Joan's Blog

I can't say that the Redbuds are blooming, but my Forsythia and Jonquils are popping way too early with the calendar still showing January. I can only remember one other year, in the 20+ that I've lived here, that has been this mild. The Ozarks (SW Missouri) tend to miss the heavy duty winters of the northern climes. This is true and often a reason to entice seniors to move here. With temps currently in the 50's, we still need a lightweight jacket, but still too cool for my tastes to be the fellow I saw yesterday kayaking on Table Rock Lake. Saw a sign on one of the Boat Sale companies that sums it up. FISH STILL BITE IN THE WINTER. Call Joan to buy or sell your home in Shell Knob, Missouri 417-846-7128 Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

2011 Shell Knob Market Report

 

There were no surprises in the end of year reports for Real Estate sales in Shell Knob. Being basically a Recreation and Retirement area on Table Rock Lake, we have suffered in low sales last year. However, we have not felt the brunt of Short Sales and BPO's that many large cities have experienced.

Home sales were down - 13.43% from the previous year, and the dollar volume of the sales was down - 22.94%. This translates into meaning that buyers were looking for lower priced properties.

The average selling price for 2011 in Shell Knob, MO was $179,476, with 2010 averaging $201,643.

Vacant land sales suffered in the trickle-down effects of the economy. The average sale price was $41,318, down almost 10% from the previous year.

Overall, The volume of Sold Listings was down by 19% and the average sale price down 17%.

　

Call Joan for all your real estate needs around Table Rock Lake and Shell Knob 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

　

A lovely 2 acre parcel of Shell Knob, MO waterfront land will close in 10 days. I sold it to a couple who live next to it, extending their current 5 acres..... or that was the plan.

Checking the plat for the area, I found a break between the two properties. This was a narrow strip, which divided the parcels by 12'. Further checking found that it was not an easement, etc, but was privately held, and until the last 3 years, the owner was paying $58/yr property tax for this 12 x 410' of land! Taxes have not been paid for three years.

There has been no response to the letter I sent to the owner, nor can they be found by checking on line or in the obituaries for Texas.

So what to do? Have recommended the buyers get a survey and consult an attorney. After checking legalities on Adverse Possession, it seems to be a real quadmire (minefield). Sure makes me wonder who dropped the ball on this when any of these properties were last sold to end up with a stray 12 feet of land?

　

Call Joan for all your real estate questions and needs. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344                      

Happy New Year from the Ozarks. If real estate sales will go up in the same manner that our winter temps are, then 2012 will be a good year.

It has been a mild winter in Shell Knob and my outdoor thermometer is currently reading 69 degrees! Normal for January would be in the 40's.

Eagle Watching Days are being held this week end at several area lakes. It is a real pleasure to watch an eagle swoop by and snatch a fish for his breakfast. Birds are a constant source of amazement to me since moving here to Table Rock Lake. The Ozarks are home to more than 40 different species of birds, as well as hosting migrations of a wide range of ducks.

Possibly due to our warm winter temps, we are currently enjoying a large flock of robins occupying the birdbath. There have been no more sightings reported of black bears in the area, but the local NBC station reported this week that a young 122 pound mountain lion had been caught and released in Reynolds County.

We invite you to come experience the peace and beauty surrounding Shell Knob.

 

CALL jOAN FOR AREA INFORMATION  AND ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS    417-846-7128

TRI-LAKES REALTORS  417-858-3344

Pollyanna Doesn't Live Here Anymore

All the supposed number crunching our dear representatives in Washington have told us they are doing, still means that I have to manage my budget. I have to pay my bills, but little has been accomplished to balance our national debt or pay bills due, yet alone get manufacturing and jobs back so people will be able to buy homes.

 Fifty percent of the agents in my office have left Real Estate. I would be interested to know if that is typical of real estate elsewhere. We have to write four sales to close one.

I can understand the sales force diminishing in view of closings reported in recent years. The law of diminishing returns is very apparent.

July 2010 had 5 sales closed in Shell Knob, MO in residential sales. This recent July reported 4 closed homes.

We thought things were bad last year, but in retrospect, 2010 looks good compared to 2011. In 2010 we closed 38 sales the first 7 months. We are down to 28 closings in the same period this year.

I know the philosophy that every few years it is good to cleanse out the part timers in this business, but when is enough enough? And Yes - we are to always be cheerful and positive about our business. Smile and say "It's a great day to sell a house"!

How's business doing? "Great???? We're only down 26% from last year!"

Please Call Joan to Buy or Sell in Shell Knob   417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors   417-858-3344                                                                                

Good lake view property  on 2 back- to - back cleared and level lots, looking across the road to the 4 slip dock, holding two slips included in price.

