01/26/2010 by admin.

The 2 Secrets of Wealth Creation
There are only 2 things that create wealth, but most people don’t know what they are. This is sad because both are SO simple! And, no, this is not an advertisement - It is REAL information that you can put to use this week!

It’s likely closing time for these chains in 2010
Struggling retailers may have to shutter outlets to weather the downturn

Promising Outlook for Commercial Real Estate Worldwide in 2010
Worldwide, 2010 looks promising for commercial real estate investment across most markets, and Asia offers the best opportunities

Locking Loans Ahead of Treasury Auctions and FOMC Statement
Reports from fellow mortgage professionals indicate lenders have passed along better rates this morning.

FHA Keeps Promise. Continues to Crack Down on Lenders
On January 20, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced that its plan to shore up the agency’s capital reserves included stepped up enforcement of its rules and increased supervision of its lenders. Yesterday it released details of the first crackdown. Four mortgage lenders were notified that they were immediately and permanently removed from obtaining FHA approval for loans. Three others were also penalized.   

CBO Says Jobless Rate Won’t Turn Down Until Mid-Year
CBO expects that the unemployment rate, now 10%, will rise before turning down in the second half of the year, averaging 10% in the last three months of 2010.

Posted in Branson/Tri-Lakes Market, News | No Comments »

01/24/2010 by admin.

This information is being written for a cause. It is information to make you more savvy about your pocket book. What do I mean by that? There are only 2 really valuable assets people can have and one of them is NOT a savings account at your bank. Savings accounts are useless because of the low interest rates. I know you likely understand this, too. It’s why I don’t have a savings account.

Let me explain the first valuable asset before moving on to the second one because the second most valuable asset will astound you! The first really valuable asset you can have is real estate. Look all over the internet and you will find millions of websites ready to teach you how to buy and sell real estate to make a fortune. That is one way to go and most people understand that. After all, “home” is a most basic survival need.

You don’t have to be an investor to use real estate as a hedge against inflation. Advice: Plan future security by simply finding a home you love and live in it for 5 or more years. The longer the better. Our grandparents often chose a home and lived there for life. By the time they retired, they had a secure nest egg since their homes were likely paid for and the value had increased over their lifetimes.

In recent years, home owners have sucked the life out of their homes’ equity with home equity loans. This is a bad idea. The equity in your home is not there for paying off bills, making large toy purchases or going on vacation. It is there to secure your future. When you get an equity loan, you have reduced your future to rubble.

There is another, better way to create wealth for retirement, college fund for children, and your personal disaster fund. It is through commodities. Now don’t stop reading… Hang in here with me because I’m going to explain something that took me decades to understand. Why did it take that long? Because I had absolutely no interest in learning the complexities of stocks, bonds, mutual funds. These are only a form of gambling. And I regarded commodities the same way because commodities are usually traded in the stock market. I bet you’re a lot like me. But then one day, my son explained something about gold and silver and I “got it”! Now, I want you to have the opportunity to “get it”, too.

First, let’s start by reviewing what you already probably know. Stocks and currencies are easy to buy and sell. Most people lose money investing/gambling in stocks and currencies because of how quickly the market changes. The old axiom was for peole like me, who are not “day traders”, to just put money in and don’t look at it again. Well, this doesn’t work, does it? A whole lot of people put money into IRAs that were tied to mutual funds that were tied to stocks and now those people have lost not only the money they thought was accumulating, but also many lost the original money they put into the IRA. It is plain this strategy doesn’t work. And for me, a person with no money in the stock market, this was a good lesson and I was glad I never got involved in the stock market.

Commodity trading is just as dangerous and not something I recommend. So, why did I just say commodities can help you create wealth for retirement, college fund for children and your personal disaster fund? It is because only a particular type of commodity is what I’m talking about.

Let me explain commodities so you will have the same epiphany I had. What is a commodity? It is the stuff that comes out of the ground - pure and simple. All kinds of stuff comes out of the ground. The ingredients that make food is a commodity: Wheat, corn, oats, soybeans, etc. Oil is a commodity. Gold, silver and platinum are commodities. Here is a little secret for you to mull over: The truly wealthy people of the world are more heavily invested in commodities than anything else.

Most people can’t store commodities like grain and oil. That is why the best commodities are precious metals especially gold and silver. Ta-dah! The kind of commodity I’m touting here is gold and silver. The average person can create wealth by acquiring lots of gold and silver over time since gold and silver comes in the form of coins and everyone can store these.

Why is gold and silver such a good asset? It is because gold and silver has something called “intrinsic value”. Intrinsic value is different than “monetary value” in that the intrinsic value never changes, but monetary value does. Monetary value is always based on a currency and currencies always change in value, but the intrinsic value never changes.

