South West Missouri Real Estate and More!

Tornados and Walkout Basement Homes in Springfield MO and the surrounding areas

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:25:06 -0400

I had recently considered writing a post about tornados, tornado warnings and basements. I never went past the consideration stage so I was pleased to read the post below.

Growing up in Illinois, I remember numerous tornados. One in particular took out a large stretch about a mile from our home. The sound was incredible. No one was injured, no one was killed.

Tornados are a fact of life, a reality. And no, I am not mentally ill!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Via Lina Robertson, REALTOR, Springfield MO Homes For Sale (RE/MAX Solutions):

I work with a lot of buyers from out of state. A large percentage of them ask for a home with a walkout basement. It is obvious that many of these buyers do not need the basement for the space. They are wanting shelter from tornados.

I recently worked with some buyers who had a basement home as their #1 criteria. Several months into the process, it was obvious that the only homes we were going to find that fit all of their other criteria were not going to have basements. We finally found one home that both husband and wife loved. The only problem...it didn't have a basement.

The husband finally asked me: "Aren't you worried about tornadoes?"
My response: "Not really. I suppose I'm used to them."

I'm a native in the Springfield/Ozark area. I have grown up around tornados and tornado warnings. (Knock on wood) I've not been blown away yet. Tornados are a part of life to natives of our area. I am actually more afraid of hurricanes and earthquakes, probably because I've never experienced one. I think our fears are rooted in what we are unfamiliar with.

As we sat down to write an offer, imagine my surprise when I pulled the Seller's Disclosures to find in big print at the top, "EXTENSIVE REMODELING IN 2006 DUE TO TORNADO DAMAGE." Hmmm. Great. My clients fears are justified. The husband asked HOW MUCH damage was done. A call to the listing agent confirmed that $120,000 worth of damage was done to the home. Since this home didn't have a basement, my clients wanted to know if the sellers were home when the tornado hit, and where they were in the house. The listing agent encouraged us to call the seller directly. Here's how the conversation went.

Me: Were you home at the time of the tornado?
Seller: Yes.

Me: Where were you in the house?
Seller: Well, my wife was in the hall bathroom, and I was on the front porch. The tornado hit about 1:00 a.m., and it was pitch black outside. We heard on the radio reports that the tornado was headed straight towards our home. I stood on our front porch for about 10 minutes. Finally, a bolt of lightening lit up the sky, and I could see it right across the street. My wife yelled, "Hurry up, it's coming." I turned and started for the hall bathroom and yelled, "No, it's here!" and barely got the door shut before the dining room windows broke.

Neither of the sellers were injured. Fortunately, their homeowners insurance paid for the damage, and the wife was thrilled that she was actually able to make numerous other upgrades throughout the home with the money they received from insurance.

After we hung up the phone, my client looked at me very seriously and said, "I can't buy that home. I don't believe the seller is in his right mind, and believe he is incapable of making any decisions regarding any contracts." My client honestly believed the sellers were mentally ill.

Maybe we are crazy. As I am writing this, there is a tornado warning in my area. The tornado sirens are on, and the electricity is flickering on and off. Me....I'm in my garage in a lawn chair with my laptop. As I peek out the garage door, I can see people standing in front of nearly every home down my street. What are they doing? Watching for the tornado....of course.

If you are thinking of moving to Springfield, Missouri, and have a fear of tornados, consider buying a walkout basement home. However, if a basement is not in your budget, visit Missouri Storm Shelters. For $3,500 you can have an inground concrete shelter installed....a price that costs much less than a basement home.

Search Springfield MO Homes For Sale with Basements

Lina Robertson

Owner/Agent

RE/MAX Solutions

1715 James River Road
Ozark, MO, 65721

Mobile: (417) 844-7265

linarobertson@remax.net

http://www.ozarks-realestate.com

RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions. Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

915 W. Washington St, Marshfield MO 65706 Commercial building for sale

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:14:08 -0400

Commercial building on high traffic corner in Marshfield MO

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Description
Neighborhood

$389,000 Commercial
For Sale Main Features Interior: 3900 sqft
Lot: 1.25 acre(s)
Location

915 W. Washington St
Marshfield, MO 65706

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

Conway MO home on 5+ acres
Commercial building on high traffic corner in Marshfield MO
Lebanon MO home for sale
Home on Stockton Lake!
Lebanon MO home for sale: Move in ready!

