microwave, then mix together with the remaining wet ingredients. Mix in the dry ingredients and pour into the pie crust. Place the pie in the oven on top of a small baking sheet to prevent bubbling over. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Let us know of your favorite holiday recipes ... we'd love to share them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your Lake of the Ozarks real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team:
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

AMAZING LOCATION TO BUILD!

2011-11-18T12:00:00.003-06:00

Build your dream home on this fabulous golf course lot. Enjoy the beautiful golf course and main channel views. This gentle lot overlooks the 15th and 16th holes of the prestigious Jack Nicklaus golf course. Seller also has MLS 3081648 for sale. Porto Cima Sports membership for buyer of first lot to sell.

$125,000
MLS# 3081647

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Bright and Cheery

2011-11-15T11:46:00.004-06:00

What an opportunity to purchase this well maintained 3 bedroom, waterfront condo on Horseshoe Bend. Unit features open living, dining & kitchen areas with spacious breakfast bar. Each bedroom has it’s own private bath. This condo comes turn key with a 10x30 boat slip and lift. There are two separate screened porches for relaxing or entertaining. Everything is here for you to start living the lake life today!

$149,000
3 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms
1,500 square feet
MLS# 3081506

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

The Fran Cambell Team helping the Lake Community

2011-11-14T16:46:00.009-06:00

The Fran Campbell Team Helping the Lake Community

The RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks Charitable Foundation recently approved a grant to the holiday food drive that Jane Kelly started a few years ago. The Foundation has taken over the food drive, and would like to invite all of you to participate in this event with us.

This year, we will be supporting the Hope House, Lamb House and CADV. Each of the wonderful charity's have given us a list of items that they are desperately in need of. The foundation will be taking $200 for each charity and buying food items/supplies that they have asked for. We hope you all will join with us and bring in additional items for the drive.

List of Items needed:

Lamb House- (Kid friendly food) Soups, canned pastas, canned meats, cookies, crackers, peanut butter & jelly, Ramon noodles, macaroni & Cheese, cereal etc. Also dry/paper goods- toilet paper, paper towels, etc. & Personal Care Items- Shampoo/Conditioner, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, etc.

Hope House- Hams, soups, canned pastas, canned meats, cookies, crackers, peanut butter & Jelly, macaroni & Cheese, cereal, etc, Paper Goods/Cleaning products- toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap,etc. & Personal care items- shampoo/conditioner, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, diapers, wipes, etc.

CADV- diapers/wipes, shampoo/conditioner, soap, laundry soap, household cleaners, tooth brushes, tooth paste, hair brushes etc, Also food items- Hamburger helper, rice, beans, soups, non perishable food items, peanut butter & jelly, etc. They are also in need of sweat shirts, sweat pants, underwear, bras, socks, etc

Attached is a flyer we would also like to ask you to pass along to anyone you think might donate- ask your clients, companies you work with etc.

Ongoing Fran Campbell Team Community Efforts

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your Lake of the Ozarks real estate needs.
Fran Campbell Community Efforts

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

This Condo Lives Large!

2011-11-11T10:54:00.002-06:00

Great condo living in this walk-in unit with huge view of the main channel. This oversized unit (3 bedroom 3 bath with an office/den) has plenty of room for you and your guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery from the large screened in porch. The many amenities of this condominium include a Large Pool, Tennis Courts, Playground & Club House,(the association has updated the clubhouse with new flooring, window treatments, air hockey, and 50 inch flat screen TV). High Speed Internet available. This well established, 3 bldg complex is very well maintained. The Seller has 3 dock slips to offer. 12x30 with the unit and a 12x43 & 12x17 for extra money. The offered slips are back to back and could be converted back to 12x30 each.

$169,000
3 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms
1,940 square feet
MLS# 3081446

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

How to Silence Door Squeaks

2011-11-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line
7) Silence Door Squeaks

We are wrapping up our a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #7 - Silence Door Squeaks

Take the squeak out of doors by lubricating top and bottom hinges with a little WD-40 or white lithium grease. If you don’t have any on hand, olive oil is a quick but temporary fix.

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

http://youtu.be/sWcUpCRWDA8

We hope you enjoyed our video series!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

How to Turn Off the Main Water Line

2011-11-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line
7) Silence Door Squeaks

We are wrapping up our a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #6 - Turn Off the Main Water Line

Don’t wait until water gushes into your house to search for the main water line. When things are calm and dry, locate and practice turning it on and off.