Only $54,900 two lots total 75 x 215' a good bargain!  Close to town and just a short walk across the road to the boat dock.  Best of all...... two boat slips in a semi-private 4 slip dock included in price!!

 

Call Joan for details.  417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

 

 

Do not know if it is the continued !00 degree heat, or the drought, but we are seeing our largest group of hummingbirds ever in Shell Knob, MO.  Delightful creatures, but now that the babies have been kicked out of the nest, I have to fill my three feeders daily.

Thank goodness the Japanese Beatles are finally gone. They decimated my apple tree and Crepe Myrtle bushs.

  There is joy in watching the facinating little hummers. 

Table Rock Lake is almost down to normal depth following the spring floods, and we are happy to see our clean, clear lake water again.  This is especially good as some area lakes are experiencing  ecoli and have banned swimming again this season.

  

Call Joan for listing or buying properties in and around Shell Knob, MO     417-846-7128

Tri Lakes REALTORS   417-858-3344                                                               

It's been a strange and wild  weather season for Shell Knob and the Ozarks.  Drought, Floods, Tornados and now Drought again with 100 degree + temps. Even a dip in Table Rock Lake is not refreshing. Lake temperature was 88 earlier this week.

Normally our summer concerns are about ticks, chiggers and the occasional snake. Chiggers, you ask? Yes - Chiggers, with a capital 'C' please!

Chiggers are a diabolical scourge, straight from you know where, in my humble opinion. They are invisible to the naked eye and you only know of their presence when your skin begins to itch and you scratch a welt on your skin. I have heard residents of the midwest call them 'No-see-ums'.

Chiggers are actually larvae that is picked up on shoes, feet or legs while walking in grass or tall weeds. Personally, I have been blessed with their presence while picking veggies in my raised beds. I 've read that the larvae can go up from feet to waist in about 15 minutes. Some of the lazy ones will settle for ankles, but most zip on up the legs, with a few stopping behind the knee. Most Chigger larvae prefer your protected areas like the soft inner thigh or waist or armpits.

Contrary to reports, they do not have mouths and do not actually bite. They spit a nasty saliva that disolves skin, and we don't even know they are there till the itching starts. Welcome to the Ozarks.

Call JOAN FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS    417-846-7128

TRI-LAKES REALTORS   417-858-3344

Shell Knob, MO has scheduled the annual 4th of July Fireworks for Monday, July 4, 2011. This year's display is being called Fire & Thunder Fireworks.

The fireworks are to be fired from the same location used in 2010, east of the Shell Knob bridge. They will being at approximately 9:30 pm. This show is noted for being longer than any others on Table Rock Lake. The fireworks will be shot at lake level, which allows for spectacular special effects. An area will be buoyed off for viewers safety.

Best viewing is by boat or along shoreline areas.

The annual Shell Knob 4th of July Boat Parade will be at 6:30 pm, starting from Lost Hill Island and motor to the east side of the Shell Knob bridge. Decorations on the boats participating lend a cheerful patriotic pride to the event.

 

CALL JOAN TO BUY OR SELL REAL ESTATE IN SHELL KNOB   417-846-7128

TRI-LAKES REALTORS   417-858-3344

 

 

 

 

Is Summer Really here?

Will this be the summer of our discontent, or the one with sweet summer breezes?  Here in Shell Knob, MO (The Ozarks) we are happy to see Spring leave.

Spring of 2011 started with a drought, which then turned into a flood - or floods two weeks apart.  They knocked out the normal joy of getting on to Table Rock Lake for fishing and boating on Memorial Day.   The boat launch's were under water, as were the access ramps of most boat docks.

Table Rock Lake levels finally started to receed, but are still about 10' over normal pool. The Corps of Engineers reports it will stay high until August.  The changes in the lake have had a negative effect on fishing, of  course. 

Last week the 13 year Cicada infestation also left.  The noise level of these insects was unbelievable for about 10 days.  We discovered a surprise with these little critters, it seems that dogs love to eat them!  Dead or alive, doesn't much matter.  Local vets reported that they are not poisonous, but overeating can cause intestinal problems.  I can affirm that after watching my dog consume more than was good for her.

It has now been 4 weeks without a drop of rain and temps in the high 90's, so the tomatoes are dropping their blooms and not producing much!  Oh well - there's always next year.  Hope spring eternal.

 

CALL JOAN TO BUY OR SELL PROPERTY AROUND TABLE ROCK LAKE    417-846-7128

TRI-LAKES REALTORS    417-858-3344