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Marshfield, MO real estate for sale

Debbie DiFonzo, Broker/Owner, United Country VIP Realty, specializes in unique and premier properties in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, Buffalo and the surrounding areas in South Central Missouri.

To view all our listings and search the MLS, visit:
United Country VIP Realty
Debbie DiFonzo, Broker

Send a text message to Debbie: 417-533-4015

Commercial building in Marshfield MO for sale l 915 W. Washington Street Marshfield MO 65706

The Big Blue Spring Ranch for sale in Missouri - Premier Missouri Property

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:25:21 -0400

Find Your Freedom in Missouri! Raise your own cattle, farm your own crops, hunt deer or turkey, fish off the river bank and enjoy all that the Missouri Ozarks has to offer on a property like few others. The Big Blue Spring Ranch offers you the potential for all of this and so much more.

Spanning 1,046 acres, this land has the potential to comfortably run 85 to 90 cow calf pairs. There are fenced pastures, with the top field planted in Bermuda grass, two barns, small cabin and drilled well.

Not only is there Niangua River frontage, there are at least eight ponds on the property, five springs and four wet weather springs – water is not a problem on The Big Blue Spring Ranch!

Hunters will find The Big Blue Spring to be a wonderland of class Bucks, turkeys, coyotes, bobcats and if the folklore is to be believed, there may be black bear. Food plots and various stands already in place.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect ranch to build your dream home, a hunting retreat that’s full of varied wildlife or a property that will allow you to be self-sufficient, The Big Blue Spring Ranch has everything you need and more!

Offered for sale by: United Country VIP Realty, Lebanon MO

Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, 417-468-5900, specializes in unique and premier properties in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, Buffalo and the surrounding areas in South Central Missouri.

To view all our listings, visit:
United Country VIP Realty
Debbie DiFonzo, Broker

Contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com

Phillipsburg MO Fish Fry, Saturday June 12, 2010 - Phillispburg MO City Park

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:44:36 -0400

After our 3rd Annual Pig Roast in 2009, the Phillipsburg Community Development Council decided to try something different. So, for 2010 we are hosting our 1st Annual Fish Fry.

Is it okay to call it the "1st Annual" - how do we know it will be annual? We don't! Maybe we should just call it "THE Fish Fry." Or, drop the "the." Oh, the pressure...

You are invited to FISH FRY 2010
Phillipsburg MO City Park
Saturday, June 12th 4 pm

Live Music - Free

Hand breaded fish, hush puppies, fried potatoes, cole slaw
Homemade desserts
Lemonade, ice tea, pop and bottled water
Hot dogs for the kids!

Family friendly food prices!

Bring a lawn chair if you have one -
Invite the family or just your friends.

** If it rains, we'll move across the RR tracks into the Conway Fire Department building.

*** All proceeds stay locally - The Phillipsburg Community Development Council (PCDC) is a non-profit organization.
We assist the Phillipsburg Food Pantry, local families in need, and other causes in Phillipsburg MO, Conway MO and the surrounding areas.

** We will be using some peanut oil when cooking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, at 417-468-5900 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, or Buffalo, Missouri.

To view all our listings, visit:
United Country VIP Realty
Debbie DiFonzo, Broker

Contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com

Conway MO home for sale - 2 bdrm, 2 full bath on 5+ acres

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:55:43 -0400

We recently sold a home in Lebanon MO to a wonderful couple with a three year old little boy and a new baby on the way. They moved into Lebanon to be closer to work, their church and their family... This leaves a wonderful opportunity for their previous home to have a new owner! Very nice country setting, no zoning and lots of possibilities!

More pictures will be posted soon, as Mark and Amanda are still moving out -- we won't share their moving boxes with you!