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

Watch for video #7 tomorrow!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

How to Stop a Leaking Faucet

2011-11-07T12:41:00.007-06:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line
7) Silence Door Squeaks

We are wrapping up our a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #5 - How to Stop a Leaking Faucet

A dripping faucet can waste 5 gallons of water per day. If you can’t replace the faulty part immediately, tie a string around the faucet and let it fall into the drain: Dripping water will silently flow down the string.

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

Watch for video #6 tomorrow!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

How to Open a Stuck Window

2011-11-03T09:54:00.002-05:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line

This week we are running a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #4 - Open a Stuck Window

Windows stick when paint, dust, or moisture builds. Use a utility knife (or a pizza cutter) to remove old paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood sash. If high humidity is making windows hard to move, run a humidifier that sucks moisture out of air.

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

Watch for video #5 tomorrow!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

How to Adjust Cabinet Doors

2011-10-31T16:04:00.002-05:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line

This week we are running a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #3 - Adjust Cabinet Doors

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

Watch for video #4 tomorrow!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

How to Repair Drywall Holes

2011-10-31T15:59:00.005-05:00

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line

This week we are running a video series on home maintenance tips. Today is #2 - Repair Dry Wall Holes

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration!

Watch for video #3 tomorrow!

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Maintaining Your Home Means Maintaining Your Home's Value

2011-10-31T15:43:00.013-05:00

It’s the perfect season to review some home owner basics. By maintaining your home, you keep your household running smoother and keep the value of your home up. The Fran Campbell team wants to help you keep your perfect house at the Lake of the Ozarks in tip top shape, so we thought we'd share some valuable tips for home maintenance basics.

We'll feature one tip each day!

7 things every home owner should know:

1) Fix a leaky toilet
2) Repair drywall holes
3) Adjust cabinet doors
4) Open a stuck window
5) Stop a leaking faucet
6) Turn off the main water line

Watch the video below for a short "How To" demonstration of
#1 - How to Fix a Leaky Toilet.

Watch for video #2 tomorrow! Repair Drywall Holes

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn.

This week the Fran Campbell team is sharing ways to maintain your Lake of the Ozarks home. Check back each day for a new tip!

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com

1-573-302-2390 Office
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1-573-280-1110 Cell
Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

Luxurious Villa!

2011-10-28T15:38:00.003-05:00

The ultimate in Lake living! Uniquely designed for families, friends, and happy memories. Large, open floor-plan with huge living room, wet bar, fireplace, wall of windows, and gorgeous wrap-around veranda to enjoy the Lake view and evening breeze. Completely remodeled with all high-end materials. Granite everywhere, state of the art kitchen, electronics, and designer baths. The master bedroom and en suite bathroom are your own private spa retreat. This luxurious condominium feels like a private home without the maintenance or hassles. The close by , HUGE boat slips (18 x 52 and 14 x 52) and pwc are icing on the cake! Gated entrance in convenient Osage Beach location complete the perfect package.

$399,900
3 bedrooms/ 3 baths
2,145 Square Feet
MLS# 3080911

The Fran Campabell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390 or 1-866-306-FRAN

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Welcome to the Lake Life!

2011-10-28T15:09:00.003-05:00

The best priced unit in the complex. This gem at Windgate has been meticulously maintained.The unit has upgrades that include exterior walkout door from lakeside large screened in deck (just steps from water,dock & pools), tall kitchen cabinets, fireplace, huge mstr bath, extra shelving in walk-in mstr closet & pantry, large tile throughout the unit. The lakeside deck offers a peaceful place to dine, entertain or just relax & enjoy the beautiful lake views which stretch in both directions! Large side windows between living room & kitchen opens to allow in the Lake breezes! The complex has an elevator. Garage with pull down attic space & an extra 12x32 boat slip are available for extra $. The complex is conveniently located by water & land.

$179,900
3 bedrooms/ 2 baths
1,530 Square Feet
MLS# 3081129

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390 or 1-866-306-FRAN

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Quality and Luxury at Summer Place on the Lake

2011-10-28T10:11:00.003-05:00

LUXURY, LUXURY, QUALITY & VALUE on this attractive end condo unit, located in one of the most prestigious, sought after developments at the lake! Huge great room with fireplace and walls of windows, each bedroom features its own private bath, and a spacious separate laundry room. Spectacular views enjoyed from the large screened deck and elevator to the door makes this the BEST BUY at Summer Place on the Lake. Furnishings available, 12 x 32 boat slip is included in the sale.

