Joan's Blog: August 2009

Don't you feel good when  finding the right house for your buyers?  The pleasure of seeing the joy and excitement is almost as good as getting paid.

In the midst of the appraisal, bank and money problems, good sales still occur. Doing the walk- through of their new Shell Knob lakefront home last week, with my perfect buyers, I discovered there are still perfect sellers out there too!  Earth Angels!

The sellers left the house immaculate. The appliances looked like they had never been used, and even the garage was clean!

They left a coffee maker, with coffee and a note next to it for the buyers to enjoy a coffee break  while moving in.

They provided a bound book with all the receipts and contact info for work done on the house, as well as manufacturers information on products in the house - a complete history for the new owners.

The buyers had purchased some of the furniture, which included a bedroom set. The sellers  spent the previous night there, but washed, folded and left the linens ,  plus soap at various sinks and in the laundry.

 Knowing how exhausting moving can be, this thoughtful pair went above and beyond. Guess this is a good example of "passing it on" to new Shell Knob residents.

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

Tri-Lakes REALTORS  417-858-3344                                                                       

Much has been said lately about appraisers - most of it not good.  Many pointed a finger at them for allowing the over-inflation of homes, which led to the current housing problems and even (some say) the recession.  Be that as it may, they are human - I was married to one once - and are now trying to cope with new rules and regulations.

The next concern is if the property will appraise to the sale price.  We haven't had too many problems there, as Shell Knob did not see a huge inflation in prices as Florida or California did.

My problem the past few weeks has been with getting a home sold July 6 to close, due to the appraisal taking so long to get done, and the the appraiser making unusual comments about the property. 

      The problem comment was: 

      Minimum deferred maintenance.

What does "Minimum deferred maintenance" mean? 

This Shell Knob house was a  builder's spec , which had sat 2 years unsold, and the builder ran out of money before he got bedroom carpeting laid.  Turns out, after alot of head scratching as to what the "Minimum deferred maintenance meant", it was the lack of carpet that was the culprit.  However, even tho the house appraised higher than the sales price, and the buyer had gold-plated credit, the underwriter held this up, due to the appraiser's comments!

Had to get an Early Occupancy Agreement for the buyer to install the carpet this week end.  Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we might actually get some signatures at the closing table next week.

Call Joan For All Your Real Estate Needs - 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS    417-858-3344                                                              

Walk Arounds Scheduled

So what comes to mind when you hear the term "Walk Arounds"?

Maybe it's like a home buyer doing a "Drive By" of a house that's for sale, but they get out of the car and walk around the property?

Not Exactly.

Shell Knob residents in Barry County (Shell Knob's area includes parts of Stone County) will soon be receiving visits from two teams hired by June Smith, Barry County Assessor. These teams have begun a State Mandated "walk-around" assessment of each property in Shell Knob .... as will Cassville and property owners all over Barry County, Missouri.

The teams are required to confirm measurements of structures and will be taking new photos of the front and back of improvements on the property. Thus the term "Walk Arounds" not "Walk Abouts" which they do for leisure in Australia? The teams will wear ID as will their vehicles be easily identified, so residents need not be alarmed.

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

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344                                                                     

Cassville Mayor Tracy Holle has signed the International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code the Aldermen of the City of Cassville adopted in June.  This is a big step forward for the city.  As with any change, it has been met with opposition and will undoubtedly run into problems as citizens find their toes may get stepped on.

A large 663 page document, both have been accepted in entirety.  In additionto the City Ordinance, a plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire prevention code were  also added.

Jim Bushart  has been contracted to act as the Code Enforcement Officer.  He will not only have the enforcing authority, but will as necessary in the interest of public health - safety, etc -  adopt rules, interpret provisions of the code.

It will be interesting to see the ups and downs of this code, which is not new to most of the USA.  Buyers I have worked with are always shocked to find we have not had or enforced Building Codes.

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

Tri-Lakes REALTORS  417-858-3344                                                       

TO BE OR NOT TO BE.... THAT IS THE QUESTION

In July, a notice came from the Stone County Health Department that effective August 1st, a certificate would be required that the septic system of any property sold was in good working order.

As a REALTOR selling alot of Stone County and Shell Knob homes and land, it seemed like one more hoop to jump thru, and expense for the seller.  Only $25.00 for a clean bill of health, but much bigger dollars to dig up and possibly replace a septic or laterals.

Living on Table Rock Lake, I want to retain the clean water we have, and I understand that there are still some of the 'old' septic systems out there which consisted of an old drum barrel with some holes punched in it for drainage.   It was buried at the end of the drain running out from the house.  This served the early vacationers and lake cottages, who only used the facilities occasionally.  These have to be found and  replaced.

Preparing for a mid-August closing of a 2 year old, but still new spec house in Shell Knob, I contacted the person in charge of this new program.  Should have known this was not a well thought out program, when  3 phone calls did not establish the location of the home I sold, or the well and septic permit paid for by the builder. 

Guess I wasn't the only one  who ran into problems trying to follow the new rules.  Just received the following email:

Plan Commission Stays

It was a close vote, but Stone County Shell Knob  residents who wanted to retain the Planning Commisson prevailed.

The vote was 51% yes and 49% no. Only 300 votes separated the yea's and nay's.

The prospect of no zoning and unrestricted construction in the county, stirred emotions on both sides of the question.  The Tri-Lakes Real Estate Board was campaigning for members to vote and 'Get Out The Vote' to keep the commission.

There were almost as many dissident voices raised in community meetins and Letters To The Editor, but the Planning Commission will continue to reign on zoning or rezoning requests.

Call Joan for information on Shell Knob Table Rock Lake properties.  417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS  417-858-3344