Home on 5+ acres

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Description
Neighborhood

$62,500 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 1440 sqft
Lot: 5.25 acre(s)
Location

289 St. Luke Rd
Conway, MO 65632

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

Home on 5+ acres
Lebanon MO home for sale: Move in ready!
490+ acre cattle farm with 4 homes
Full service restaurant on 7 acres
29+ acres with pond and spring-fed creek

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Conway, MO real estate for sale

Lebanon MO home for sale - Not a Foreclosure - Move in ready! $84,977

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:56:50 -0400

We often receive foreclosure calls that go something like this:
"Hello, I am looking for a foreclosure property, for less than one hundred thousand, but I don't want to do any work to it. I need to move right in."

This always gives me a chuckle because there are plenty of wonderful homes on the market, for under $100,000 and they are NOT FORECLOSURES!

This Lebanon MO home is a prime example - updated and ready to go! Bring your "stuff" and enjoy all Lebanon MO has to offer....

Lebanon MO home for sale: Move in ready!

Overview
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Description
Neighborhood

$84,977 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1160 sqft
Lot: 0.35 acre(s)
Location

155 Farmers Lane
Lebanon, MO 65536

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

Lebanon MO home for sale: Move in ready!
490+ acre cattle farm with 4 homes
Full service restaurant on 7 acres
29+ acres with pond and spring-fed creek

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Lebanon, MO real estate for sale

Open House in Lebanon MO, 223 Steeplechase, 65536

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:16:47 -0400

Open House, Saturday April 24th at 223 Steeplechase, Lebanon MO 65536

Located on Lebanon's south side, in a quiet, tree lined subdivision, this home deserves more than just a drive by! Four bedrooms, three full baths and a half bath. Open kitchen/family room with wood burning fireplace. Living room. Updated kitchen; newer roof and windows; master suite opens to back, upper deck.

Shop building has hot and cold water, heat and air, phone service, cabinets and a half bath.

Open this Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm - hosted by Debbie DiFonzo, Broker and Audrey Gregory, Realtor.

Search Lebanon MO homes for sale

Lebanon MO R-III School District Information

Offered for sale by: United Country VIP Realty in Lebanon MO. 417-532-2031 Office Phone

We have two offices to serve you best and can assist you with buying or selling in Lebanon, Conway, Phillipsburg, Marshfield, Buffalo, Long Lane or any where in South Central Missouri.

8 Ways To Sell Your Springfield Missouri Home Quickly And For The Best Price

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:58:05 -0500

Betty and John have done a wonderful job outlining 8 ways to sell your Springfield MO home quickly and for the best price -

I am re-posting their list here, as I truly believe these tips will assist you no matter where you are in the Ozarks --

Via Team Knowles, Springfield Missouri Real Estate, Betty & John Knowles, REALTORS® (Keller Williams - www.springfieldmissourihomesforsale.com):

