Christmas cards are being written or prepared to be written here in Shell Knob, so here comes the annual question - who do I send them to - or  - do I  send any at all?   Why not an E-card which is really greener - saves trees?   If I opt for old fashioned snail-mail,  then the next question is,  do you put a business card inside?  So we are back to the Who question.  Who do I send to?Family that lives down the street? Friends I see at church? Clients I've worked with, but not sold? Clients I've helped and closed? Email inquiries I've received? Checkout people at the grocery? Crass choices seem to be limitless, but I'd like to hear your conclusions. 12/11/2008

    November is officially the start of the 'Off Season'  for real estate sales around Table Rock Lake, which makes it a great time for buyers to be shopping for a lake home.There were four price reductions on today's multiple listing report,  reflecting current market conditions.  A small cottage came down $10,000 in price.  The biggest drop was on a luxury home, which was reduced by $110,000.  Two more homes reduced the asking price by $46,000 and $44,000. Last month's sales were single diget:  TWO - YES TWO HOMES were closed with the average sale price   $158,500 - average DOM (Average Days on Market) for these two sales were 388 days.This is an 80% drop from November 2007, and is 31% below the year to date figures when compared to 2007. This not what we want to hear, BUT - a perfect... 12/10/2008

Flood insurance is not a normal topic of discussion in the Ozarks.  We sit no where near a coastline. In the past, when a buyer would inquire if they would need flood insurance, I would just shrug off the question.  All of that changed this year, with 2008 providing us with  record rainfall.Table Rock Lake is in the middle of a chain of four Corps of  Engineer dams, which created reservoirs.  All four lakes were filled to capacity last spring, which resulted in some flooding of low property.  This has brought in FEMA and the topic of flood insurance. The Flood Insurance offered by FEMA requires each county to vote to determine if that county will accept federal assistance and the ever present federal requirements.  Once a community enters the insurance program, property owners can take... 12/10/2008

Tri-Lakes Realtors Celebrate 2008 was certainly a 'Different' year for real estate sales in the Ozarks, and a great year for me when I joined the Tri-Lakes team. Working in the Shell Knob office, one of 5 Tri-Lakes offices which circle Table Rock Lake, I hadn't seen the whole organization together too often, but that was remedied last Saturday.  We were all treated to a Christmas and Awards Dinner Party at the Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO.  And what a marvelous winter wonderland the Big Cedar Lodge was..............acres of beautiful lights and displays everywhere you turned.   Big Cedar Lodge and Resort is owned by the Bass Pro Shops organization, which is headquarted in Springfield, MO.   Watching agent after agent get awards for millions (yes plural) of dollars in sales was encoura... 12/09/2008

Flood insurance is not a normal topic of discussion in the Ozarks.  We sit no where near a coastline. In the past, when a buyer would inquire if they would need flood insurance, I would just shrug off the question.  All of that changed this year, with 2008 providing us with  record rainfall.Table Rock Lake is in the middle of a chain of four Corps of  Engineer dams, which created reservoirs.  All four lakes were filled to capacity last spring, which resulted in some flooding of low property.  This has brought in FEMA and the topic of flood insurance. The Flood Insurance offered by FEMA requires each county to vote to determine if that county will accept federal assistance and the ever present federal requirements.  Once a community enters the insurance program, property owners can take... 12/06/2008

A Christmas present of sorts will begin this week on Table Rock Lake.  I'm not sure if this present will be more for the fish or the fishermen - probably a bit of both. December 8 to December 19th, Hill and Hill Dock and Barge Service of Shell Knob, will be loading barges for the Missouri Dept of Conservation with tree tops and stumps.  These materials will be dropped to create  or improve fish habitat around the lake.  Sounds like a very "Green" thing to do.  This is a gift that just keeps on giving for fish and sportsmen alike. This is part of a MDC five year plan to update current and create new fish habitat throughout the lake.  Tha barges will be loaded from both Viola Boat Dock and Campbell Point.  The habitat can be located by going to the Missouri Conservation Department's web ... 12/06/2008

