In boom times, Real Estate License schools had full classes.  Ozark Brokers had the pick of the crop to  boost their company sales.  I didn't keep track in Shell Knob of  new members added to our local board in recent years, but the rolls filled out. Some have said that slow markets in  real estate are also good for  business, because they weed out the hot shots who took the cream of the sales, but did not plant roots to see them through a recession. As 2010 ended, the number of listings that expired was huge, and may have been a reflection of  business added by new agents, who may have listed properties at any price, just to get a  listing.  As the annual bills came due for agent licensing, and  Multiple Listing  fees needed paying, the now non-productive agents are leaving the busines... 01/14/2011

Should you list your  home with the realtor who gives you the highest Market Evaluation? Typically here in Shell Knob, and I suspect in most locations, a homeowner getting ready to sell their house will contact 2 or 3 real estate companies to interview and acquire a suggested market price. Most often agents  know this is an audition and that they are in competition with other firms and agents.  Sellers have been educated to use this process as a means to verify that they will be selling at the best price possible - comparison shopping to get the most for their money.As an agent, I sometimes feel  I'm looking over my shoulder, attempting to get ahead of the competition as I prepare your market evaluation.  Shell Knob has several real estate offices.  The Seller frequently lists  the hous... 01/11/2011

Seawall Not Needed in Shell KnobWaterfront property owners need not be concerned about constructing or maintaining an expensive seawall in Shell Knob on Table Rock Lake.      Typical small lake seawall         Many lakes do require seawalls.  The lake I lived on in Indiana, before moving to the Ozarks, needed seawalls on lakefront properties.  They are a necessity in many areas to prevent erosion on manmade lakes and can be expensive to install, as well as maintain. Shell Knob does not have that problem.  The  rocky shorelines  of the Ozark hills are beautiful, natural seawalls, plus the Corps of Engineers governs and owns the shoreline.  The Corp has had Table Rock Lake surveyed.  Set-  back  markers are posted so land owners can see where their property ends and the government land st... 01/10/2011

It was recently reported in Shell Knob and nationally,  that a large percentage of people say they  no longer  get their news and information from newspapers.  This must mean they are either watching tv or the internet, are just too busy to be alert to national news, or live in La-La Land! This has to be the answer for why  some Shell Knob home sellers want you to list their homes for twice as much as they paid for them two years ago!  OR.... they say they understand that housing has been down, and they aren't greedy, so just take what they paid for it  four years ago, and add your commission to arrive at the sale price.When I attempt to explain  current market conditions, they sometimes get indignent and declare, "I don't have to sell right now and don't need the money."  At this point... 01/10/2011

It may have seemed that sales of property were slow around Table Rock Lake and Shell Knob last year.  The phones weren't ringing or potential buyers walking in the front door as often as desired, but the final talley was greatly improved from 2009.     The average home sold for $200,523 in 2010.   This is a great improvement over the 2009    average of $140,416, a 36% increase.  Most homes sold for 95% of their listing price.   These numbers do not reflect adjacent communities of Eagle Rock, Golden or Lampe, MO.   Call Joan For All your real estate needs  417-846-7128 Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-858-3344           01/05/2011

Don't you just love anniversaries?  They are much like New Years Day.  They give us pause to look back, take account of what has transpired and then exclaim:  IT CAN'T HAVE BEEN THAT LONG AGO!!     This is my 4 Year membership anniversary  in Active Rain ( I think) or is it three years? reporting on real estate from Shell Knob, MO. and learning more than I thought possible about this field and things I never knew that I didn't know.   I recall there being about 26,000 members at that time and AR was less than a year old.  Accumulating points was very big for me that first year, but now I rarely check to see my status.  It has been much more important to learn what was happening in other areas outside the Ozarks and to other agents.  These years have been a roller coaster in our business... 01/01/2011

Winter on Table Rock Lake is for the birds...... Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds, Titmice, Chicadees, Juncos, Finches, Woodpeckers (several varieties), ducks  and especially EAGLES.   When the Hummingbirds leave for the winter, we  start to anticipate  our cold weather visitors.   My Home Office faces the lake and I frequently see  Eagles fishing for their breakfast. I recently counted five eagles swooping and diving gracefully at our lakefront.  Magnificent and powerful - no wonder they are our national symbol! The Ozarks is home to more than  40 species of birds, but when we see flocks of Robins in December or January,  we get prepared for some hasty weather.  They seem to seek out our cedar trees for protection .  I wasn't interested in birds before moving to Shell Knob.  Having such de... 12/28/2010

