Krantz Team Cleans the Shoreline!

The Krantz team along with several other Realtors, volunteers, and Ameren UE officials participated in the annual Shoreline Clean Up on April 23rd. Ameren had anticipated a heavy load this year due to the December 2008 deadline to finish the encapsulation of docks.  Final numbers are not in for this Spring’s clean up, but they anticipate a record set for the amount collected, which will be close to 200 tons.  Since the program’s inception in 1991, more than 4 million pounds of debris has been removed from the lake.  Currently, there is more than  670 miles of adopted shoreline, being cleaned by 107 groups through the Shoreline Clean Up program.  Krantz & Associates and other RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks agents have been involved with the clean up since the Realtors in the Bagnell Dam Board began their program in 2001. The Realtors have removed over 50 tons of debris.  The lake provides so much to its residents and visitors, it’s satisfying to contribute to the maintenance and beautification of it.  If you are interested in participating in Shoreline Clean Up or you would like to adopt your own section of shoreline to maintain, call Ameren UE at 573-365-9310.

Hammack Earns Prestigious Designation to Help Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure

T. Marc Hammack of Krantz & Associates RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.  This is an invaluable expertise to offer at a time when we have seen more “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at a price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property.  With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy.  More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Hammack.  “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Hammack with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating.  These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online.  The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors® helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

 “Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

For more information on the CDPE designation, contact T. Marc Hammack at 888-322-1802 or email marc@krantzproperties.com.  Visit Krantz & Associates’ website at www.krantzproperties.com/pr

New Bill Introduced to Post E-911 Addresses on Docks

Missouri State Representative, Wayne Cooper has introduced House  Bill 657, which if passed would require boat dock owners to post their residential 911 address on docks located on lakes having at least 950 miles of shoreline.  This would allow for emergency responders to arrive at the scene of an acident on the water quicker.  This law will go into effect this August if, passed.  Four years ago, new E-911 addresses were assigned in Camden County.  According to Jr. Reiter, mapping and addressing specialist for the county, the addressing was required because in some instances, homes had been used solely for second residences and had never been assigned an actual street address.  This made it very difficult to respond to emergencies.  Mike Cleary, spokesman for Ameren UE, which governs boat docks at the Lake of the Ozarks, said the power company hasn’t taken an official position on the bill.  “In principle, as a matter of public safety, it looks like a measure we could support.  All new docks are currently required to display their E-911 addresses, but there are approximately 25,000 existing docks on the lake and this bill would require them to post that address as well,” he said.

First-Time Homebuyer’s $8000 Tax Credit

This may be one of the best times historically for first time homebuyers to purchase their first home with the $8,000 tax credit & other incentives!  Affordability is better than ever, there are plenty of homes on the market, and sellers are more willing to bargain.  With the 30 year fixed interest rate dropping below 5%, anyone qualified for this, should take advantage of it before December 1st, 2009.  To find out the qualifications and view other FAQ’s, visit: http://www.krantzproperties.com/affordable_homes.aspx

Shoreline Cleanup, Dock Encapsulation, and Zebra Mussels at Lake of the Ozarks

Jeff Krantz attended the Adopt-the-Shoreline advisory board meeting Tuesday january 20, 2009. The 2008 Fall shoreline clean up was a great success. Volunteers collected 937 cubic yards of debris and another 400 cubic yards of debris was collected on the “free” day that Ameren sponsored, totaling over 1337 cubic yards, making this fall clean up one of the biggest ever. The best part was that 70% of all of the white foam collected was recycled. Ameren reported that there are 25,000 boat docks on the lake and that only 700 are not encapsulated. Of the 700 that have not yet complied, 100 of them are currently under contract to have their docks encapsulated. Ameren also stated that they are starting the process of compliance on the remaining docks now. The encapsulation program has been a tremendous success and we are very close to eliminating one of the biggest pollutant’s of the lake – white foam. The spring clean up this year will be a very important one due to all of the push to re-foam to encapsulated foam in 2008. They anticipate a large amount of debris this spring. After this spring we should really see the positive effects from this program with a reduced amount of white foam debris. Come on out and participate in the Spring clean up this year, it’s fun and the lake is our back yard! There was also a report given on Zebra Mussels in the lake. The attached map shows all of the locations that Zebra Mussels have been documented. Zebra Mussels are small, aggressive breeders that attach to almost anything and are often responsible for clogging up intakes on motors, irrigation and landscaping pumps, etc. If your boat has been in the water here at the lake and you are planning a trip to another lake, please make sure to follow the department of conservations recommendations to ensure that you do not transport them to a new water body. Greg Stoner with the Missouri Department of Conservation is monitoring the population of Zebra Mussels in the lake and would like anyone who spots any to call him direct to report the locations. Greg’s number is 573-346-2210 Ext. 235

