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

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

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

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

Passing It ON

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:49:36 -0500

Don't you feel good when finding the right house for your buyers? The pleasure of seeing the joy and excitement is almost as good as getting paid.

In the midst of the appraisal, bank and money problems, good sales still occur. Doing the walk- through of their new Shell Knob lakefront home last week, with my perfect buyers, I discovered there are still perfect sellers out there too! Earth Angels!

The sellers left the house immaculate. The appliances looked like they had never been used, and even the garage was clean!

They left a coffee maker, with coffee and a note next to it for the buyers to enjoy a coffee break while moving in.

They provided a bound book with all the receipts and contact info for work done on the house, as well as manufacturers information on products in the house - a complete history for the new owners.

The buyers had purchased some of the furniture, which included a bedroom set. The sellers spent the previous night there, but washed, folded and left the linens , plus soap at various sinks and in the laundry.

Knowing how exhausting moving can be, this thoughtful pair went above and beyond. Guess this is a good example of "passing it on" to new Shell Knob residents.

Call Joan for all your real estate needs 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

What Is "Minimum Deferred Maintenance"?

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:48 -0500

Much has been said lately about appraisers - most of it not good. Many pointed a finger at them for allowing the over-inflation of homes, which led to the current housing problems and even (some say) the recession. Be that as it may, they are human - I was married to one once - and are now trying to cope with new rules and regulations.

The next concern is if the property will appraise to the sale price. We haven't had too many problems there, as Shell Knob did not see a huge inflation in prices as Florida or California did.

My problem the past few weeks has been with getting a home sold July 6 to close, due to the appraisal taking so long to get done, and the the appraiser making unusual comments about the property.

The problem comment was:

Minimum deferred maintenance.

What does "Minimum deferred maintenance" mean?

This Shell Knob house was a builder's spec , which had sat 2 years unsold, and the builder ran out of money before he got bedroom carpeting laid. Turns out, after alot of head scratching as to what the "Minimum deferred maintenance meant", it was the lack of carpet that was the culprit. However, even tho the house appraised higher than the sales price, and the buyer had gold-plated credit, the underwriter held this up, due to the appraiser's comments!

Had to get an Early Occupancy Agreement for the buyer to install the carpet this week end. Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we might actually get some signatures at the closing table next week.

Call Joan For All Your Real Estate Needs - 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

Shell Knob Walk-Arounds

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:24:21 -0500

Walk Arounds Scheduled

So what comes to mind when you hear the term "Walk Arounds"?

Maybe it's like a home buyer doing a "Drive By" of a house that's for sale, but they get out of the car and walk around the property?

Not Exactly.

Shell Knob residents in Barry County (Shell Knob's area includes parts of Stone County) will soon be receiving visits from two teams hired by June Smith, Barry County Assessor. These teams have begun a State Mandated "walk-around" assessment of each property in Shell Knob .... as will Cassville and property owners all over Barry County, Missouri.

The teams are required to confirm measurements of structures and will be taking new photos of the front and back of improvements on the property. Thus the term "Walk Arounds" not "Walk Abouts" which they do for leisure in Australia? The teams will wear ID as will their vehicles be easily identified, so residents need not be alarmed.

Call Joan for all your real estate needs. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Cassville Authorizes Building Code

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:30:23 -0500

Cassville Mayor Tracy Holle has signed the International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code the Aldermen of the City of Cassville adopted in June. This is a big step forward for the city. As with any change, it has been met with opposition and will undoubtedly run into problems as citizens find their toes may get stepped on.

A large 663 page document, both have been accepted in entirety. In additionto the City Ordinance, a plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire prevention code were also added.

Jim Bushart has been contracted to act as the Code Enforcement Officer. He will not only have the enforcing authority, but will as necessary in the interest of public health - safety, etc - adopt rules, interpret provisions of the code.

It will be interesting to see the ups and downs of this code, which is not new to most of the USA. Buyers I have worked with are always shocked to find we have not had or enforced Building Codes.

Call Joan for all your real estate needs. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

Stone County Confusion on Septic Certificates

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:00:08 -0500

TO BE OR NOT TO BE.... THAT IS THE QUESTION

In July, a notice came from the Stone County Health Department that effective August 1st, a certificate would be required that the septic system of any property sold was in good working order.

As a REALTOR selling alot of Stone County and Shell Knob homes and land, it seemed like one more hoop to jump thru, and expense for the seller. Only $25.00 for a clean bill of health, but much bigger dollars to dig up and possibly replace a septic or laterals.

Living on Table Rock Lake, I want to retain the clean water we have, and I understand that there are still some of the 'old' septic systems out there which consisted of an old drum barrel with some holes punched in it for drainage. It was buried at the end of the drain running out from the house. This served the early vacationers and lake cottages, who only used the facilities occasionally. These have to be found and replaced.