Life as a real estate agent in the Ozarks is not at all like  selling was in Indianapolis.  This is fairly  rugged country,  where jeans tend to be  normal attire.  If I show up in the office wearing a nice business suit and heels, mouths would drop and there would be incredulous looks!  I carry a walking stick in the trunk for showing what are often steep lake lots and land.  In the summer months a can of OFF is offered to potential buyers.All this is said to declare that I am not some wimpy grannie, unprepared for the physical aspects of life in Shell Knob, Mo or around Table Rock Lake.  However......... while showing lake homes yesterday, I was unprepared for a hazzard where the floor or anticipated stair step did not exist!  I am thankful that I preceeded my buyer and fell into the ... 12/07/2010

"How can you make a living selling real estate in Shell Knob?" is a question I often hear when residents and agents in large cities see our local statistics.  Guess the reason we survive in this economy, is that our cost of living in southwest Missouri is low.       Home sales continue to decline in the lake/retirement market of Shell Knob, MO and I must admit that it was more fun selling when lake sales were booming.November MLS reports had a whopping number of TWO closings in Shell Knob, with an average price of $92,500 .   This number is down 59% from November 2009.  It has not been affected by many foreclosures, as this is a strong retirement market and retirees are not inclined to hold large outstanding mortgages.  However, these same retirees cannot purchase a lake home, until the... 12/01/2010

ONLY 20Shell Knob, Missouri is just a spot on a map, but for the people who live here, it is a little slice of heaven.  I've heard people say, have experienced it myself, when you top Look-out Point heading south on Hwy 39, view the peaceful valley and hills, you let out a sigh of relief.  You are HOME!                           There was a Pre-Foreclosure Sale conducted here recently by an Arizona company to liquidate waterfront  lots in a beautiful development on Table Rock Lake where sales had stalled.  Prices, as would be expected on Pre-Foreclosure, were about half of previous prices.  I asked a representative how many lots were sold during the one day event. " Only 20" was the reply.In larger metropolitan areas, it is routine to sell 40 or more in a one day sale.  They were surpri... 10/11/2010

I sometimes feel like a Railroad Conductor, even tho we don't actually have a rail line going through Shell Knob, MOYou holler "All Aboard", from listing to sale.  Waving people in to get on board by buying your latest listing, and  as  offers and counter-offers chug along, there is the occasional hand raised in a STOP move, when emotions surface.   Buyer and seller  both experience the highs and lows of the finance process, appraisals,  inspections and the train chugs on.Buyer wants the huge clock over the fireplace to remain, while seller wants buyer to give them an extra week, rent free, after close to move. No need to pause here, let's keep this train moving in the right direction. The list  of potential pitfalls seems endless, especially so in today's market conditions where one se... 09/11/2010

Labor Day is typically the last week- end of summer and greatly celebrated in Shell Knob  with gatherings at the lake.  This year was no different and there were alot of "Lookers" visiting -  Checking out potential lake properties.   Will this result in September being a good sales month?  I wish I had a crystal ball to determine that.Shell Knob's August 2010 Homes Sold Report showed little improvement from the previous month, but year to date figures indicate a 47% increase from  last year's totals to date.                             The sales area surrounding  Table Rock Lake does not fit the national pattern due to this being a retirement and/or recreational purchase.  Yes - home sales are down nationally and down locally as well, but in the 'Quiet End of the Lake" as Shell Knob is ... 09/07/2010

Restaurants come and go in small towns and especially  in seasonal/recreational communities, such as Shell Knob.  Some close their doors and slip quietly into the sunset - others change hands and recreate themselves.  It is difficult to sustain food service year round, when your season for the majority of your business runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.   Shell Knob is blessed to have an excellent Steak House, appropriately named The Steak Inn.  It is popular with Locals and tourists, who return again and again for the fine food and friendly service.  It is as much a part of the summer on Table Rock Lake, as fireflies are to a summer night.   Summer is calming down, but  The Steak Inn remains open until Christmas.  Y'all Come Back Now!! 08/29/2010