1. Define the reasons why you are selling your home in Springfield MO, and keep those reasons private.
Telling a prospective buyer that you are selling your house because you can no longer afford the payments, or because you need to move quickly, puts them at a bargaining advantage. Once you have decided that it is the right time to sell your home, keep the reasons why to yourself. Those reasons will dictate most of your other selling decisions, such as how much you want to invest in fixing up your home before you sell, how to set your asking price, how long you are willing to keep your house on the market to get the price you want, and how much money you want to walk away with after all is said and done. Keeping this information to yourself will put you at an advantage during the negotiation process.
2. Know how to properly set a price for your home.
It’s important to do your homework before coming up with the right selling price. Compare your home to other similar homes that have recently sold in your area over the last 6 to 12 months. Generally, most prospective buyers will compare your home to 15 or 20 similar homes, so they will already have a good feel for what your home is worth. If you set your price too high, you will obviously attract very little interest from prospective buyers or real estate agents. If you set your price too low, however, you will have people wondering what is wrong with your home, and you may scare away those very same prospective buyers and agents.
3. Pick the right real estate agent for you.
Statistics show that three out of four homeowners wouldn’t use the same real estate agent they used to sell their last home. Choosing an agent should be no different than interviewing someone for a job...after all, the agent is working for you! Find an agent who makes you feel comfortable, and who is able to effectively communicate with you at all times.
4. Increase the sales potential of your house.
Never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. For most people, buying a home is an emotional choice, and they need to feel a connection to a home before they buy. You can increase the likelihood of this happening by performing all minor cosmetic repairs in your home, planting fresh flowers and shrubs outside, and by adding a fresh coat of paint wherever it is needed. Before you show your house to a prospective buyer, you should clean every inch of your home. Many buyers can be turned off by a minor detail, such as a dusty ceiling fan or a loose moulding, so fix everything you can. They’re trying to imagine themselves at home in their new house, and it’s your job to help them accomplish that.
5. Make sure all of the information on your house is readily available to prospective buyers and agents.
One sure way to discourage buyers and agents from seriously considering your home is to waste their time by not readily answering all their questions about your home. Sales pitches, misleading information, and playing phone tag with agents and buyers is a sure way to eliminate serious offers. Have your agent place an ad with a phone number that will lead to a 24-hour, prerecorded hot line with all the pertinent information on your home. Studies have shown that three times as many buyers respond to such a system, and getting the information about your house to as many potential buyers as possibly will obviously increase the chances of a sale.
6. Understand your buyer.
While it is important to protect your reasons for selling your home, finding out what motivates a potential buyer will definitely put you at an advantage during the negotiation. Knowing if the buyer needs to move in quickly, or if they are able to get financing easily will dictate how far you can push them to get your asking price.
7. Ensure that all the paperwork is complete at all times.
Eliminate the possibility of unseen delays by disclosing everything you can about your house, preferably in writing. Make sure that all responsibilities and costs are clearly spelled out in the sales contract, and that neither you nor the buyer veers away from these agreements. Resist the temptation to make a change at the last minute just to make the buyer happy... this can increase the possibility of the deal falling through.
8. Live in your house in Springfield MO until it is sold.
It is easier for a potential buyer to see themselves living comfortably in your home if you are already doing so. An empty house can easily look lonely or unwanted. Even resist the urge to tell prospective buyers that you have already found a new home, since this will give them the impression that you are eager to sell.

7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home In Springfield Missouri

Top Questions You Need To Ask Your Springfield Missouri Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them

TeamKnowles, Spouses Selling Houses!

2925 E Battlefield Rd
Springfield, MO 65804

phone or text: (417) 631-7234

Visit Our Website

We serve sellers and buyers looking for Springfield Missouri Homes For Sale, Ozark Missouri Homes For Sale, and Nixa Missouri Homes For Sale. Ask us about our comprehensive marketing plan to sell your home or click our website to search all properties for sale in the area including foreclosures. Springfield Missouri Real Estate Market Report. We're here to help!

Stop Missouri Double Taxation on real estate and say Yes to a new constitutional amendment

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:34 -0500

The State of Missouri currently does not levy a transfer tax when a home sells - we are one of only a few states that does not "double tax" real estate. We'd like to keep it that way!

If you live in Missouri, I encourage you to read the post below and visit the website.

We must join together to ban a Missouri transfer tax.

Via Grant Hickman (The Grant Hickman Team):

Let’s stop Missouri politicians from penalizing homeowners and buyers

Missouri is one of 13 states that does not levy a transfer tax on home sales, and a coalition of property owners, businesses and the Missouri Association of REALTORS™ want to keep it that way.

The group sees transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already pay property taxes on real estate. A petition drive and a website have been created to help homeowners and potential buyers reach lawmakers who have the power to levy such a tax.

To place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot to prohibit Missouri lawmakers from passing the tax initiative, the group needs more than 157,000 valid signatures. To make voters more aware of this issue, a new website, www.YesToSaveHomes.com is now online to help consumers learn more about the tax, calculate the tax based on the home’s sale price, and get involved.