Preparing for a mid-August closing of a 2 year old, but still new spec house in Shell Knob, I contacted the person in charge of this new program. Should have known this was not a well thought out program, when 3 phone calls did not establish the location of the home I sold, or the well and septic permit paid for by the builder.

Guess I wasn't the only one who ran into problems trying to follow the new rules. Just received the following email:

The Stone County Health Department Administrator, Angela Ford and Stone County Health Department Environmental Section Manager, Todd Fickbohm, met with the Stone County Commissioners today. Discussion was held and the following was done:

The Stone County Commissioner voted today to indefinitely suspend Section 5.11, Property Transfer Certificates of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Ordinance as of this date. This Section has been removed to be reviewed by REALTORS, Lending Institutions, Appraisal Companies, Title Companies, Wastewater Inspectors and others to be re-instated in the near future.

Stone County & Shell Knob Agree

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:10:49 -0500

Plan Commission Stays

It was a close vote, but Stone County Shell Knob residents who wanted to retain the Planning Commisson prevailed.

The vote was 51% yes and 49% no. Only 300 votes separated the yea's and nay's.

The prospect of no zoning and unrestricted construction in the county, stirred emotions on both sides of the question. The Tri-Lakes Real Estate Board was campaigning for members to vote and 'Get Out The Vote' to keep the commission.

There were almost as many dissident voices raised in community meetins and Letters To The Editor, but the Planning Commission will continue to reign on zoning or rezoning requests.

Call Joan for information on Shell Knob Table Rock Lake properties. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

Shell Knob Voters Urged To Assist

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:15:26 -0500

TO PLAN OR NOT TO PLAN IN STONE COUNTY, MO

On August 4th, Shell Knob and other Stone County residents will vote to re-establish planning and zoning - or maybe not - and a no restrictions county can go thru free fall.

The previous commission was removed several months ago by the courts, as a result of a lawsuit. The proposed new and stronger restrictions and plans have aroused the ire of many residents. There have been some interesting discussions as the proposed plans have been presented to area residents at local meetings.

This is a single item vote. Nothing else is on the ballet in Stone County. Next Tuesday will be an interesting tally

CALL JOAN WITH ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS 417-846-7128

TRI-LAKES REALTORS 417-858-3344

Fantastic Lake View

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:12:34 -0500

What everybody wants in a lake house - great view! This 3 bedroom tri-level provides one of the best views of Table Rock Lake you can find. It is priced well below what might be expected for a lake front property at $238,500.

Call Joan for additional information on this or other Table Rock Lake Properties. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes Realtors 417-858-3344

Six Month Sales Down for Shell Knob, MO Area

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:53:55 -0500

June closed residential sales for Shell Knob, Eagle Rock and Golden, MO saw a 45% drop, when compared to June 2008.

There were only 5 closed homes in June, with an average sale price of $127,900. The high sales price was $230,000. Average days on market were 130.

The first half of 2009 tells the story. Sales are down 45% this year. 2008 had 44 properties sold versus the 24 sold and closed this year. The high sale of the year was $275,000. This continues to leave the higher- end and luxury homes languishing. Homes over $300,000 are just sitting month after month with few showings, if any.

This portion of the Ozarks is largely retirees or pre-retirees wanting to enjoy the lake now, with the goal of having their retirement here in the future. We get few, if any, first time home buyers - or Virgin Buyers - as H&G tv likes to call them. We have very few Repo's, so the so called 'Stimulus' money does not help us.

Our MLS Board sales showed a total of 107 properties closed in June, with a list to sell percent of 91.9. Average sales price was $150,894.

Call Joan for all your real estate needs. 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344

New Septic Rules For Shell Knob in Stone County

Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:50:15 -0500

Home Sales Will Be Affected

Any home sale closing after August 1st in Stone County, Missouri, will require proper documentation for a permit or septic inspection to receive a Certificate of Transfer. Will this result in higher closing costs? Probably.

The Realtor or seller would need to contact the Stone County Health Department to verify if there is a permit application on file for the property that is being sold.

If a permit is on file and the system is over 10-years old, an inspection will be required. The Health Department has a list of state approved inspectors the home owner can contact.

If a permit is not on file, then the system must also be inspected and an inspector contacted.

If a problem is found the septic will need to be repaired to conform to current standards. The buyer and seller will need to work out repair details to their satisfaction. The transfer fee will be waived if the system needs repair.

There is a $25 fee to file the inspection report and obtain a Certificate of Transfer.

Call Joan for information on Shell Knob or Table Rock Lake properties 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-2209