Tuesday, December 29, 2020

January Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

 

New Year’s Market Uncertainty

 

     Market activity over the previous seven days ending December 29th had thirty-five new listings to the market plus nine properties had sales contracts cancelled and are now back on the market. A total of fifty-six properties were placed under contract.   While nine may not seem a large amount, it is considerable when you realize that it equals one-fourth the number of new listings.   The most common reasons for failure are due to items discovered during inspections, property not appraising, buyer unable to obtain financing and, lately, buyer getting cold feet.  I have been involved in more transactions this year where the buyer backs up and chooses not to complete a sale than I have any other year over the last thirty-nine years.  I have spoken to numerous fellow agents experiencing the same circumstances.

     I expect this situation to continue into 2021 for the first six months at a minimum.  As we are all aware, there is a great deal of uncertainty in almost every aspect of life right now. Buyers are also facing much higher prices than just one year ago and are having to make cuts to their criteria list.   Competition is fierce and when a new listing hits the market, buyers must move rapidly and be prepared to make quick decisions to have a shot at an accepted contract.  These factors can make for nervous buyers and sometimes result in cold feet.  There is an abundance of demand for lake property coupled with historically low inventory.  The upside of this is that it allows sellers to move quickly to the next buyer. 

     Year to date sales comparisons as of December 29th , 2020 show the number of  lakefront home sales up forty percent compared to 2019 and the average sales price up twenty-two percent.  Off-water home sales increased seventeen percent both by amount and price.  Condo units sold increased thirty-three percent and the average sales price of resale units rose seventeen percent.  The number of Lakefront lot sales increased by one hundred and forty-seven percent and the average sales price was up by twenty-four percent.  Total Off-water lot sales increased thirty-three percent with an increase of nineteen percent in the average sales price.  

       All sales data obtained from the Lake of the Ozarks Board of Realtors’ Multiple Listing System for the years 2019 and 2020.

     C. Michael Elliott and Associates is a boutique, privately owned office with a great group of knowledgeable, topnotch agents and staff that will work in your best interest and are enjoyable to work with.   We are happy to explain our services in detail and you can decide if we are a good fit for you.

     C. Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway. 

 

 

 

Monday, November 30, 2020

December Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

 A Year Like No Other at a Lake Like No Other

 

     2020 has been a year of blessings.  That may not be most people’s first thought as they reflect on this past year.  It has also been a year of fear, loss, upheaval, and unforeseen events.  I feel we have been particularly blessed at Lake of the Ozarks.

     As an unknown virus made its appearance during the first quarter of this year and traveled across the country; businesses, schools and events were closed or cancelled.  At a time when most Lake area businesses were gearing up for the 2020 season, suddenly everything and everyone was in limbo. 

    As people began to realize that schools were not going to resume session and employers set up work from home situations, the nation collectively looked to areas where they could spread out, be safe and still possibly enjoy life while we waited to see what came next.

     Those fortunate enough to own a home at the lake headed this way.  Spring boating at the lake was at an all-time high with plenty of space to socially distance in the fresh air.  Businesses cautiously opened.   Memorial Weekend gave us widespread news coverage (all press is good press?) as the world learned about our piece of heaven here in the Ozarks and vacation rentals began to rapidly fill up.  Property sales began to skyrocket with sales increasing over 100 percent during the summer months.

    I know there have been terrible hardships suffered across the country.  Loss of lives and loss of income has devastated many areas and many people.  I feel we have been truly fortunate here at the lake to have an environment that allowed us to continue working and gave us an outlet to enjoy life and time with our immediate families.  There is a spirit of comradery among “Lake People”; a willingness to help one another and a common bond in our love of Lake Life.

     As 2020 winds down and a vaccine seems close to being distributed for medical personnel and first responders, I pray that it is successful.   I am thankful for so many things.  I appreciate my clients who allow me to provide for my family.  I am thankful for my work family of staff and agents who support me.  I enjoy the Lake’s extended Realtor family, all of whom also help me to be successful and to enjoy this business.  I am grateful to live in such a beautiful and prosperous area as Lake of the Ozarks. 

     Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  I hope you all find peace and joy this season. 

      C. Michael Elliott and Associates is a boutique, privately owned office with a great group of knowledgeable, topnotch agents and staff that will work in your best interest and are enjoyable to work with.   Please give us a call if you are considering buying or selling, we’ll explain our services in detail and you can decide if we are a good fit for you.  Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.   You can contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway. 

