New Year's Resolutions For Your Home

Being a homeowner comes with a great deal of responsibility. Only you are responsible for keeping your home in good condition, and the state of your home will directly reflect the level of care you put into it. With 2016 just around the corner, The Property Shop at the Lake is here to help you brainstorm new ways to keep your home in pristine condition in the coming year. Whether you're readying your home for the real estate market at the Lake of the Ozarks or simply want to make it a more enjoyable place to live, here are a few New Year's Resolution ideas you are sure to love.

1. Seal Your Ducts

According to House Logic, sealing your ducts can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20%. Just because your air ducts are tucked safely within your walls does not mean they're energy-efficient; sealing small holes/leaks and insulating with fiberglass insulation may make a big difference. If you don't feel like tackling this project yourself, you can always hire a professional heating and cooling contractor to help you.

2. Install A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to "program" specific temperatures for different times of day, which in turn allows you to save energy by cutting high energy usage where it isn't necessary. For example, consider turning your thermostat down at night while you're asleep or during the day when your family is at work/school. By programming your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature, you don't have to worry about remembering to do it yourself.

3. Upgrade To LED Light Bulbs

The fact that LED light bulbs are much more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs is common knowledge at this point, but that doesn't change the fact that most homes still rely heavily on incandescent lighting. This year, make a dent in your energy bill by upgrading all of your interior lighting to LED bulbs.

4. Cut Costs Wherever Possible

Just because you've always done something one way doesn't mean it's the most effective (or most affordable) way to continue doing it. Now is a great time to look critically at your home and your expenses to find ways to cut unnecessary spending. Can you find a home insurance provider that will offer a better rate? Is your mortgage rate higher than 5% and should possibly be refinanced? Don't be afraid to ask your providers these tough questions.

5. Get Organized

Clutter has a tendency to accumulate, but you can take back control this year by picking one room per month to organize. Spacing out your efforts this way will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with the task of organizing your entire home at once, but the end result will be just as effective.

6. Make Necessary Repairs As They Arise

Things break, leaks happen, and repairs are a normal part of life for homeowners - and procrastinating on these repairs is just as common. Unfortunately, putting off certain repairs an actually cause them to worsen, resulting in a more costly repair. Making it a point to tackle repairs as they arise can keep your home in better condition and keep the cost of repairs down.

7. Get Your Whole Family Involved

Family time is incredibly valuable. Don't fool yourself into thinking that home improvement projects need to come at the expense of spending time with the people you care about the most! Double your efforts (and your fun) by inviting your kids to help with your home improvement tasks. Your kids will learn valuable lessons about caring for the home, and you will make special memories together at the same time.

Happy New Year from The Property Shop!

From all of us at the best real estate agency at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you and your family have a truly wonderful new year! If you are thinking about buying a new house at the Lake of the Ozarks in this coming year, we hope you'll remember The Property Shop. Happy New Year!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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5 Simple Tools To Make Your Home STAND OUT

When you're selling your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you're competing against hundreds of other homeowners. Repainting your rooms, upgrading your appliances, and fixing any obvious repairs are important tasks, but if you want your home to sell quickly, it's important to pay attention to the little details. The Property Shop at the Lake is here to help you succeed with these simple reminders.

Details Matter

When it's time to sell your home, paying close attention to every little detail is crucial. Your goal should be to create a welcoming environment that every buyer is drawn to and feels at home in. Pay close attention to the current season and strive to make your home staging efforts reflect the time of year. If you're trying to sell your home now, for example, display extra blankets, warm colors, and anything else you think will make your buyers feel comfortable and cozy. If you plan to try to sell you home in the summer, on the other hand, your decor strategies should be cool, breezy, and summery.

5 Year-Round Staging Tools

No matter what time of year you plan to sell your house in Osage Beach, there are a few timeless strategies you can use to make your home stand out above the rest. Here are a few tricks to keep up your sleeve.

