Joan's Blog

Bold Leadership - When The Tough Get Going

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:57:55 -0600

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

Honey They've Shrunk The Signs

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:26:28 -0600

Thought I was seeing things recently when I pulled up to a local stop in Shell Knob, MO and the actual "STOP" sign looked smaller!

We know the recession and subsequent belt-tightening has affected all aspects of spending, including state and county road departments, with tax dollars getting scarce. The transportation department, Mo-Dot in Missouri, I found has the authority to decide what size sign a corner warrants.

On lesser driven roads, which we have many of in the Ozarks, they can place a "low volumn" road sign! The signs may be 24", 30" or 36" wide.

Remember when you were a teen and it was cool to 'liberate' a road sign to decorate the wall of your bedroom? The current trend here in the Ozarks is to use roadsigns for target practice - both shotgun and paintball . The MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) estimates that it costs approximately $300 to replace one of those signs. It is not as easy as washing the paint off the sign, because in the process it removes the reflective material to assist night drivers.

As a result of cost savings, we can expect to see more of these smaller signs.

Call Joan for all your Shell Knob & Tablerock Real Estate Needs 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

How Do You Counsel Stagnant Home Sellers?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:01:05 -0600

How do you counsel sellers in today's stagnant market? They've done everything HGTV suggests to make their home appealing to the drive-bys. They have cleaned or replaced worn carpeting, painted purple walls shades, put cookies in the oven, turned on the lights and disappeared for showings. Yet still no offers in Shell Knob, MO.

Worse yet, after 6 or 7 months on the market, and all the big ads in Homes Magazines, personal web pages, etc

..ZERO SHOWINGS!..........ZERO SHOWINGS!

In our SW Missouri area our MLS has 1,712 single family homes for sale. Of that number, there are 457 properties priced over $300,000.

I have shown a few homes this Fall over $300,000, but my buyers stayed under that number when they purchased.

What do you say to the $598,000 seller? Cut the price in half to get into the current market? Dropping the price by $50 or $100,000, still won't make it that much more appealing to the budget minded.

This may not sound like a serious problem to individuals facing loss of their home, or bankruptcy, but to the elder seller with health problems, it is every bit as serious.

Should we keep it on the market over the winter, or wait and renew the listing in the spring? We currently have 10 beautiful waterfront homes available in Shell Knob, MO for sale and priced $500,000+.

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

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-846-3344

October Sales Hold In Shell Knob, MO

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:10:02 -0600

The Housing Market continues to inch along in our portion of the Ozarks - Shell Knob, MO - leaving many real estate agents looking for supplemental income.

Here in Shell Knob, MO, we repeated our previous month's sales, for a total of 3 homes sold each month. The average sales price was down to $75,633 in October.

There were also 6 pieces of land sold for an average sale price of $23,500.

Shell Knob is a recreational or lake oriented community, attracting many second home clients and retirement or families looking to retire. It is known as the quiet end of the lake. This is our normal start of 'Off' Season, but not normally 34% off.

My broker, Tri-Lakes Realtors, has four offices surrounding Table Rock Lake, and we continue to hold our position of Number One company in our MLS Board with 14.49% of board sales last month.

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

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Shell Knob, MO Does Not Fit National Profile

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:40:05 -0500

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

Women Centric In Shell Knob

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:07:48 -0500

This week I came across a term that was new to me -'Women Centric' - this was in an article about New Homes, and New Home construction.

Had to wonder just what this was about. It had been my experience selling properties in Shell Knob, MO, and statistics confirm, that more than 90% of home sales decisions were made by women. Wouldn't that make it a woman centered sale?

When showing a property in Shell Knob, don't I always point out the benefits of a great kitchen, convenient utility room, sunny breakfast nook? Aren't these areas women centered?

Turns out I was only partially right.

About 10 years ago a woman in Hartland, WI, Terri Goetz, tried to buy a house. She found only model homes that had been designed by men and were cookie cutters None met her requirements. After surveying a few women, asking what they desired to see in a home, Ms Goetz formed her own company. Her designs incorporated the suggestions she received, as well as her own preferences. This resulted in the Women Centric term.

Call Joan For All your Shell Knob or Table Rock Lake Real Estate Needs 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-2209

Lake Home Dreams

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:06:07 -0500

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

Ever Herd Cats?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:14:44 -0500

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

Sinful In Shell Knob?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:56:42 -0500

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

Shell Knob's Secret

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:15:16 -0500

One of Shell Knob's best kept secrets, due to it's out of the way location, is a favorite spot I enjoy taking clients.

It's called Icy Mae's - don't ask me why - the owners are Mike and Vickie Mertens. Icy Mae's is located on the third floor of the main building in Timberock Village, and serves some of the best food available in the Ozarks.

Most of Shell Knob is laid back casual..... no dress code - after all, this IS the Ozarks, right? So this restaurant sits over the dental, attorney and a home health care offices. Once inside, first time diners look surprised at the pleasant decor and great views of Table Rock Lake from a wall of windows.

Their eyes widen seeing the menu offers much more than burgers and fries, which makes decisions on ordering extremely difficult.

Mike opens at 7 a.m. for local businessmen and visiting anglers.