 

 


Tuesday, October 27, 2020

November Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

 

Continuing the Upward Trend 

     Lake area sales continue the rapid pace we have been seeing since Spring of this year.   Contracts written keep exceeding new listings coming on the market.  As I write this near the end of October, the previous seven day’s activity remains strong.  A total of 73 new listings became available via the Lake’s Multiple Listing System, 118 properties have had contracts accepted and 125 property transactions closed.

     I am currently working with developers who are planning a new lakefront condo project in one of the Lake’s most desirable locations.  Over the next couple of months, I will be able to share more information on size, pricing, finishes and options.  It’s an exciting time as we see more people become aware of all that the lake has to offer.

     All property types and all price ranges have benefited from the surge of activity created by the pandemic. At the start of the year, luxury home sales had lagged behind the recovery enjoyed by more moderately priced homes but have now regained traction and are generating more interest than I have ever experienced in that price point.  I recently listed a lakefront home at just under $1.2 million and had eight showing appointments scheduled within two hours.  The home was sold within 24 hours.

     Here’s a snapshot of sales across all property types.  Year to date in 2020 vs. 2019, lakefront homes sales have increased by 38.6 percent.  Non lakefront homes sales have increased by 10.4 percent.  Condo sales have increased by 23.4 percent.  Non lakefront lots sales have increased by 18.4 percent and lakefront lots have increased a whopping 130 percent.

       All sales data obtained from the Lake of the Ozarks Board of Realtors Multiple Listing System for the years 2019 and 2020.

     C. Michael Elliott and Associates is a boutique, privately owned office with a great group of knowledgeable, topnotch agents and staff that will work in your best interest and are enjoyable to work with.   Please give us a call if you are considering buying or selling, we’ll explain our services in detail and you can decide if we are a good fit for you.

     Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway. 

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

October Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

 UPTURN MARKET DESPITE COVID


     At the start of 2020, it appeared that this year would bring a slight easing of existing property sales as new construction started to take off.  I also felt that property values would not continue to increase as quickly as last year.   Then Covid made it’s appearance and turned all real estate predictions upside down. 

     January and February residential sales had increased by 18.9 percent in 2020 versus 2019.  This included all homes and condos closed in those months.  In March, lake area sales slowed down.  We watched to see what the various restrictions and shutdowns across the country would bring.  Businesses pivoted to allow employees to work from home and schools shifted to online learning.  Thousands who had access to a lake home packed up and moved temporarily, many permanently, to Lake of the Ozarks.

     By the end of May, lake area real estate sales had fallen in comparison to last year.  The number of lakefront home closings had decreased by 2.5 percent.  The sale of homes not directly on the water decreased 4.5 percent compared to 2019 and condo sales were down 13 percent. 

     Beginning in June, closing numbers roared and property values accelerated rapidly.  It was unusual for any properly priced property NOT to receive multiple offers.  The months of June through September had record increases in residential sales.  During those four months, lakefront homes sold increased by 78 percent compared to 2019.  Non lakefront home sales increased 21.4 percent and condo sales increased 57 percent.

     Current YTD sales as of the end of September show that 2020 lakefront home sales increased by 41.2 percent compared to 2019.   Non lakefront home sales increased 8.7 percent YTD and condo sales increased 22.8 percent.

     Weekly sales stats for the last week of September indicate that sales remain strong into the Fall market.  A review of the data for all homes and condos show that 68 new residential listings hit the market and 100 residential listings were marked as under contract.  There also have been a total of 103 residential sales closed in the last seven days.  All sales data obtained from the Lake of the Ozarks Board of Realtors Multiple Listing System for the years 2019 and 2020.

     C. Michael Elliott and Associates is a boutique, privately owned office with a great group of knowledgeable, topnotch agents and staff that will work in your best interest and are enjoyable to work with.   Please give us a call if you are considering buying or selling, we’ll explain our services in detail and you can decide if we are a good fit for you.

     Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway. 

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

September Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

                                Check the Dock Permit before you Buy

 

  The ability to have a dock permit greatly affects property value.  The size of the dock envelope and distance from other structures also is a big factor.  Be sure you are making an informed decision before you commit to a purchase.

     When searching for a lakefront property, understand the permitting process for docks, seawalls, and other lakefront improvements. When considering a property for purchase, always ask to see approved permits.