1.  Window Treatments
Nothing dresses up a room quite like window treatments. Whether you opt for blinds, curtains, or a combination of the two, dressing up your window can be a great way to give your home a little extra appeal. If you have outdated and/or flimsy blinds, consider upgrading to nicer treatments. 

2.  Lighting
When it comes to selling your home, using the proper lighting is so important that we recently dedicated a whole blog to it (if you missed it, you can view it here). As a quick summary, it's important to use as much lighting as possible. Turn on all the overhead lights and lamps, and open all the blinds to let natural light in before every showing.

3.  Fresh Flowers
Flowers are a wonderful way to add a little life to your home, no matter what time of year it is. To bring your home staging techniques to the next level, we recommend placing fresh flowers in every room. You can vary your floral displays depending on the season, such as using dark red and/or white flowers during the winter and gentle pastels in the springtime.

4.  Pleasant Smells
The sense of smell is more closely linked to memory and emotions than almost any other sense. If your home has an unpleasant smell, selling it will most likely be a challenge. If your home has a pleasant smell, on the other hand, buyers will be subconsciously drawn to it. Bake cookies, burn a few candles, or turn on the Scentsy before a home showing.

5.  Towels, Pillows, and Blankets
Buyers are looking for environments that make them feel comfortable, cozy, and relaxed. Increase your home's appeal by tossing an extra throw over the back of the couch, adding a few accent pillows to your oversized armchair, and displaying plush, clean towels in the bathroom. 

Best Seller's Agents at the Lake!

If you're thinking about selling at the Lake, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced real estate agents in Lake Ozark, MO! We have a great deal of experience representing buyers all across the Lake Area, and we would be honored to help you sell your home for the best possible price. For more information about our services for home sellers at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website: www.propertyshopatthelake.com/sellers

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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The Truth About Selling Your Home

We're not going to sugarcoat it - selling your house at the Lake of the Ozarks can be a lot of work. You have to evaluate your home with a critical eye and repair any issues that could pose as drawbacks to potential buyers, and you have to be ready to vacate your home at a moment's notice for showings. That being said, there are a lot of ways your Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent can help take some of the weight off of your shoulders. Keep reading to learn more about getting your home ready to sell.

Truth #1:
Not Making A Repair Is More Expensive Than Making It
If you're thinking about selling your home, money is probably a big concern - especially if you are simultaneously searching for a new home to purchase. You may be tempted to save a few dollars by opting to leave the worn-out carpeting or the leaky faucet as is, but the truth is that not making these repairs will probably cost more than making them. If your home is in prime condition, you will be more likely to secure a higher sale price.

Truth #2:
If Your Home Is Dirty, It Will Sell For Less
Making the necessary repairs in your home is important, but keeping it clean and uncluttered is critical. Deep-cleaning every square inch of your home is your best bet, but keeping on top of even the simplest tasks (sweeping the floors, wiping down the sinks and countertops, etc) can mean the difference between a high and a low offer. You never know when buyers will want to schedule showings, so you should strive to keep your home pristine at all times.

Truth #3:
You Have To Price Your Home Correctly
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their home higher than necessary because they are not in a major hurry to sell - they can drop the price at a later date if necessary. However, the truth is that homes typically get the most traffic during their first thirty days on the market. If your home is priced too high in the beginning, you may not be able to get in front of the serious buyers who scratch it off their list simply because it is out of their price range.

Truth #4:
Scents Matter
Some people have more finely tuned senses of smell than others, but the fact remains that if you want your home to smell quickly, it has to smell good. Depending on their source, unpleasant odors can be hard to get out - and buyers may surrender the battle before it even begins by searching for a different home entirely. Before every home showing or open house, bake cookies or burn candles with seasonal scents so that your entire home smells nice.