  Toward the end of our church service yesterday, our pastor asked a young man sitting in the rear to come up front.  He was introduced to the congregation as a returning soldier who deserved our thanks for serving two rotations in Iraq. Church members eagerly came up to hug and thank this young man for  his service. Wars have always been fought by our youth, but it's hard to see just how young they are when we watch the evening news.  They wear armor and carry so many supplies, it hides the young men under the uniforms. This young man at church yesterday didn't look much older than a high school senior, but he  is old enough to die for us.  He put a face on all those uniforms we see them on tv. Shell Knob has a strong patriotic base of residents.  There is a Heros Wall at the Post Offi... 12/01/2008

OUR MIGHTY WINTER FRIENDS, THE EAGLES Eagles - I get a thrill every time I see one, but this week it was  WOW!!!  Out my office window, I viewed not one, but FIVE eagles.   They swooped high and low fishing in front of my home on Table Rock Lake.  They would take an occasional rest in the tree tops - and I had a front row seat from my desk!  What a treat!  Seeing that magnificent power and grace -the symbol of our country - right in front of meShell Knob is used to seeing eagles around the bridge or high lake bluffs.  They winter here and are welcome guests.There was an eagle -viewing event last week at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.  The public was invited to join a park naturalist to see a short video on eagles and then go outside and see the bald eagles return to their nest... 11/22/2008

  You've  watched the Home and Garden channel.  You know how important first impressions are for buyers.  You have cleaned, painted, and had a garage sale. Got that front door spruced up.  You are ready to sell, either here in Shell Knob, MO or wherever you may be located. What about the "P" Factor?Now it's time to call one, or maybe two,  realtors  to discuss listing the house, and getting  their input.  I'd like to suggest that you ask them to bring  copies of  prior listings.  Why?  Statistics show that 80% of todays buyers check the internet before they call a realtor.  What they  see on their net cruise, will interest them in checking into a property further,  or  pass it by.And those same pictures posted on the Agent's web page, go into the Multiple Listing.   Most MLS post new li... 11/09/2008

Table Rock Lake, Shell Knob Indian Summer   We don't have many maples in Shell Knob,  which seem to offer the best color in Fall, but some of the oaks do get a nice deep maroon shade.  Indian Summer lasted well into November this year, offering frequent days for a boat ride to enjoy the colors.   Call Joan for all your real estate needs.   417-858-2209 11/07/2008

Why get a survey? This is a question often asked by Shell Knob buyers, as they try to trim cash flow when they look at closing costs. The question is most frequently brought up when the property is in a subdivision. They know the developer had to have had it surveyed and lots laid out in the early stages of the project, so why can't we trust the plat the development had done? It is less likely a problem to the buyer if the lot or land is in an undeveloped area, such as we still have in the Shell Knob, MO area, around Table Rock Lake. It is a MUST! You can't always walk off the footage listed on the listing sheet, and be accurate. Getting that survey done on undeveloped land is a no-brainer I always recommend a buyer get a survey done, even in an existing subdivision. If the lot has sat ... 11/06/2008

Has a slower market got you stumped on what to do for your clients Christmas?  I remember hand delivering poinsettias, when I worked in the suburbs of Indianapolis.  My current market in Shell Knob, of second home and retirement buyers, makes that impractical. Last year I bought gorgous calendars that the Missouri Department of Conservation puts out.  They are unique to the area, giving really neat information on when the hummingbirds return, when to look for the first "frost flowers", etc.  They were received enthusiastically by my clients. This year I plan on doing something different - and EASY!  In today's busy world, I have found a magazine that gives me something I can use - time!  It is put out by the Taste of Home people, and it is their Simple & Delicious magazine.  It's fille... 10/21/2008

  Eagle's Point is one of Shell Knob's new gated, planned communities.  It is located about  5  miles south of town, just off H highway.        Offering some of the best lakefront views available on Table Rock Lake, the homesites all have underground utilities, (electric, water andsewer).  Boat slips are  available for each lot.                             When you pull through the distinctive front gates, you feel you are in a park.  It is an ideal spot to build a second home or retirement lake home on one of the cleanest lakes in Missouri.        CALL JOAN FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  417-846-7128   TRI-LAKES REALTORS  417-858-3344 10/20/2008