$240,000
3 bedrooms/ 3 baths
2,084 square feet
MLS# 3080943

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390 or 1-866-306-FRAN

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Lovely "Colorado Inspired" Lake Home!

2011-10-26T10:37:00.006-05:00

Private atmosphere rarely found w/140 ‘ of LF located in a deep water cove at the 42 MM. This casual family friendly contemporary lake home features 2 story living area w/wood beam ceilings, Stone FP & walls of windows to enjoy the magnificent views. Lower Level family room features Stone FP, the storage/workshop could easily be converted to a 4th bedroom. Additional features include, screened deck, level driveway, garage, new roof, new decks & aluminum railings, large stone patio w/fire pit, on beautifully landscaped lot with waterfall and 3 well concrete dock. The price has just been reduced! Call us today to schedule a showing, this home will not disappoint!

$374,000
4 bedrooms/ 3 baths
2,8000 square feet
MLS# 3081062

Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
http://www.francampbell.com/
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Selling Your Home in Today’s Market

2011-10-24T10:21:00.006-05:00

Selling your Lake of the Ozarks home in the current economic climate can be challenging, but with the right Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent, you can get the buyer you are looking for.

Did you know that RE/MAX Realtors sell twice as many homes as the
national average? If you want to set the right price for your home, market it
correctly, stage it for success, and have a tough negotiator protecting your
interests, give the Fran Campbell team a call!

RE/MAX has a proven track record for helping homeowners and we have some
of the best realtors in Lake of the Ozarks!

Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Home

Watch this short video to see the advantage of selecting the right RE/MAX agent to help sell your home, along with tips to successfully market your home.

Be sure to "Like"our Facebook page, "Follow"us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn. This week the Fran Campbell team will be sharing ways to prepare your Lake of the Ozarks home for sale. We will feature tips for marketing and staging your home and information about activities happening this week at the Lake.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtor
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390
Fran@FranCampbell.com
1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell

Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

2011-10-21T12:36:00.002-05:00

YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE THIS ONE! Beautifully furnished top floor unit with lots of upgrades, granite counter top, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, separate laundry, massive screened deck. 12 x 32 boat slip, single car garage are included. This fabulous penthouse is overlooking the pool. Complex features 2 pools, clubhouse, tennis and more.

$236,000
3 bedrooms/ 3 baths
1,632 sq.ft.
MLS#3080818

The Fran Campbell Team
LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Don't Forget to Winterize Your Lake of the Ozarks Home

2011-10-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

Winterize your vacant Lake of the Ozarks home now to save money and headaches later.

Here is a useful article on winterizing your vacant home - perfect for second home owners at the Lake of the Ozarks who are getting ready to close up their homes for the season.

How to Winterize a Vacant Home

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Whether you're closing up a summer vacation home or leaving your very own home during winter for an extended period, it's important to close up for the season. So what should you do to ensure that when your family returns months (or even a year) later, you won’t find a nightmare waiting? The following suggestions will help you to plan and execute a winterization down to the last nut and bolt.

Steps

Look carefully around the exterior and interior of your home and decide what needs to be done. Write it all down to create a checklist. This essential “plan of action” will come in handy when it’s time to open up the place again, because without it, you probably won’t be able to remember all the things that have to be “un-done.” To help you develop your own checklist, the following suggestions, though not applicable in every case, identify potential problem areas that warrant consideration.

Prepare the outdoor areas

Water, outdoor items, plants, and external fittings all need some attention when winterizing. Here are some things to consider.
Turn off the water at the main supply point. If you don't know how to do this, find out where the main (inside) shut off valve is. Turn off the supply line to the washing machine hose. These hoses are a bit flimsy and can burst while you're away. If nobody is using the home during the entire period of winter, make sure that the water supply is turned off completely at the mains.
Drain all water that can be drained. Drain spas, swimming pools and ponds of water.
Protect the garden and outdoor plants. Cover any plants that are frost intolerant and would benefit from covering.
- Trim shrubbery so doors and windows are not blocked from view (better security). Arrange to have the lawn mowed and shrubbery trimmed.
- If possible, cut tree limbs and branches that overhang the house—they offer rodents easy access to the home’s roof and eaves from which they have easier access to a home.
Bring in outdoor furniture, hammocks, seats, delicate garden ornamentation, hose pipes etc. - anything that you consider will not winter well under snow or prolonged cold should be stored indoors.
- Keep ladders inside or otherwise secured.
Block up any holes in the eaves or walls. Block anywhere that may provide an entry point to little furry creatures seeking warmth and home for winter; otherwise, you may have a surprise next spring that includes babies.
- Check that all holes and cracks in exterior walls and foundations and around pipes that penetrate the exterior walls are sealed; otherwise they are entry points for rodents and insects.
- Rodents and birds can also gain entry via stovepipes and chimneys so these must be secured as well. Shut your fireplace dampers and cap the chimneys. A #10 can (large coffee can) may be used to cap an open stovepipe (the kind that on top takes the shape of a T or an H), but a chimney should be capped with a permanent, stainless steel cap with wire mesh venting. Close flues and dampers.
Lock away all pleasure craft such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes. kayaks, cars etc. in the garage or shed and ensure that the lock is strong. Block window views into this storage space.
Take all the trash out of your home before you leave, especially any food waste. Cover compost bins thoroughly. Move dead plant material away from the sides of the house to prevent moisture build-up (mildew problems) and possible fire fodder for the late spring in case you can't get back any earlier.
- Leave nothing outdoors that can be blown about by a strong wind or washed away by a lake or river overflowing its banks.