Truth #5:
Timeliness Is Critical
If you receive an offer on your home, we strongly recommend that you respond as quickly as possible. Buyers will typically give you 24-48 hours to respond to their offer; if you miss this deadline, their offer will be voided. If buyers have questions or need information, it's important that you be readily available to answer them. If your responses are continually delayed, buyers may become frustrated and begin looking for other options.

The Property Shop Agents Can Help You Sell Your Home!

If you are thinking about selling your condo at the Lake of the Ozarks or your home, we hope you will reach out to one of our experienced real estate agents in Lake Ozark, MO. We would be happy to help you sell your home in Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Sunrise Beach, or any of the surrounding towns, and we promise to do everything we can to simplify the process for you. For more information, give us a call or check out our website: PropertyShopAtTheLake.com

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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Home Staging - It's All About The Lighting!

When most people talk about home staging, they talk about deep cleaning and arranging the furniture so that it highlights your home's best features. While these efforts are certainly critical, they aren't the only secrets to staging your home. If you want to sell your house at the Lake of the Ozarks quickly, you must also ensure that your home has the proper lighting. Here are a few tips to help you stage your home in the best possible light.

More Is More!

The famous adage "less is more" may be applicable in many situations, but not when it comes to lighting your home to stage it. When you're trying to sell your home, it should be lit as brightly as possible. Open all the curtains/blinds to let natural light in, and turn on all the ceiling lights and lamps in your home. The brighter each room is, the better.

As you prepare your home for the market, carefully evaluate each area to determine whether or not it is properly lit for its specific purpose. Here are a few pointers to simplify the process, courtesy of your friends at The Property Shop at the Lake!

General Lighting
First and foremost, turn on the lights in all the rooms to make sure the general lighting is warm and welcoming. The lighting should be adequate for day-to-day use, such as playing games, reading books, and entertaining guests. If your rooms are dim, consider adding a few floor lamps or installing higher-wattage bulbs to brighten the space.

Task-Oriented Lighting
There's nothing more frustrating than not be able to see well enough to complete the task at hand. Your prospective buyers will be imagining carrying out their daily lives in your home, and if a lack of lighting will make certain tasks more challenging, they're going to notice. This is especially true in the kitchen. If you don't have a special overhead light above the sink or the stove, for example, you may wish to install one before putting your home on the market.

Accent Lighting
When used correctly, lighting can be a powerful way to play up your home's special features. Installing lighting across the top of your kitchen cabinets can make your ceilings seem higher, for example, and lighting certain home decor pieces can give your home an air of elegance and refinement.

Ambient Lighting
Irresistible ambiance is an incredible incentive. If buyers fall in love with the "feel" of your home, you can almost guarantee that they will place an offer. Ambient lighting can go a long way towards creating a magnetic appeal that can entice your buyers. Floor lamps, table lamps, salt lamps, and other decorative lighting accents are powerful tools that should not be overlooked.

Looking For Help Selling Your Home?
We can all use a little help from our friends every now and then. If you are looking for professional representation when selling your Lake of the Ozarks home, we hope you'll remember The Property Shop! Our real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks have the skills and the expertise you need to sell your home quickly - and for a great price. Visit our website or give us a call at 573-693-1100 to learn more!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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What Is A Short Sale?

If you're looking for a new house at the Lake of the Ozarks, you're probably looking for a great deal. After all, every homebuyer wants to secure a good house at an even better price. However, The Property Shop at the Lake wants you to be aware that if you have found a home that seems to good to be true... it very well could be.

Short Sale Properties

In a short sale, homes are sold for less than the amount that the original homeowners currently owe on their outstanding mortgage, which means that the lender will not be paid back all that is owed to them. Most lenders are (understandably) hesitant to agree to short sales, but they can be attractive options for buyers because the sale prices are typically much lower than that of other properties. However, buying a short sale property can come with its fair share of risks and potential pitfalls. This week, our team of experienced real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help make you aware of some of these potential dangers.

Things To Know About Buying A Short Sale Property

The Deal May Not Go Through.