Here’s the simple and straightforward proposal: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

As an example, here’s a calculation on a St. Charles County home sale. The home sold for $150,000 and at the St. Charles County taxation rate of 7.0750%, the amount would be an additional $10,612.50.* Jane Mendenhall, president-elect of the Missouri Association of Realtors, believes the transfer tax places undue stress on low-income Missourians who typically spend a larger percentage of income on their home.

Add the mix of Missourians who have lost their jobs, had pay cuts and have been forced to sell their homes or experienced a drop in property values, and the transfer tax just isn’t good for the recovering Missouri economy.

Legislators are looking around to fine new sources of revenue. The transfer tax is one of those sources politicians are eyeing. With the help of voters and homebuyers, the transfer tax will not be an additional burden on Missouri residents.

* This number is based on area percentages.

Written by Myra Vandersall

40 acre farm outside of Lebanon MO - Enjoy all Ozark living has to offer!

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:44:28 -0500

I've lived in the Missouri Ozarks for almost ten years now - I still get a thrill when I see, walk on and touch a beautiful piece of property. The joy and appreciation of the land has not left me!

I hope you'll appreciate this property for all it has to offer - it is one of the nicest, user friendly, full amenity farms I have seen recently -- Enjoy!

---- Debbie

40 acres with ponds and outbuildings

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Description
Neighborhood

$164,777 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Unit
Lot: 40.00 acre(s)
Location

11373 Hwy 32
Lebanon, MO 65536

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

40 acres with ponds and outbuildings
29+ acres with pond and spring-fed creek
4 bdrm home, in town, corner lot
Two homes for less than one! 7+ acres
All brick home with Equestrian Barn

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Lebanon, MO real estate for sale

Almost 30 acres of light woods with pond and spring-fed creek - near Mennonite Community and State Park

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:35:44 -0500

My husband will tell you that hunting land shouldn't be "pretty" but I'm here to say - this is one of the prettiest pieces I have seen in Southwest Missouri in many years!

Located near Bennett Springs State Park, off the beaten path, this property is quiet, scenic and has some of the nicest water you're likely to find!

Hope you enjoy this piece as much as I did....Debbie

29+ acres with pond and spring-fed creek

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Description
Neighborhood

$59,850 Lots and Lands
For Sale Main Features Lot: 29.92 acre(s)
Location

xx Ridge Trail Rd
Tunas, MO 65764

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

29+ acres with pond and spring-fed creek
4 bdrm home, in town, corner lot
Two homes for less than one! 7+ acres
All brick home with Equestrian Barn

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Tunas, MO real estate for sale

Horse Property in the Ozarks for sale: 75 Sixty Six Dr, Niangua MO 65713

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:46:40 -0400

Two homes for less than one! 7+ acres

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Description
Neighborhood

$274,777 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
2 Units
Interior: 2334 sqft
Lot: 7.74 acre(s)
Location

75 Sixty Six Drive
Niangua, MO 65713

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

Our recent listings

Two homes for less than one! 7+ acres
All brick home with Equestrian Barn

Subscribe to our listing feed See more Niangua, MO real estate for sale

This property offered for sale by: United Country VIP Realty, located in Marshfield Missouri. Debbie DiFonzo, Broker

More information is available upon request, including a Seller's Disclosure for both homes - the main home was built in 2005, the second home, built in 2007.

Custom horse barn plus all brick home in Niangua MO, Webster County Missouri - offered for sale

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:31:24 -0400

All brick home with Equestrian Barn

Overview
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Description
Neighborhood

$749,777 Single Family Home
For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3100 sqft
Lot: 11.00 acre(s)
Location

5111 Hwy CC
Niangua, MO 65713

Debbie DiFonzo

United Country VIP Realty
(417) 532-2031
missouriagent@msn.com
http://www.ucmissouri.com

Listed by: United Country VIP Realty

See more Niangua, MO real estate for sale

United Country VIP Realty is located in Lebanon MO and Marshfeild MO, in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. We specialize in country property - including horse farms, dairy farms, river property, homes on small acreage and commercial properties. Let us help you, Find Your Freedom in Missouri.