     When I list a property, I discuss the dock and various permits with the seller and request a copy of those permits from Ameren.  This shows all permitted items currently on the property along with a drawing of where the items should be situated according to the permit.  It can also indicate potential for a larger dock system or other items.  If it appears that any items are not permitted or appear to be out of the correct position, I help the owner arrange further investigation and correction, if necessary.

     I post the permit information with the listing data so buyers can see if a property’s lakefrontage suits their needs.  This verifies that the existing dock, seawall, etc. match the current permit and makes for a smoother real estate transaction.  I recommend that you do a visual inspection and get additional help if you aren’t sure about any permit items.       

     For most lakefront buyers, the availability to have or install a dock that suits their needs is crucial.  Not all lakefront property is able to have a dock, and some have significant limitations. This may be caused by a subdivision restriction; other times it is due to the way the lot lines run to the lake, position of the lot in a cove, size of cove, etc.  Some subdivisions designated certain lots as able to have a small dock, day dock, etc. BUT in the time since those subdivisions were created Ameren permitting rules changed and many of those lots are no longer able to obtain a permit.

     Docks are required to be installed within the boundaries set out by Ameren.  Because lot lines vary from lot to lot, the dock envelope can change greatly between properties.  Ameren can require a property owner to obtain a survey if there is any question about the location of permit items.  There may be dock location agreements or easements granted to or by another property owner that you need to research before purchasing.    

     When ownership of a lakefront property with Ameren permits changes; Ameren must be notified, and the existing permit(s) should be transferred to the new owner.  An electrical inspection completed and approved by the appropriate authority within the previous 12 months must be submitted with the permit transfer.  If this inspection shows items not in compliance; those items must be corrected with an approval issued before Ameren will process the transfer.  Existing permit numbers stay with the property, they are NOT transferred with the dock.  Any new construction, replacement or modification of existing docks must be permitted.   

     These are the type of issues that a good Broker will keep you informed about and walk you through any vital procedures to help you maintain your property’s value.  There are many unseen items beyond the house size, condition and location that you need to be aware of when making a purchase. 

     Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you have interest in a career in real estate or would like Michael’s assistance in the sale or purchase of property, you can reach him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  View thousands of lake area listings at www.YourLake.com  

 

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

August Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

It's a Seller's Market


At the rate lake property is selling, we’ll be sold out by Fall!  Seriously, I have been selling lake area real estate since 1981 and I have never seen inventory levels this low.
      We have been experiencing low inventory the past couple of years.  This was especially true in a price range up to $500,000 and somewhat extending up to about $750,000 for lakefront homes and most condos.   Upper end properties and vacant land were not seeing much activity.  Also, properties with limitations like shallow water, cramped docking areas and grossly overpriced properties simply were not moving.  As this year has progressed, more buyers and buyers willing to accept those limits just to get on the lake have drawn even those inventories down.  I am seeing prices escalate and buyers willing to pay more based on that continual increase however I am not seeing many buyers who are willing to pay a hugely inflated number.  They are doing their homework and not setting themselves up to be upside in a home. 
     At this point, all price ranges are moving and homes both on and off water, condos and vacant lots are all selling at a rapid pace.  There are currently just 169 lakefront homes available and 100 condo units.  Year to date there have been 558 lakefront home sales (closed) with 135 currently pending and 546 condo sales with 110 currently pending. 
     New listing of Lakefront homes have dropped 12.5 percent in 2020 compared to 2019 and the number is down 27 percent from June to July 2020.  New condo listings are 11.25 percent lower in 2020 year to date and down 7.62 percent from June to July of this year.
     Lakefront lot sales have increased 78 percent in 2020 compared to 2019 as we are starting to see buyers shift from searching for an existing home to building.  There has also been a small increase in new condominium units under construction and that trend will continue along with ground being broken on spec homes.
     I don’t look for us to see the traditional slow down that we usually experience after Labor Day as remote learning and work continue in much of the country.  Area schools are experiencing record numbers of new students and the lake post offices are experiencing huge increases in residential delivery customers.
      The strong sellers’ market continues.  I believe it will continue to do so well into next year barring any unusual events.  I think it will start to ease some in mid to late 2021 as more spec homes and condos are built, and prices reach a point where the cost of building new vs. buying existing are not as far apart.
      Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway.  View thousands of lake area listings at www.YourLake.com.  You can also view each months’ article, ask questions and offer your opinion on Michael’s real estate blog, www.AsTheLakeChurns.com