Short sale properties are infamous for taking a long, long time for the negotiations to be completed - and sometimes for falling through altogether. With so many different factors demanding attention and so many lengthy negotiations taking place, short sales often take a long time from start to finish. If you are anxious to move into your new home in Osage Beach MO, buying a short sale property may not right for you.

The Property May Not Be In Great Condition.

Short sale properties are, essentially, one step up from foreclosure properties. While the current homeowners have not gone all the way into foreclosure, they must be in a dire financial situation in order for their lender to agree to a short sale. As a result, they probably do not have the funds required to keep their home in good condition. As the new owner of such a property, you may be required to pay for expensive repairs or renovations after moving in.

The Home Inspection Will Be Even More Important

Because the home may not be in great condition, the home inspection will be an even more critical part of the transaction process. We encourage you to book your inspection for a time when you will be able to attend. Your inspector should be able to explain all of the important details and point out any potential problem areas that will need careful attention in the future. It's important to go into the transaction with your eyes open!

You Will Need The Help Of An Experienced Agent

With so many important factors and details to consider when buying a short sale home, navigating the process by yourself may be a dangerous proposition. If you are considering a short sale property, we strongly encourage you to talk to one of our Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents. Our team members can help you carefully navigate the process from start to finish. Give us a call at (573) 693-1100 or visit our website to learn more about how our team can help you with your negotiations!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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4 Kitchen Safety Tips For Thanksgiving

It's almost Thanksgiving, which means your kitchen will probably get a bigger workout today and tomorrow than it's gotten in the last several weeks combined! By the time you're finished preparing the turkey, stuffing, casserole, and pies, you will be more than ready to sit down and enjoy the feast you have prepared.

While you're thinking about what to prepare for this Thanksgiving, it's important to also spend some time thinking about how you're going to be safe in the kitchen. According to the NFPA, more kitchen fires happen on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. Our real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help you and your family stay safe this Thanksgiving with these kitchen safety tips.

Tip #1 - Stay In The Kitchen
Unattended cooking is often recognized as the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you have food on the stove top, it's very important that you stay in the kitchen. If you have a turkey in the oven, stay in your home and check on the turkey frequently to make sure everything is as it should be. By keeping a close eye on things, you will be able to react quickly if something should happen.

Tip #2 - Keep The Kitchen Floor Clear
Tripping over pets, young children, bags, and toys can be hazardous even on the safest of days - but tripping over them while you're carrying knives or hot pans can be downright dangerous. Keep everyone safe by making sure the kitchen floor is clear from potential tripping hazards. When you're carrying knives or hot plates, be sure to move slowly and carefully - you never know when a small child or pet may cross your path!

Tip #3 - Don't Leave Children Unattended
Keeping young children out of the kitchen entirely may be the safest option, but many kids like to help out with the Thanksgiving preparations as much as they can. Hot pans and liquids can cause serious burns, though, and children can get underfoot easily. If you are going to have children in the kitchen while you're cooking, make sure you designate a responsible adult or teenager to keep an eye on the kids and make sure they aren't putting themselves or others in danger.

Tip #4 - Keep Knives And Electrical Cords Away From The Counter's Edge
It's no secret that children like to get their hands on things. If you have knives or electrical cords near the edge of the counter, they may pique the interest of a passing child. For everyone's safety, it is best to keep dangerous objects at the back of the counter, out of reach. This will also make them less likely to be accidentally knocked onto the floor.

Happy Thanksgiving!
From The Property Shop At The Lake's family to yours, we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! If you are interested in touring some of the homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks while you're here visiting family, let us know! Our team of Lake of the Ozarks REALTORS® would be honored to show you around.

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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YOU'RE INVITED! Open House On Blackfoot Road

Consider this your formal invitation! If you are looking for properties for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks or are in the very beginning phases of your home search, don't miss your chance to experience first-hand all that this beautiful home for sale in Four Seasons, MO has to offer. Annie Glascock Faulstich, one of our top real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks, is hosting an open house this weekend - and she wants YOU to join her!