Searching for Shell Knob homes to present to a potential buyer, I came across this picture in the MLS.  It is the main picture in the listing.  I know the agent was trying to appeal to house hunters seeking a house with a good waterfront view of the lake.  Guess there wasn't an unobstructed view of the water thru the trees, so she tried stretching out in a recliner to take the shot?  Just didn't edit out the pink flip-flops. It struck my funny bone and titles such as "Feet First" came to mind.  We can all use a little levity these days.     Call Joan for all your real estate needs. Tri-Lakes Realtors  417-846-7128                                                                                        08/24/2010

We are here for a season.   I'm not talking about seasons of the year,  as in Winter,  Spring, etc.   No - This  regards the Season's of Life,  and as many experts have told us, we are living longer and our later years will often be extended. Shell Knob, Missouri is a retirement destination due to:  our moderate winter climate  (most years), Table Rock Lake, Low cost of living Convenience to Wichita, St. Louis and KC What are your dreams for your  later "Season of Life"?   Statisticians throw around the term 'Life Expectancy', as in how long we might live.  For many years I thought that if I lived a full 70 years as my father did,  I would be satisfied, but now I'm not so sure I'm ready to depart yet.According to the experts, "The risk of dying has dropped to a record low level, and lif... 08/20/2010

CHECK THE   W O W    FACTOR IN THIS UNIQUE HOUSE Rough Pine plank walls and ceilings, polished cement floors and antiqued, recycled doors on the main level give this lake home warmth. The hand carved pine stairway leads to the open upper floor with the soaring faux tin ceilings, huge dining area, and Shabby Chic kitchen. Maintenance free - it's the perfect lake home.  Five bedrooms and boat slip on Table Rock available.                                                   Priced at  $320,000 MLS: 337145   Call JOAN  417-846-7128   Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344         08/19/2010

19  MONTH SUPPLY OF HOMES IN SHELL KNOB MARKET AREAThe Real Estate Board we belong to in Shell Knob, is the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors.  This is a strange marketing time for us in the Recreational/Retirement market. The Board recently released an interesting report of our sales and inventory for 2010 vs 2009, which is a far cry from previous real estate times here. We currently have a 19 month supply of residential homes, plus a 3 year supply of condos in the Tri-Lakes area.  There are enough lots/land on the market for a 10-1/2 year supply. It was less than 5 years ago that our supply was meager and we wished for a greater variety of homes to sell.2010 sales have been showing an improvement - an odd improvement considering the market slump - of almost 12%.  Condo sales are up 17% over... 08/12/2010

We have just recently been given a major boost to MARKETING  homes in the Shell Knob and Tri-Lakes multiple listing area.  The number of photos we can post with a listing have doubled from 12 to 24!  WOW!  So - if 12 bad photos didn't sell a house - what will 24 poor pictures do? Do we need to ask why the following homes were withdrawn and unsold in the current market?   08/09/2010

How do you turn a potential listing down - or don't  you ever refuse to accept a client or property?I never imagined turning away business in Shell knob,  but have found myself doing so a few times this year. With the biggest inventory of homes and land that I can remember, I find I don't want to waste my time or advertising on something that has little market appeal or possibility of selling.  About four years ago, Shell Knob's  inventory was low and I was crying for more properties to be available.   I guess the negative approach does work, as each time I have gently tried to get the seller to hold off and sit on their investment for a couple of years, they  become stronger on wanting  it listed - NOW!   There was one fellow I remember who didn't want to take no for an answer.  He see... 07/21/2010

There are no real estate transfer taxes in Shell Knob, MO.  However, due to a concern that the State of Missouri may implement such a tax, which is allowed under the Missouri Constitution, there is a movement to prevent a tax being charged.   A transfer tax is a tax that is imposed when a home, land or other real estate is sold.  It can ad thousands of dollars of expense to the sale of property.  Once the tax is on the books, it can be raised and increased by state, county or local governments without a vote. There are currently 37 states and the District of Columbia that impose such a tax.  Missouri is one of only 13 that do not, which is one reason that  the cost of living is lower - so is the cost of selling. Does your state use a Transfer Tax, and if so, what is the average fee to ... 07/19/2010