Tuesday, June 30, 2020

July Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

The Market is Still Strong

    The market continues to be on fire.  The increase in buyer’s interest because of the covid pandemic has created a marketplace where homes and condos are receiving multiple offers and selling within days of becoming available.   The lake area inventory was already at all time lows, now people are standing in line to view property as soon as it becomes available.
     In another interesting twist in the middle of everything is a new rule by the National Association of Realtors.  This was something decided on in 2019 and each area Multiple Listing System (MLS) had until May 1, 2020 to implement it.  All new listings taken by any Realtor member must be shared with the entire membership via the MLS system as soon as the property is advertised in any other fashion.  What this means for you as a buyer is that you have the opportunity to see each property as it becomes available.  For sellers, it means that your property is exposed to the widest possible audience of buyers and you can obtain the best deal.
     Of course, there is never a rule made unless someone has behaved in a fashion to prompt it.  Many agents were promoting their listings to a select group of people in the hopes that they could work both sides of the transaction and collect the entire commission.  I don’t know how much of this occurred in the lake area but it will certainly remove any temptation to operate in this manner while the market is moving so quickly.  To be clear, I feel a good agent is perfectly capable of handling both sides of a transaction but I don’t feel people should be forced into that situation.  Also, I think sellers deserve the best exposure for their property.
     What this means for my customers who receive new listing updates is that I can now provide them with a true, timely picture of what is available.  I have a lake area listing search on my website YourLake.com that allows you to enter your specific criteria, view any current matching properties and immediately receive updates as soon as a new listing is entered in MLS whether it is one of my company listings or a cooperating broker’s listing.  Happy lake home hunting and Happy 4th of July!
     
Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway.  View thousands of lake area listings at www.YourLake.com.  You can also view each months’ article, ask questions and offer your opinion on Michael’s real estate blog, www.AsTheLakeChurns.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

June Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update



The Market is Strong

     Memorial weekend 2020 may have been the busiest the lake has ever seen.  The real estate market is an even stronger seller’s market than thirty days ago.  Homes and condos are selling within a few days and prices keep getting higher.   The number of sales is still down due to the lack of inventory which fell even more because home owners are delaying listing.   Some have decided not to sell, some are using their homes more during various shut down orders across the country and some don’t want to have buyers in their property at this time. 
     Here’s a personal example of how strong the market has remained during the Covid-19 situation.  A new property became available in early May.  It was a lakefront home located on Horseshoe Bend and was priced in the upper $300’s.  This is currently one of the highest sought-after price points so it does draw a large audience.  I scheduled an appointment and met clients at the home since we are not currently sharing vehicles to limit exposure.  When I arrived, cars were lined up the driveway and down the street with buyers waiting their turn to view the home.  The home was shown about three dozen times in the first few hours of becoming available and received twelve written offers.  My buyers made a cash offer, above list price with a fast closing and, unfortunately, did not end up with the winning contract. 
     If you are considering selling, there are a huge amount of buyers who are ready and capable.  We can work with you remotely if you prefer not to travel to the lake right now.  Agents and buyers are being very considerate and aware of the need to protect each other and be respectful not to touch or handle items inside a home.  I feel the strong buying trend will continue over the summer.  New listings have been down over fifty percent and I think we will see inventory levels start to rise some in June, but I feel new inventory will continue to be lower than previous years for several months.
      Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway.  View thousands of lake area listings at www.YourLake.com.  You can also view each months’ article, ask questions and offer your opinion on Michael’s real estate blog, www.AsTheLakeChurns.com


   