Open House ~ Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 21st
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: 147 Blackfoot Road, Four Seasons

The property will be open to the public for several hours, so stop by any time for your personal tour! We're sure that you will love everything this home has to offer. 

147 Blackfoot Road ~ Property Details

If you're dreaming of tranquil living with access to all of Four Seasons' outstanding amenities, you need not look any further than this beautiful home. With its private backyard and prime location on a quiet cul de sac street, this property perfectly balances quiet seclusion and easy access to some of the best shopping, dining, and other attractions that the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. 

Perfect For Anyone

• 3 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Bathrooms
• 1,900 Square Feet
• 2 Car Garage

This home's main level living layout and bonus den or office space easily lend themselves to anyone and everyone, from the young family just starting out to the retired couple looking for a place to settle down.

Access To All Of Four Seasons' Amenities

Four Seasons is renowned as one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Lake Area. Homeowners in Four Seasons enjoy private access to several wonderful amenities, including:

• Swimming Pools
• Hiking / Biking Trails
• Tennis Courts
• Skate Park
• Playgrounds
• Dog Park
• Fitness Center
• Camping Ground
• Boat Launch
• Boat Trailer Parking
• Superior Road Maintenance

Affordable Lake Living!

This Lake of the Ozarks home for sale has a lot to offer, but its asking price is arguably one its top selling features. Competitively priced at only $189,900, this incredible home offers outstanding lake living at an unbeatable price.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! We sincerely hope you will be able to attend the open house this weekend, but if you are unable to make it, you can contact Annie to schedule your private showing of this beautiful home. Annie's contact info is: 

573-216-4350

annie@annieglascock.com

Keep The Property Shop In Mind For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Whether you're buying or selling your house at the Lake of the Ozarks, please keep us in mind! Our experienced real estate team would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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Attics - Not JUST For Storage!

Searching for a home decor idea that will wow all your friends, family, and other guests? If you're looking for home decor inspiration, look up! The Property Shop at the Lake is here to open your eyes to one of the most powerful (but often underused) home design opportunities you'll ever have -- your attic.

Your Attic Could Have A Lot Of Potential

While redecorating the attic isn't feasible for every homeowner, there are plenty of homes at the Lake of the Ozarks that have empty attics simply waiting to be turned into an incredible oasis. Depending on the size and shape of your attic, it could be used for any number of different things - an extra bedroom, a movie lounge, a reading nook, or anything else you could imagine.

Here are some great ideas to help get your creative juices flowing:

1. Private Kids' Hide-A-Way
If you have kids or teenagers in the house, they will probably love the idea of having a secret getaway in their home. With a little TLC, your attic could turn into an awesome kids' zone complete with bean bag chairs, carpeting, and maybe even video games and a TV. The sky is the limit!

2. Spare Bedroom
If you're in need of extra space to sleep other guests, you may want to consider re-purposing your attic so it can serve as an extra bedroom. It doesn't have to be a big space; even a small attic bedroom can be a great asset to your home. 

3. Movie Pad
What could possibly be cooler than an attic movie lounge? If you are looking for a cool way to add interest and intrigue to your home, turning your unused attic space into a cool movie pad could be a great solution. Once you install your TV and speakers, all you need is plush carpet and a few comfy places to sit. You'll be set!

4. Cozy Library
Is your attic space limited? No worries! All you need are a few bookshelves, a comfy chair, and books to create a cozy library space that you'll never want to leave. Everyone will love it!

Your Repurposed Attic Will Have Multiple Benefits

In addition to creating a bonus room that will make all your friends and family jealous, remodeling your attic can have a great impact on your home's resale value. When it comes time to sell your house at the Lake of the Ozarks, having a remodeled attic can be a powerful way to set your home apart. 

