Joan's Blog

Bold leadership seems to exist rarely these days, but I am grateful to work for a broker with these qualities.

• So we're in a recession - right?
•  Real Estate Sales are down - right?
  
•  Commissions have shrunk - right?
  
•  Some agents are finding supplemental income - right?
  

 So what Broker in their right mind would choose to move into beautiful new, larger offices and expand their agency? Tri-Lakes,REALTORS!

Shell Knob Bridgeway Plaza Office                                                 Reception Area

Tri-Lakes, REALTORS relocated  the Shell Knob, MO office this past week.  Tri-Lakes has four offices surrounding Table Rock Lake and plays a strong role in market share for the Table Rock Lake area. 

The move into a more prominent location in Shell Knob, has generated attention and admiration from passers-by, but  more importantly, has given  agents a big zing of enthusiasm, optimism and pride in their company.  This is sure to translate into additional sales for our Buyers and Sellers.

Call Joan at the new office for all your real estate needs.  417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Office 417-858-3344

How do you feel about herding cats?

If you've ever been a cat owner, you know that herding cats is about impossible.  Unlike our faithful canine companions, even here in Shell Knob, MO, felines do not train well.  They  don't come when called (unless it is chow time).  They don't  sit or stay on command.  They are independent creatures.  I loved that commercial last spring where it showed  cowboys herding hundreds of cats!  Sure they did!

The Herding Cats premise, is about the same as trying to show houses to more than one couple at a time.  I don't recall ever selling a house to a couple when they show up with friends or family,

The last time this occurred to me, there were 5 adults.  I had previously worked with one of them, but knew he was scouting   for a lake house that two families would be buying together. 

I finally get to meet them all at once.  My sales senses go into overload -

Who is the leader? 

Do I stay with the older or the younger generation ?  They enter a house and scatter in at least 3 directions. 

Which ones do you follow? 

The property that I thought would meet most of their needs has sold, of course (Murphy;s Law?). 

The other two are either too expensive or too small, or too this or too that! 

So what do you do when they show up unexpectedly on your doorstep (office)?

All suggestions gratefully accepted.

Call Joan For all your lake home needs.  417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors   417-858-3344                                                                      

It was  a surprise to see the sign on the newest restaurant in Shell Knob - "On The Bayou".

Bayou to me, means Louisanna and Cajun, so how can that possibly be in the 'Ozarks'?  Of course I had to go in and inquire of the new owners, William and Jennifer Robinson.

As I was getting the low- down from Jennifer, a patron paid her bill - rolled her eyes, and announced that the Bayou Bread Pudding with Whiskey sauce was "absolutely sinful"! 

That comment went right along with one from a cohort in my office, an expert on all food Cajun - who reported that the Crawfish Po'Boy was more than acceptable for Shell Knob!

Jennifer assured me that their offerings of all things Cajun or Creole were not HOT seasoned, but of the traditional, delicate flavor.  The daily specials include Jambalaya, Etoufee, Red Beans & Rice, Gumbo, Catfish Acadiana, Pastalaya and of course -Po'Boys, Shrimp or Crawfish Burgers, or regular Hamburgers.

You can try out these great new offerings on Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  They are located in the Shell Knob Plaza.

Call Joan for all your real estate needs in Shell Knob or on Table Rock Lake   417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-858-3344

Final figures for 2008 real estate sales in Southwest Missouri, include communities from Branson, Kimberling City, Lampe, Shell Knob, Eagle Rock and Golden, and all points in between.

The numbers make clear that buyers were looking for more modest homes under $300,000. The average sales price was $176,459.

Of the 1,011 total sales in the Tri-Lakes region,  892 were under $299,900. There were only 119 sales of homes selling for more than $300,000.

Average Days On The Market were 121, with a List/Sell/Ratio of 94%. 

Call Joan for information on homes and land in Shell Knob and Table Rock Lake.  417-846-7128.

Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-858-3344