Joan's Blog

We turned another page over on the calendar.  It's time to check our sales numbers for September 2009.

September was  down to minus 62% from this same time last year.  There were 3 sales closed this year in Shell Knob, versus the 8 sales closed in September 2008.

Average sale price for those 3 sales was $174,000.  It took  about 245 days on the market to sell those homes.

But.... the evening news reported an increase in housing sales nationally.

Year- to- date, we have 37 properties closed.  2008 for the first 9 months reported 56 sales.  That makes Shell Knob down by -33.93%.

These continued low numbers do not reflect  reports being given on the major communication outlets, because we are a retirement and second home market.  We rarely get the First Time Home Buyers, where incentives are being given to stimulate the market.

Due to our retirement community, we also do not have  many foreclosures or short sales, which are also stimulating house sales in large cities.

2006 was a high point sales-wise in the Tri-Lakes area.  September of '06  135 homes were closed.  That dropped to  199 in 9/07; then 96 last year.

Call Joan for Shell Knob/Table Rock Lake Real Estate Information - 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-858-3344       

Tell Me About Your Dream Lake Home.

Visiting Shell Knob this summer has led to thoughts of having a summer/retirement house on Table Rock Lake.

You liked the clean, clear waters of Table Rock, plus the gently rolling hills along the shoreline.  The lake didn't feel too busy or overly crowded.  There are definite possibilities here.

The first thing to determine is what kind of lakefront do you want?

  There are actually three kinds of lots that qualify as 'Waterfront'.  The first would be what many think of as 'Waterfront'.  You walk-down to the water on an almost flat surface, or gentle to the water walk.

The second type of 'Waterfront' in Shell Knob, would be a steeper incline, but one that can  get you down to the water.  Walking back up is often a good cardio workout.

The third type of 'Waterfront'  is a bluff lot.  Usually with great views of the lake, but these residents need a golf cart or other transport to go down to their boat docks.

Each type of waterfront has it's pro's and con's and just like people no one size fits all. 

Call Joan to find your Dream Home on Table Rock Lake   418-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-858-3344                                                                                

Stone County Getting Stuck?

It seems even the Ozarks are not immune to trickle- down economic effects.  The Columbian Bank, which financed most of the Indian Ridge Development adjacent to Branson West, was put into receivership by the FDIC last August.

Indian Ridge was to be a huge project covering over 1,000 acres, with a projected $1.6 billion budget.  Original plans called for a Resort Hotel; High-tech Convention Center; Extra large indoor water park, plus outdoor water park; Championship Golf Course; Condos, single-family lots; Themed Retail Shopping Mall; Restaurants.

Some condominiums have been constructed, with others started after alot of earth-work for projected roads, etc, but it all sits silent now.  This leaves Stone County with a big headache.  County Commissioners don't want to recall the bonds the county holds for the project.  The recall would end the development, but create problems for the county, which would then be responsible for the infrastructure's completion.

Developers have to wait, under federal regulations, until the FDIC can send some funds, or they may send the note to auction.  Indian Ridge will sadly remain on hold indefinitely - a sad reminder of this period in time as tourists drive by on Highway 76 to Branson's shows.