What other design ideas do you have? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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6 DIY Interior Home Painting Tips

Giving your walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest ways to breathe new life into your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, revamp your interior decorating strategies, and possibly even increase the value of your property. You can hire professional painters to do the work for you, or you can save a few bucks by doing it yourself. If you're thinking about doing your home painting yourself, these quick tips can help you paint like a pro.

6 Home Painting Tips

1. Tape All The Perimeters Carefully

Taping can be incredibly time-consuming, but it's worth taking the time to do it well. Use painters tape to line the edges along the ceilings, door frames, window frames, baseboards, light switches, and electrical outlets. If applied correctly, the tape will help you avoid getting the fresh paint in places it shouldn't be. Doing this extra work in the beginning will make a huge difference in the long run.

2. Prepare The Surface Before You Begin Painting

The urge to begin painting immediately can certainly be strong, but it's important to make sure all proper preparatory measures have been taken first. Wipe your walls down to rid them of any dust or cobwebs, and fill in any holes, chips, or dents. If you paint (or prime) without first making sure your walls are properly prepared, the paint may have trouble sticking to the walls.

3. Don't Skimp On The Primer

If you are covering up a bold, bright, or dark color, primer will be your best friend. Primers come in neutral colors such as white or beige and are used to "prime" the walls for your new paint. Primer is much less expensive than paint, so you may want to apply several coats of primer before the new paint. By applying more coats of primer, you may be able to get away with fewer coats of the actual paint.

4. Cover The Floor In Drop Clothes

Some of the paint won't make it from the tray or cup all the way to the wall; a lot of it will fall to the floor in little (or big) drops. Rather than stressing about getting dried paint up off the floor, be proactive and cover the floor in drop cloths. If you don't have official drop cloths to use, old sheets or towels will work just as well.

5. Invest In A Telescoping Extension Pole For Your Roller

Painting the sections of wall that are within arm's reach is one thing, but painting the sections that are out of reach is another thing entirely. Many people use stepladders, but continually climbing up and down and readjusting the stepladders' position can become very tedious. Opting for a telescoping extension pole for your paint roller can make your job much easier.

6. Store Your Materials Temporarily By Covering Them In Plastic Food Wrap

If you're working on a paint job that will take you several days, you shouldn't have to clean everything up and wash out all of your brushes every single day. Instead, wrap your brushes and other tools tightly in plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Once sealed, place the brushes in the fridge overnight. Pull them out of the fridge about thirty minutes before you plan to begin painting the next day, and they'll be ready to go!

Looking For A New House At The Lake? We Can Help!

If you're looking to buy a new house at the Lake of the Ozarks, let the team at The Property Shop At The Lake know! Our team of talented Lake of the Ozarks REALTORS® has the expertise and the skills you need to find a beautiful home for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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8 Cool Weather Energy Savings Tips

With the chilly temperatures and the leaves swirling around the roads, it's impossible to ignore that autumn is upon us. Many of us have already turned on our heaters and lit fires in our fireplaces, excited for the comfort, coziness, and warmth that this new season brings.

What happens, though, when the dropping exterior temperatures cause your energy bill to rise? If you're like those of us at The Property Shop At The Lake, you're not a big fan of steep energy bills. Fortunately, you may be able to avoid high energy costs this fall with these simple but effective energy saving techniques!

1. Check The Insulation In Your Attic
Your attic is probably responsible for at least 15% of your home's total heat loss. Heat rises, so ensuring that you have proper insulation in your ceiling and attic is crucial if you want to keep your heating costs down!

2. Seal Around Windows And Doors
Cracks around windows and doors are other prime spots for heat loss. One way to test for cracks is to hold a candle in front of the window/door; if the flame flickers, it's a good sign that there are cracks that need to be sealed up.

3. Use Space Heaters
You'll still have to burn electricity to run your space heaters, but these small, portable heaters use significantly less energy than your overall heating system. The space heaters allow you to focus the heat on the rooms you're in, rather than heating your entire house.