Wednesday, April 29, 2020

May Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update


Coronavirus Impacts Lake

     First quarter sales volume and closed transaction reports look good on the surface but a deeper review reveals the harsh impact Covid 19 has had on the Spring lake area real estate market.  First quarter closings of lakefront homes increased 12.9 percent compared to 2019 and increased 25.8 percent in sales volume and 11.4 percent increase in average sales price.    New listings were down by 8.4 percent and days on the market decreased 9.3 percent.
     A closer look at these numbers along with compiling additional reports from April data shows a considerable decrease in 2020 year to date lakefront home sales.
     The year started strong and transactions increased in each of the first three months but you will see that each month that increase lessened.  We were on track to have a record Spring market.
     January 2020 showed an increase in sales compared to January 2019.  Closed transactions increased 28.6 percent, total dollar volume increased 62.3 percent and the average sales price increased 25.25 percent.  New listings decreased 14.6 percent and days on the market averaged 5 percent less than in 2019.
     February 2020 Closed transactions increased 12.9 percent, total dollar volume increased 22.9  percent and the average sales price increased 8.9 percent.  New listings increased 20.8 percent and days on the market averaged 16.7 percent more than in 2019.
     March 2020 closed transactions increased 3.4 percent, total dollar volume increased 8.8 percent and the average sales price increased 5.2 percent.  New listings decreased 23.7 percent and days on the market averaged 30 percent less than in 2019.
     Beginning mid-March we began to see several buyers and sellers cancel pending transactions.  This continued to occur over the last half of March and into the first week of April.  Most of these deals would have been scheduled to close in April and the first half of May.  Many of the homes that had buyer cancellation are already under contract again; but it created a considerable gap in closed sales.  The large decrease in new listings has also suppressed sales.
     Breaking down the sales data into weekly increments beginning mid-March really shows when the effects of Covid-19 and the protective measures start to kick in. 
March 15-21, 2020 vs. 2019:   21 percent increase in closed transactions, 66 percent increase in average sales price and 101 percent increase in closed sales volume.
March 22-28, 2020 vs. 2019: 25 percent increase in closed transactions, 2 percent increase in average sales price and 27.6 percent increase in closed sales volume.
March 29-April 4, 2020 vs. 2019: 18 percent increase in closed transactions, 23 percent decrease in average sales price and 8.7 percent decrease in closed sales volume.
April 5-11, 2020 vs. 2019: 11 percent increase in closed transactions, 15 percent increase in average sales price and 28.5 percent increase in sales volume.
April 12-18, 2020 vs. 2019: 42 percent decrease in closed transactions, 35.6 percent decrease in average sales price and 62.7 percent decrease in closed sales volume.
April 19-26, 2020 vs. 2019: 71 percent decrease in closed transactions, 5.9 percent decrease in average sales price and 72.2 percent decrease in closed sales volume.
     April 2020 vs. 2019 shows that closed transactions decreased 35.2 percent, total dollar volume decreased 45.79 percent and the average sales price decreased 16.3 percent.  New listings decreased 55.9 percent and days on the market averaged 24.6 percent less than in 2019.
     The year to date 2020 vs. 2019 lakefront homes sales as of April 27th show a decrease of 4.6 percent in closed transactions, 3.8 percent decrease in total sales volume and the average sales price is changed less than 1 percent.  Average days on the market has shortened by almost 16 percent and new listings decreased 23.3 percent.
     Buyer activity and interest is extremely strong.  I am also seeing an uptick in the luxury and half a million an up market.   In the past seven days, I have successfully negotiated contracts on two $1 million plus homes and two $500,000 plus homes.   I am currently negotiating on a $950,000 home.  Calls and information requests are up, and I feel optimistic that the market is already correcting itself and will come back even stronger as restrictions are lifted.
     There are currently 338 lakefront homes on the market. 132 homes are priced at $500,000 and up, 119 are in the $250k to $500k range and 87 are priced under $250k.   An additional 92 lakefront homes are under contract.  24 homes are price at $500k and up, 41 are in the 250k to $500k range and 27 are priced under $250k.
     I’ve concentrated on lakefront home sales because they tend to show the clearest picture of what is going on with the second home market but sales across all property types have followed closely. 
     A brief synopsis of condo sales shows the same patterns.  April 2020 Closed transactions were down 46 percent vs. 2019 and YTD had decreased by 28.9 percent.  Total sales volume for April decreased 43.1 percent but just 3.4 percent YTD.  April 2020 vs. 2019 average sales price increased 5.19 percent month over month and 5.76 percent YTD.  Days on the market decreased 6.8 percent in April 2020 vs. 2019 and YTD the days on the market decreased 14.23 percent.  There are currently 249 active condo listings and 83 condo listings under contract.
      Second homeowners have migrated to the lake in droves during the stay at home orders.  Many families are getting to experience a new time at the lake when work and extracurricular activities normally prevent them from spending much time in their happy place.   I have seen an abundance of traffic at subdivisions and condo projects all over the lake area with some development’s parking as full as I usually see in July.   When the sun shines and we are blessed with warm weather, the lake looks like a summer weekend on a weekday in April.  I think the Covid-19 outbreak will increase interest in vacation homes in more secluded area.  Families will be reassessing values and time spent together and seeking out places that they can enjoy in case of future shelter orders where they feel safer and more removed.
     I know I am biased having grown up at Lake of the Ozarks, but I feel we have the best community to shelter in during any life event.  The kindness and support I have seen from the residents (full and part time) is unsurpassed.  Business owners have quickly adapted in order to protect employees and customers, restaurants switched to curb and dockside services to keep paychecks going to their employees.  Volunteers at food banks across the lake have continued to show up and help keep food on the tables of so many in need of assistance. 
     We took a pretty good hit in April especially if you factor in the upward trajectory in sales that were trending the first three months of 2020.  This was driven in part by cancelled sales due to the unknown personal and financial impact of the coming months. It was also driven by an already limited inventory seeing new listings reduced by more than 50 percent.  Unless we have major setbacks in the next few months, I predict that the upward trend will reappear and be confirmed by May and June sales stats.  One unknown factor is what the impact will be on current owners who had intended to sell in the Spring of 2020.  I know some are now reconsidering keeping their lake home as a retreat.  Inventory is going to continue to be a huge factor at Lake of the Ozarks.
     C. Michael Elliott and Associates is a privately owned, boutique office with a great group of knowledgeable, topnotch agents and staff that will work in your best interest.      There are some great real estate agents at the Lake, but you won’t find any better than the agents I work with daily.  Please give us a call if you are considering buying or selling. We’ll explain our services in detail and you can decide if we are a good fit for you.
     Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  Feel free to contact him if you would like to work with him,  have a real estate question or have interest in a career in real estate.  573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway.  Sales data obtained from the Lake of the Ozarks MLS for 2019 and 2020.