Why I Love Mondays!

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:05:21 -0400

WOW! It feels great to be getting back to my blog! Family Life and the world of real estate have kept me occupied the last few weeks - boy, have I missed writing about South West Missouri real estate and the happenings around here!

While this isn't an original piece, I thought it was fitting for how I've been feeling -

We have to start somewhere!

Via Claire C. (ActiveRain Corporation):

I have expounded on the brilliance of mornings in the past, and now, I'm afraid I must write an ode to Mondays. There are people in this world who, when Monday rolls around, they hit the snooze button eighteen times before finally rolling out of bed, their hair mussed and going every direction, dark circles under their eyes, and pajamas rumpled from their tossing, turning escapades of the night past.

Perhaps I need not say it, but I'm not one of those people. I rolled out of bed bright and early this morning at 7am, brushed my teeth, pulled on the clothes I'd laid out last night, grabbed the bag I'd packed, grabbed my pop tarts and headed to work. I flew across the 520 bridge and soared up 405, parking in my favorite spot upon arrival and taking a quick jaunt to Starbucks for an iced mocha.

Yes, it was a good morning.

Setting down with my mocha and my Todoodlist, I added a few items that had popped up over the weekend, sent out prepatory emails to some of the guys so that I had what I needed by the end of the day, and got down to work. Lunch flew by without a fuss - everyone's lunch order was correct this time! Woot!

Now, I'm sitting here, and it's 2:34pm. My Todoodlist is now down to three items for follow-up -- down from eighteen this morning. Now, orange juice in hand, I'm considering the rest of my day. I have just an hour and a half before it's over, and that is PLENTY of time to get some of the more tasteless frogs swallowed.

Mondays are wonderful work days for me because I have SO much energy. I'm a yes-girl on Mondays - "Yes, I can do that!" "Sure, I'll get right on it!" "Absolutely, I have time for that today." I think this energy is the product of keeping my weekends low-key; if you're always running around, when do you have time to breathe? Story of my life!

So an ode to Mondays... They are definitely my high-energy, high-production day. I know Jon thinks I'm super-organized and uber-productive, but everyone has those days where they don't feel like they got anything done (I've posted about a few myself!). All I have to say is: Thank the Rain for Mondays.... we have to start somewhere, and why not start on the best foot possible?

Some tips for happy Mondays:

On FRIDAY, make your Monday to-do list, so you don't think about it at all over the weekend. Neaten your desk.

Sunday evening, eat before 8pm and get to sleep at a reasonable hour. If you have time, read before bed.

Monday morning, get out of bed the first time your alarm goes off. Studies show that people actually feel MORE tired after hitting the snooze.

Upon arrival to work, add the new items that came through your inbox to your to-do list.

Get some coffee or orange juice, make sure you've eaten SOMETHING (even if it's just a banana).

Start at #1 on your to-do list and race yourself to see how much you can get done before the next person arrives at work.

Finally:

7. Make sure you always have ONE THING on your desk that makes you happy. Right now, I have daffodils!

Home in a Missouri Cave - in need of financing - or will have to be sold

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:16:54 -0500

We have a restaurant in a Cave listed for sale - so I'm not sure why I was shocked to hear about a HOME in a CAVE. This home is also located in Missouri and the family is having trouble finding a bank that will re-finance the property.

More of the story is below... if you know of anyone in the mortgage business, or you yourself are in lending, perhaps you can help this family of five.

Via Tom Wood (Real Estate Auction Systems):

I ran across this fascinating story about a family who turned a cave in Missouri into their home.

They are not able to get bank financing so they are trying to sell it on Ebay. They have received so much exposure that the last time I looked they had over 900,000 views on their online real estate auction and there are still 11 days left.

Evidently they are having technical problems trying to answer questions and approve bidders and Ebay is working on it.

All this attention will surely bring a solution. I'm sure a bank will step in and offer financing or they will be able to sell it for a nice profit.

It's another example of how well the Internet can work for marketing. If you're interested in learning more, here is a link to their blog and forum http://www.Caveland.US