4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
During the summer months, you probably had your ceiling fans set to pull warm air upwards. Now that fall is here, you should reverse your fans so that they push the warm air back down to where you are. Make sure your fans are rotating in a clockwise direction until summer returns.

5. Turn Down Your Hot Water Heater
There's no point in paying to heat water hotter than you need! Most experts recommend setting your hot water heater to 120°. If it's hotter than this, you risk scalding yourself. Lowering the temperature protects both you and your electric bill.

6. Replace Your Air Filter Every 2-3 Months
Your HVAC system works by recycling the air in your home to warm it back up (or cool it down, as the case may be). As it does this, all of the air must pass through the filter. If the filter is clogged or dirty, your system has to work harder to pass the air through it - thus increasing your electric bill. Don't make your heater work harder than it needs to!

7. Lower The Thermostat When You Sleep Or Leave Town
Why should you spend lots of money on heat when you're not there to enjoy it? If you go out of town, we recommend dropping your thermostat to around 55-58°. When you sleep, consider setting it between 60-65°. It will make a big difference.

8. Open Curtains During The Day And Close Them At Night
Take advantage of the sunlight by opening all your curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun naturally heat your home. When night falls, close them to add an extra layer of insulation over your windows.

What Did We Miss?
If you have another tried-and-true energy saving tip, leave us a comment and let us know! We always love hearing new ideas.

Contact The Property Shop For All Your Real Estate Needs!

If you're in the market to sell or buy a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact our team of experienced Missouri real estate agents. We would be honored to help you in any way we can! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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Cave Tours at the Lake of the Ozarks

Another summer may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean that the Lake of the Ozarks isn't still a great destination for families and friends of all ages! There's always something to do at the best recreational lake in the country. Touring the local caves is always a great family-friendly activity, no matter what the weather is like. Here is a quick look at some of the caves located near the Lake Area, courtesy of your friends at The Property Shop At The Lake.

Photo Credit: Facebook.com/Bridal.Cave.3

Bridal Cave

Perhaps one of the most famous caves in the area, Bridal Cave owes its names to the hundreds of weddings held in its caverns every single year. This cave holds steady at a comfortable 60° year-round, which makes it a perfect destination any time of year. With guided tours that leave every few minutes, you and your family are sure to have a great time at Bridal Cave.

573-346-2676

www.bridalcave.com

Photo Source: MO State Parks

Ozark Caverns

For those seeking a less commercialized caving experience, Ozark Caverns is a great destination. Visitors are given lanterns to carry throughout the tour; there is no built-in lighting in the cave. Ozark Caverns is also home to Angel Showers, a uniquely spectacular underground formation. Everyone in your group will surely be in awe!

573-346-2500

www.mostateparks.com/page/54199/cave-tours

Photo Source: JacobsCave.com

Jacob's Cave

The largest cave in the Lake Area, Jacob's Cave features a completely handicap-accessible tour that measures about a mile long (round trip). This cave features an incredible variety of different cave formations, including one of the world's largest geodes and evidence of six different ice ages and three earthquakes. You have to see it to believe it!

573-378-4374

www.jacobscave.com

Photo Source: FantasyWorldCaverns.com

Fantasy World Caverns

Fantasy World Caverns has a long and rich history. Before being opened to the public for tours, the cave was used for shelter by animals and Native Americans, as a place to store goods and produce moonshine by settlers, and even a ballroom/speakeasy during prohibition. Your whole family will be able to feel the history as soon as you step inside the cave. There's nothing quite like it!

573-369-3306

www.fantasyworldcaverns.com

Relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks? Contact The Property Shop!

There's absolutely no doubt about it - the Lake is a GREAT place to live all year-round! If you would like to look at some of the waterfront homes or condos for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact one of our Lake of the Ozarks REALTORS®. We would be thrilled to help you find your new dream home!

The Property Shop at the Lake

2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 693-1100

(573) 480-7760

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