Fix the heating and plumbing

Turn off the main water-supply valve or stop the pump. If the furnace should fail on a very cold day, water in a pipe could freeze and burst the pipe. Open all faucets and drain all waterlines—empty or mainly empty pipes cannot burst from freezing water.
- Pipes can be drained at their low-point drain valves or, if there is insufficient slope to the lines, by opening a pipe junction. If unsure if all water has drained from pipes, use an air compressor to blow out all water pipes.
Turn down the heat, but don't turn it off. Keep it at about 58ºF/14ºC or so, in order to avoid problems with freezing plaster (which will crack in unsightly ways) and pipes.
- Unless you're using your summer vacation home for winter sports, you may want to consider not heating it at all if freezing problems are not an issue.
Drain. If you live in an area where freezing pipes can be a problem, drain toilets, water heater (turn off gas or electric supply first) and if on a well and pump system, the expansion tank. You'll also need to completely eliminate or dilute the water in drain traps by pouring an "RV" type antifreeze solution in them as directed by the instructions.
- RV antifreeze is commonly used to protect pipes from freezing in RVs and mobile homes; this antifreeze is a type that is safe for use in and around drinking water systems when used as directed. Never pour "regular" automotive antifreeze in the locations listed here.
- Close the sink and tub drains.
- If a house is to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilet’s trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet’s lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.
- Read How to turn off the water supply to a toilet for more information.
Deal with septic systems. Drain the water storage tank and consult a neighbor or local plumber to learn if the septic system should also be drained. Turn off the water heater before you drain it. Drain water from a pump by using its drain plug. For dishwashers, refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and clothes washers, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Remove and empty any "whole house" or "in line" type filter canister. Remove any water filter inside refrigerator. If you find the task daunting, get a local plumber to do it for you.
Read How to winterize your evaporative cooler for instructions regarding your evaporative cooler.

Prepare the kitchen

Clean out the fridge and don't leave anything in there which is likely to go bad during the time you are away. If you have things in the freezer, empty it; don't leave anything in it in case the electricity is off for an extended period of time; you won't necessarily be aware and the food will have thawed and refrozen, which is very dangerous. If you must leave frozen food, here is one method for determining if your freezer has warmed during the winter: freeze a container of water solid, then place a coin on the surface of the ice; if the coin has sunk into the ice when you return, then the freezer warmed, letting the ice melt and then refreeze.
Remove all food. All foods should be removed so they don’t lure rodents and insects. Dry foods that remain should be locked in tin- or aluminum-lined cupboards or cabinets, and seeds and grains should be stored in metal containers with screw-on lids.
Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Prop open their doors, the better to forestall mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator’s plastic parts.
- You may have to turn off the icemaker and loosen refrigerator bulbs.
- To further thwart odors, place an open bag of charcoal on the inside of the open refrigerator.
Guard against insects and rodents. Wash kitchen trash containers and put away soap, sponges, candles and other possible sources of food for vermin. Spray a long-lasting insecticide along baseboards and under the sink. Place insect traps under the sink and on kitchen counters and use chemical rodent deterrents under the sink and in the garage, too.
Remove items that could freeze. In areas subject to freezing, remove all bottled liquids, such as mineral water, soda, beer and paint, because their containers may burst when their contents freeze. Empty water from jars, vases and even decorative indoor mini-fountains.