How about some Belgian Waffles, Austrian Crepes, Quiche or Seven Cheese Strata? Basics are also offered: BRITTANY SPHERES (2 eggs, sausage patties, etc) or THREE SMILES FOR SISTER SARA (3 Smiling Cakes & Sausage). In other words, name your favorite breakfast, and it is yours. Newbies should be warned about the Biscuits & Gravy however; serving portions tend to be large. It is a rare diner who can finish a full order - priced at only $3.25

A Shell Knob lunch at Icy Mae's should be considered a main meal by customers. The Chicken Walnut Salad, served in a sweet coconut dressing with fruit garnish has chunks of chicken breast (a big favorite in my office) for only $6.25. What might normally be called a Club Sandwich, is labeled FLEX AND BONES, and challenges most eaters who try to look in control while getting their mouth around something 3 inches high.

There are at least 14 menu choices for lunch, without throwing in the breakfast menu, also continued to be offered. The bad news? The restaurant is only open until 2 p.m.

Call Joan for local Shell Knob or real estate information 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Ozarks Feral Population Growing

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:58:41 -0500

Dangerous Hogs

It is open season 12 months a year in Missouri on feral hogs. Hunters are urged to shoot and kill them on sight.

There have always been feral hogs, but they were kept under control by normal hunting until the 1990's when they were sought as sport. European or Russian boar were introduced and they have mixed with the domestic hogs.

It is not unusual to see a 300 or 400 pound boar, with some reaching records of 600 pounds!

These hogs do damage agriculturally as they root for food. They are not particular about what they eat and consume acorns - which deer and other small animals need.

They are prolific breeders and the population has grown rapidly. The Ozark hills provide them with a comfortable habitat.

Shooting, trapping and baiting are encouraged by the conservation department.

My Lake Is Turning Over?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:08:55 -0500

Not too long after becoming a Shell Knob/Table Rock Lake resident, I smelled something different in the air. It was neither a pleasant or unpleasant smell - just 'different'. I mentioned it to my husband, and he gave me the usual rolling of his eyes. I then had to ask a neighbor about that strange smell in the air, and was told it was just Table Rock Lake turning over???

The lake turning over? Like sure - that makes alot of sense.

The same as turning over in bed? Come on.... wouldn't I have heard something if this huge body of water had actually turned over?

Don't they send out alerts or something? Sounds dangerous. I've lived on lakes before, but had never heard of one 'Turning Over'.

Google didn't exist and there wasn't much of what we now call internet, when I first experienced this, so I just came to accept that at some time in the spring and again in the fall, I would smell this rather fishy scent

around Table Rock Lake.

I have since read that this actually is a common occurance in large and small lakes, where there are four seasons and large temperature changes.

Table Rock has 857 miles of shoreline and covers 52,300 acres. That's over 1.1 trillion gallons of water held and alot of water to turn over!

Seasonal temperature changes are what get the job done. The colder water gets, the heavier it becomes so it sinks to the bottom of the lake, causing the water on the bottom to roll-over to the top. This is a simplistic explanation of a very interesting and detailed process involving thermocline and oxygen, which I wish I had learned more of earlier in life.

When the lake has turned over, it is cloudy for a few days, and most anglers take a few days off from fishing and head to Bass Pro Shop. Chances of catching the big lunker at this time are fairly low.

Call Joan for all your Shell Knob Real Estate Needs 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-846-3344

Bass Tournaments Start in Shell Knob

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:23:03 -0500

Most of the hummingbirds have done their Fall migration, so it must be time for Table Rock Lakes' Fall Bass tournaments to start in Shell Knob.

A Shell Knob Fall tradition is the Annual Homer Sloan Buddy Bass Tournament. It will be held on Table Rock Lake on Saturday October 4th.

The Buddy Bass Tournament can be entered any time up to the take-off time of 7:30 a.m. on 10/4. Campbell Point and Kings River Marinas are both take-off points. Weigh-in is at Campbell point only at 4 p.m.

Six bass is the total allowed for weigh-in by a two person boat. Cash prizes for the heaviest total weights and the largest individual bass will be given.

A full dinner will be served to entrants, following the weigh-in, at the Shell Knob CCC Camp.

Check out the shellknob.com/events.htm web site for rules and an application.

Call Joan for all your Table Rock Lake and Shell Knob Real Estate Needs 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Sales Creep Along In Shell Knob

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:44:25 -0500

August sales for Shell Knob, Missouri crept up from the previous month. They went from 5 sales to a whopping 8 homes closing!

Forgive my light approach here, but after the two years of this challenging housing market, you've got to either laugh or cry.

We have year to date total sales of 34. Yes - 34 homes sold in the first 8 months of 2009!

SURVIVE - THRIVE
How can 15 agents ( by my loose count) survive economically? Granted, we've sold some properties out of Shell Knob's area, and most likely some out-of-the-area agents have sold residences in Shell Knob. 48 houses had been sold in the first 8 months of 2008.

August was down only -29% from the same period last Month. And I say only because the statistic was -41% last month.

SELLER'S BLINDERS

You bring out charts and comparables to explain this on a listing appointment only to have the potential clients' eyes glaze over. They then announce that they still want to list their house $50,000 over your suggested price - after all THEIR HOUSE IS WORTH IT!

Call Joan for all your Shell Knob and Table Rock Real Estate Needs. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Ready For This Lakefront View?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:05:34 -0500

Lifestyles of the rich and famous usually include a home on the water. Why should they be the only ones to enjoy the lure and luxury of a home at the lake?

Check out the newest Gated Community in Shell Knob, MO - EAGLES POINT, and this nicely wooded lakefront lot.

100' of lakefront on a small cove with a view of the main channel on Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, Missouri.

Priced at $84,900, it includes a 10 x 24 boat slip in a Community Boat Dock with a swim platform.

MLS# 330271

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

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344