The Berra's Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Blog

What do the following have in common???

*Frazier beats Ali at Madison Square Garden.

*Ed Sullivan has his final TV show.

*Walt Disney World opens in Florida.

*"Billy Jack" and "Shaft" are 2 of the top movies.

This all happened in 1971, the last year that interest rates were as low as they are today. (Quotes below 5% this week on 30 year fixed!)

If you are in the market to buy at the Lake and want to take advantage of the current low rates, now is the time. The inventory is on the high side, so there is an excellent selection of available properties. No one knows what the future will bring as far as rates and terms, but this is one of the best opportunities in 37 years to save some money. Remember that the lowest rates are generally available to those with highest credit scores.

If you have any comments or questions you want to share, please feel free to do so.

Have a Merry Christmas!

What has been the better investment in the past 5 years? Owning property at the Lake of the Ozarks or investing money in the stock market? You decide.

In 2003, the average condo sales price at the Lake was $138,401. In 2008, the average condo sales price at the Lake is $198,119.

In 2003, the average home sales price at the Lake was $179,054. In 2008, the average home sales price at the Lake is $227,065.

In 2003, the average waterfront home sales price at the Lake was $243,727. In 2008, the average waterfront home sales price at the Lake is $350.071.

If you have stocks, IRA's or mutual funds, compare their value in 2003 to their present 2008 value. In addition to the average value increasing on Lake area properties, there are a few things that real estate offers that the stock market does not.

*You cannot spend the weekend at the stock market.

*You cannot dock your boat outside the stock market.

*You cannot rent out your stocks.

*You cannot sit on the deck and watch the sunset from the stock market.                                 

The decision is obviously yours. Take some time and think about where you would like to invest some money. If it happens to be at the Lake of the Ozarks, give me a call.