General

Clean everything. If linens, bedding, towels and the like remain, they should be washed or cleaned and then stored in boxes, preferably rodent-proof ones. Strip beds to allow the mattresses to air out. Open empty drawers and closets; use mothballs in the others. Remove all trash.
- Vacuum carpets and floors to ensure that no crumbs or other sources of food remain for vermin.
- In humid regions, use desiccants (water-absorbing material) in closets; most hardware stores sell them.
Cover furniture with sheets or cloths. If you are closing up a vacation home, cover the furniture to protect it from dust and light discoloration.
Remove all fire hazards. Dispose of or move potentially flammable items such as oily rags and stacked papers, before you leave.
Unplug all electronic and electrical appliances such as the TV, VCR, toasters, dryer, washer, etc. Any charging devices should also be unplugged. This is a good idea if there is an electrical storm so that no surges get to your computers, etc., and blow them out.
Ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for packages which may come to you by UPS, Fedex or any another service. Give the neighbor your phone number and ask them to call you if you get anything. Alternatively, they can keep packages for you in their home until you return.
- Arrange for indoor plants to be watered if necessary.
Pay all your bills before you go, or make arrangements to pay remotely by internet, through relatives or some other convenient and reliable means. If it's a vacation home, make sure that the municipality has the correct billing address for you to send rates bills etc. to during the time that you are away; you don't want a nasty summons because you forgot to inform them of your winter absence.
Make sure that your insurance coverage is adequate for being absent during winter. Due to the increased potential for something to go wrong (for example, burst water pipes, leaking gas heating systems, etc.), insurance companies can be tough on requirements. Ask about special requirements for vacation homes and for homes vacant due to traveling or snowbirding elsewhere.

Utilities

Consider turning off the electric power. Some experts suggest turning off electric power completely but this depends solely on local conditions. For example, in a region subject to freezing you may elect to leave the heating system on but at a lower temperature to avoid frost damage to the home’s interior and its contents. If you use an electronic alarm system, then continuous electric power is required (apart from back-up batteries).
Unplug. If you leave the electric power on, unplug electric appliances, including microwave ovens and TVs, to avoid the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing the wires.
Set your thermostat to a level adequate to keep the inside temperature above freezing and to keep things dry. If the home is located in a warm, damp climate, you should have a humidistat installed and set to maintain a reasonably dry interior.
Don't forget the gas. If there are gas appliances in the home that have been approved by the American Gas Association, they would have automatic shutdowns that will close the gas valves if their pilot lights go out. Such appliances may be left on if properly vented, but if in doubt, check the owner’s manuals. For long absences, some experts recommend shutting off gas hot-water heaters completely.

Security measures

Lock it up. High quality locks for your doors and windows are a must! Check that all your windows and doors are shut and locked. This includes checking the small attic, bathroom, and basement windows. Close skylights and ventilation shafts.
- If in a damp, humid climate, periodically lubricate pin tumbler locks with white lithium grease; using anything else will cause the mechanisms to gum up over time.
- Secure the doors. Strike plates and door hinges should be secured with wood screws at least three inches long.
- Close window shutters. Aside from enhancing security, shutters will, along with drapes, blinds and curtains, keep carpeting and fabrics from fading.
- Unplug garage door openers.
Make it look like someone is home. Buy a couple of light timers and set them up to turn on automatically in the evenings. If it's a summer vacation home, this may be less viable. Instead, have neighbors keep an eye on your home occasionally.
Do not leave valuables in a vacation home that may attract thieves. At the very least, move them out of the line of sight from windows.
- Take all small valuables with you.
Stop your mail. Do this online at USPS, Canada Post etc., using their hold mail sites; or, go into your local post office and ask them for a form. A small fee may apply.
- Stop any other routine deliveries as well.
Check back-up systems. If an electronic alarm system is used, make certain that back-up batteries (if any) are in good condition and able to provide coverage in the event of power interruption; you may want to consider other standby power options as well. If the alarm system is monitored, don’t forget to inform the security company of your date of departure and tell them where you can be reached in an emergency. Give the same information to the local police and fire departments.
Have someone make regular check-ins. If there is a neighbor who’ll remain in the area while you’re gone, try to work out an arrangement by which someone will come over every now and then to look the place over.
- If you can trust your neighbors completely, you may wish to leave them with a key for emergency entry if something should go wrong. Also leave them with your cellphone number, home phone number, e-mail address or any other alternative ways to reach you while you are living elsewhere or traveling.