Tuesday, March 31, 2020

April Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate Update

 

Coronavirus Impacts Lake

 

     Due to the uncertainty of how long Covid-19 will be affecting our nation’s health and economy, we have seen an increase in the number of contracts across the lake area and including all property types falling through the last two weeks of March.  At the same time, properties continue to go under contract at a good rate and closings are happening daily.  I have not seen an unusual increase in new properties on the market.  My office is talking with buyers and sellers every day at about the same rate.  We are handling more initial home viewings via video and in person showings have dropped considerably.

     Currently, my staff and agents are working primarily from home.    We are screening everyone prior to physical meetings. When viewing homes, my clients and I have been taking separate vehicles and meeting at the properties.    I unlock and open doors and turn on lights throughout, wear gloves and ask that everyone refrain from touching anything in the home.  I also hand sanitize before and after and maintain a physical distance of about 10 or more feet in order to protect my clients and my family.   At closings, title companies are allowing only the buyer or seller into their offices and are encouraging anyone that can close electronically to do so.

     With school and extracurricular activities suspended, plus so many people working from home, the lake area has seen the early arrival of second homeowners taking advantage of their lake homes. With other areas of the country experiencing high infection rates, people are also booking vacation rentals and coming to the lake to shelter in a much less populated area.   The lake itself has seemed to respond with beautiful Spring days and perfect boating weather.  It feels more like June than March lately.  I don’t have any hard data to share but, anecdotally, I have spoken with grocery providers who say the supply orders are closer to summer numbers than amounts they usually experience this time of year. 

     Area restaurants have switched to curbside and dockside service.  Owners are doing all they can to continue to provide their employees with income and many are also assisting them with food for their families.  At least one local distillery has switched to making hand sanitizer – and is giving it away at no charge.  Local food pantries have adjusted their procedures, but volunteers are still helping keep lake area families fed.  Keep them in mind if you are fortunate enough to be able to help with financial donations.   There is no other community I would rather be a part of in a crisis.

     The Lake of the Ozarks is both safe haven and happy place for so many people across the country.  At this point, the market is holding its own and I feel good about the outlook of where we’re going to be in three to six months.  I think we will see a similar effect to what happened after 9/11.  Families pull together and take stock of what is most important to them.  The lake is a safe and enjoyable place to create lifetime memories and it’s a solid investment. 

     I hope you are well and safe.  It will be interesting to see how much or how little has changed when I see you here next month.

      Michael Elliott has been selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1981.  He is one of the most respected brokers in the area.  If you would like to work with Michael in the sale or purchase of property, or have interest in a career in real estate, contact him at 573.365.SOLD or cme@yourlake.com  or stop by C. Michael Elliott & Associates, 3738 Osage Beach Parkway.  View thousands of lake area listings at www.YourLake.com.  You can also view each months’ article, ask questions and offer your opinion on Michael’s real estate blog, www.AsTheLakeChurns.com