It was reported  today that gas prices had dropped nationally  to an average of $2.98,  while here in Shell Knob, MO, we are looking at $2.29/gallon.This reinforces why retirees seek out property in the Ozarks.  The cost of living is lower than in most parts of the country.  It is an affordable place to live.  Food prices are competitive and taxes are decent compared to many States.             Of course, there is also the 800 miles of shoreline around Table Rock Lake - named one of the cleanest lakes in the country - with its boating, fishing, golfing and hunting opportunities.  Shell Knob is called the "Quiet End" of the lake, meaning we have less vehicular traffic  and less boating traffic (read rough water). My family has lived here for more than 20 years, and we have yet to get bor... 10/19/2008

The Shell Knob  Beautification Committee for the Chamber of Commerce and the Dogwood Trail Garden Club held a formal dedication ceremony last month for the new Welcome Stone on  Highway 39. This was a community funded project, that both individuals and businesses supported.   CALL JOAN FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - 417-858-2209   TRI-LAKES REALTORS  417-858-3344     10/15/2008

The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation is behind a move to increase public awareness regarding littering around Shell Knob, Table Rock Lake and around the State. nomoretrash.org is the official site to find out how to put a lid on litter.  The Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) and the Department of Conservation (MDC) has joined in to get the campaign started, but private and community cooperation is needed. The campaign is focused on 16 to 24 year olds, because it has been determined that this age group does most of the dumping.  Clean-up days by volunteers has greatly assisted the program.  The MoDOT spends $5.8 million annually to clean up highway roadsides.     10/15/2008

  Shell Knob has opened its first household hazardous waste facility.  Residents of Shell Knob, Barry, Stone and surrounding counties will now have a permanent facility to dispose of household checmical waste. Barton's Lumber on Hwy 39 is the site offering a cargo container. This was made possible through a grant from the District N Solid Waste Board.  Household products such as cleaners, furniture polish, drain opener, disinfectants and floor wax will be accepted.  Other categories of chemicals such as authomotive products - antifreeze, brake fluid, batteries, degreaser, diesel fuel, kerosene, transmission fluid, old fuels are also included.   Lawn and garden products such as pesticides and fertilizers need to be handled carefully and disposed of this way. Home improvement items : oil ... 10/13/2008

SHELL KNOB FAVORITE CLIENT LISTSometimes it might be hard to come up with a favorite client.   There are so many neat people we encounter everyday here in Shell Knob, Missouri. Now reviewing  the opposite type - difficult clients - names quickly come to mind, RIGHT?One of my favorite people was a  jewel who didn't buy from me.  This might sound strange, but she was a lovely character, and I use that word with affection.  Her appearance belied her education and background, as she slowly got out of her old vehicle, puffing away on her cigarette.  She appeared to be in her 60's, dressed more like a bag lady than a buyer, and not in the best of health. She wanted to look at 15 acres near the lake, where she could continue to be self sufficient -  fishing,  gardening, raising some pigs, chic... 10/13/2008

SHELL KNOB, MO HOME SALES   "Are homes selling in Shell Knob, MO?" a potential buyer asked me last week.  As a Shell Knob, MO REALTOR, I sometimes feel like one of the politicians running for office.  I mean, how do you answer that question in these times?  Headlines roar -HOUSING CRISIS !!   TV Talking Heads seem ready to cry as they utter the latest depressing economic news in  sepulchral voices.   Sellers in the Ozarks,  however, are not fully persuaded that their home price is inflated. So are Shell Knob homes selling?  Well, yes - they are selling.  Maybe not as fast as we would like, or in the same numbers as sold two years ago.  More days on the market and with lower- end prices selling versus high-end homes getting wall flower status - with  few - if any - showings. Sales are be... 09/29/2008

"If we go the distance for a "Crapper", just think what we will do for YOU", may well be the new slogan at Tri-Lakes Realtors.   Autumn is the time for festivals and community gatherings.  Shell Knob, MO is not to be denied their place in the sun.  In the summer all eyes are on our Table Rock Lake fun, but come Fall, it's time for Shakin In The Shell. Friday night was Rock 'n Roll Night.  The Shriner's Beer Garden, a fish fry and pig roast gathered the locals and visitors.  Music was provided with a free concert by local talent Rock Pie and Fatz59.   Saturday was filled with the carnival, entertainment, contests and the Annual Classic Car Show.  Among the contests, local business people were invited to decorate the public portable restrooms, otherwise known as a "Crapper" (named for th... 09/28/2008