Opening the home on your return

Use the checklist provided here to open up the home. For starters, open all windows and turn on the furnace fan to air out the home. Readjust the thermostat and humidistat. Close all drain valves and plugs; open the main water valve or turn on the pump. Flush waterlines.
Uncap stovepipes and open flues and dampers. Check the interior and exterior of your home carefully for signs of rodent and/or insect infestation, mildew and fungi.
Turn on gas and electric power.
Go down the checklist to put your home back to the way it was before you left it. And don’t forget to announce your return to everyone you had informed of your departure.

Video

Learn how to winterize your pond, stream or water garden.

Tips

Keep in mind that any water leaks which develop while you are away could run up your water bill significantly, and could also cause massive damage. This is especially true of a popped washing machine supply hose. Once these things burst, there is nothing to hold back the large stream of water which will start to flow. Turning off the water at the main is the best way to guard against such leaks.
If anything is certain about a log home—or about any home, for that matter—it’s the fact that you can’t just walk out the door and leave the place empty for months without having first taken some precautions. So be prepared to spend a few hours getting it ready before you and the family leave; your efforts will maintain the home’s value and ensure its continued enjoyment.
A log home company in Maine notes that in the event of an unexpected, heavy snowstorm in the state’s remote areas, hikers, hunters and snowmobilers can often be stranded for days. The company thinks it might be a good idea for a vacation home owner to leave some food and a supply of dry wood to help those people survive until help arrives. Of course, this means leaving the home unlocked unless there is another shelter nearby.

Warnings

Check your insurance policy carefully! There are often clauses to shock, such as a requirement to have someone checking your home regularly if you are more than 72 hours away from your home. This unfriendly little clause could void your insurance coverage if you haven't arranged for someone to check. Also, check the age of your heating system; if it is over a certain age, you may not be covered by insurance. Give yourself plenty of time to have it replaced, if necessary.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Original source of article, http://www.loghomesnetwork.com. Shared with permission.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Winterize a Vacant Home. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Contact Fran Campbell Team at RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks for all your real estate needs.

Fran Campbell Team

Lake of the Ozarks BEST Realtors

www.FranCampbell.com

573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

Fall Is In the Air at Lake of the Ozarks - Time to Prepare Your Home for Winter!

2011-10-17T09:03:00.009-05:00

Don't you just love the cool Fall air and the beautiful colors of the trees this time of year? Now is the perfect time to start preparing your Lake of the Ozarks home or condo for the winter. Whether you are a full time resident, or a second home owner at the Lake, there are important steps you should take each year to protect your home (and your investment).

We came across this short segment from the CBS Early Show with timeless tips for preparing your home for winter. Worth a watch! Be sure to also check out our Facebook page for a link to a comprehensive article with tips for winterizing your home!

Be sure to "Like" our Facebook page, "Follow" us on Twitter, and "Connect" with the Fran Campbell Team on LinkedIn. This week the Fran Campbell team will be talking about ways to prepare your home for winter at the Lake of the Ozarks . We will feature tips for winterizing your summer home if you are leaving for the season, energy efficiency ideas for year round residents, and information about activities happening this week at the Lake.

Enjoy the beautiful Fall leaves at Lake of the Ozarks!! Don't hesitate to contact the Fran Campbell Team with any questions you have on buying or selling a home at Lake of the Ozarks.

It's a great day at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Fran Campbell Johnson
Fran Campbell Team
RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks
3525 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065

1-573-302-2390 Office
1-573-302-2388 Fax
1-573-280-1110 Cell

Best Realtor Lake of the Ozarks

The Fran Campbell Team is dedicated to providing you the best and most recent news about the housing market at Lake of the Ozarks, including resources to help you purchase or sell your home, events going on at the Lake, and other relevant information about the area.

Great Buy at Summer Place!

2011-10-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

Priced to SELL! Darling 3 bedroom 3 bath unit , perfect for full time living or summer fun! Open floor plan with gas log fireplace and wall of windows to enjoy the awesome views. Huge screened deck for entertaining. Close to clubhouse and pool. Price includes a single car garage.

$194,000
3 bedrooms/ 3 baths
1,632 sq. ft.
MLS#3080796

The Fran Campbell Team

LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEST REALTORS
www.FranCampbell.com
573-302-2390

Fran@FranCampbell.com

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Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Set Maximum Loan Limits for 2012

Freddie Mac, Fannie MaeMaximum Loan Limits Set For 2012

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Don't Forget to Winterize Your Lake of the Ozarks Home

How to Winterize a Vacant Home

Steps

Video

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Fall Is In the Air at Lake of the Ozarks - Time to Prepare Your Home for Winter!

Great Buy at Summer Place!

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
Maximum Loan Limits Set For 2012