New Restaurant:Baxter’s Lakeside Grille in Lake Ozark

We are excited about the continued progress in the lake area.  One particular project that has become one of the Krantz team’s favorites, is Baxter’s Lakeside Bar & Grille.  Baxter’s is an upscale casual restaurant that seats 200.  It has an eclectic interior with high open industrial ceilings and tall windows that open to an expansive view of the lake and Community Bridge.  In warmer months, they have outdoor dining on the lakeside.  It is open all year long, serving lunch and dinner, except for Mondays.  They have an incredible Happy Hour, Wednesday through Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and Tuesdays and Sundays from 4:00pm to close. They offer “buy one get, one half off” on appetizers, $5.00 martinis, as well as $1.00 – $1.50 off certain beer, wines, and liquors.  The lounge bar is quite substantial and is separate from the dining area.  Baxter’s menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, several cuts of steak, and some house specialties.  They have a good variety of appetizers, including Fried Chipotle Shrimp, Seared Tuna, and their own award-winning  Spinach and Artichoke Dip.    Baxter’s is located on Bagnell Dam Blvd/Bus 54, just past Horseshoe Bend -  coming from the Strip.  We hope you get a chance to check out Baxter’s when you are in the lake area.  Be sure to call ahead for their hours of operation and specials!  For more details and full lunch and dinner menus, visit their website at http://baxterslakesidegrille.com/

Krantz & Associates Rank Number 1

Krantz & Associates with RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks closed January 2009 out at #1 in sales volume in the RE/MAX Mid-States Region! For 2008, they were #2 in sales and #3 in closed transactions in Missouri and their success has continued into 2009. Currently, the Mid-States Region comprises of Kansas and Missouri and has 1,964 members. The Krantz team has specialized divisions, covering each facet of real estate. “I am very excited and proud of our team. Each member has a specific area of expertise and works well together. I believe this is key for our continued success” states Jeff Krantz. The Krantz & Associates RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks office is located in the Landmark Center in Osage Beach and they can be reached at 573-302-2355 or via the web at www.krantzproperties.com/blog

Krantz & Associates Success in RE/MAX Mid-States Region!

Krantz & Associates RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks received several honors at the RE/MAX Mid-States Success Celebration in Kansas City on February 26, 2009. For 2008, they were #2 in sales volume and #3 in closed transactions in Missouri. This is the 3rd year in a row the team has been in the top 3 for both volume and transactions. These rankings also made them qualify for the Diamond Award Club, which honors the most successful agents. In 2008, less than 1 percent of RE/MAX Associates achieved this tremendous level of success. The Mid-States Region comprises of Kansas and Missouri and currently has 1,964 members. Other honorable mentions include the Cooperative Spirit Award presented to Melissa Krantz and Jeff and Melissa Krantz along with John Garrett celebrated their 10 year anniversaries with RE/MAX in 2008. “Our team understands the success of our company depends on satisfied customers. The majority of our business comes from referrals. This is why we strive to make every real estate transaction as smooth as possible,” states Jeff Krantz. Team members include Jeff and Melissa Krantz, Gary Zeiger, Sam Rhoades, Gerry Hammack, Jill Krantz, John Garrett, Marc Hammack, Amanda Wood, Carrie Case, Melaine Bohning, Bob Hampton and Glenn Maas.

Lake of the Ozarks has come a long way!

We were intrigued by these old black and white photos of Lake of the Ozarks.  They were taken at several locations in the lake area including, the State Park at Public Beach Number 1, Kapilana Resort, and Kirkwood Lodge.  You may have seen similar photos, if you have ever eaten at Stockton’s Pub & Grill at Osage Beach Premium Outlets.  They have many of  them that were made into wallpaper, which cover the interior of the “all-american” restaurant.  Photos from Jefferson City archives

New Photos of the Expressway Progress!

We just got new photos of the highway progress, as well as the new city park being constructed in Osage Beach and the future Eagles Landing Shopping Center, which is rumored to include a JCPenney and the hardware chain Menards.  Check back often for the latest progress!