Let me show you how this is true. In 1963, 1 gold coin would have purchased a nice, good quality suit. The monetary, or dollar value of a suit in 1963 was less than $100. Today, the monetary value of the same, excellent quality suit is almost $1,000. One gold coin will still buy you a good quality suit.

Example 2. In 1963, 2 silver coins would fill your car with gas at $.29/gallon. Today, 2 silver coins worth roughly $20 each will still fill your car with gas at $2.50/gallon or about $40 per tank.

See what I mean? The cost of men’s suits and gas for cars has risen, but the value inherent in gold and silver coins has remained the same. Do you understand that this means if you start buying gold and silver today, you will never have to worry about rising prices? This is an astounding piece of information that is never taught in schools, colleges or anywhere else for that matter, except in TV ads!

It is true that you can’t use silver coins to pay for gas or gold coins to pay for a suit because merchants no longer accept metals. However, the values still remain the same. To buy your suit for 1 gold coin or your gas for 2 silver coins, all you would need to do is visit the coin dealer, sell your coins to him for dollar currency and go buy your suit or gas. Advice: Don’t spend your hard-earned gold or silver.

My philosophy is this: Own a home where you can do as you please (grow food in or on the ground such as vegetables and chickens) AND have a supply of gold and silver coins. If you do this, you will be set for the rest of your life.

Most people don’t know the 2 simple rules of wealth (own your home and have a supply of gold and silver coins). They think securing their future is difficult and costly because the “system” has taught them this. It is not true! It is possible to own a home and acquire gold and silver coins so that when you reach retirement age or have a catastrophic even in your life you will not have to worry.

This is what your savings plan should look like if you’re desperately poor: Set aside $5 per week. That is one McDonald’s meal. At the end of the month, you will have $20. Go buy a .999 fine silver coin with it. Today, January 26, 2010, silver price is $16.86. That means you will have a few dollars left over to add to next month’s silver purchase.

Those with more money than a desperately poor person can institute the purchase of silver more easily on a monthly basis buy buying 5, 10, even 20 silver coins each month. Then, keep adding silver coins every month until you’ve saved about 65 coins. Next step: Convert the silver coins to one gold coin and start the process all over again. The reason to convert to gold is to keep from using up space storing coins.

There is a perk to owning gold and silver. You get to see it and touch it. It is not just a number on a monthly statement. It has REAL value that you get to control simply by deciding how much you want to own!

This is my passion…Teaching people how to have the life they want in these 2 simple ways: Homesteading and owning money that truly IS money! That is why I am a Realtor. I can help people get halfway to their goal of having a secure existence. Thus, the reason for this article.

Posted in Advice For Buyers, Advice For Sellers | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

We are living during a pivotal time in history. The paradigm that Americans once understood is now in flux. This is true economically, politically and socially. It’s the social part that has Realtors stumped.

Being a Realtor,  I, too, have been stumped. What stumps me is how to connect with people. The old way of connecting with people who need to buy or sell a home is less effective now. Connecting used to mean marketing. And marketing used to mean newspaper ads, cold calling on the phone, and radio and TV ads. No longer.

Even the NAR realizes the old way is ineffective.  But, I had to prove it for myself because I’m hard-headed. So, last year, when I moved to the new Brokerage and had to give up all my listings, I was essentially starting from scratch. The first thing I did was start with newspaper ads and post cards.

I discovered that what the experts say is true. The post cards have been more effective than the newspaper ads. Newspaper: Passe’. I needed to learn some new tricks. That is why I now have the new website,  Get-Out-Of-The-City.com and this blog.

Let me tell you after all the work of getting this set up, I learned just today that websites are now ineffective and becoming passe’. Oh, yippee! More late nights to come!

However, I am glad to now know what many competitors do not and will set my feet on the new path. Hmmm….That will be 3 news paths in just the last 6 months. Don’t let anyone tell you the world is not speeding up and spinning out of control.

The Facebook posting seems to be doing well. And my Twitter posts are being watched by more people every day.

I think I’m going to actually enjoy this new paradigm because as much as clients don’t like being “sold”, I don’t like selling. This way, I just get to make friends. And if some of them happen to need to sell or buy a home, that will be icing. The best thing is having the relationships.

This pivotal time could turn out to be wonderful thing.

Posted in Behind The Scenes - Getting Personal | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

To view this home, call Kimberly Rogers at 417-849-7991.

	Click photo or this link to see complete details of this property.
This is a cute and cozy lakeview cabin perfect for any kind of lifestyle whether just weekends or full time. The lake is only a 5 minute walk away and it has pretty winter lake view. Great for investors because this has been an income producing property. Or keep it for your own use. All this place needs to someone to love it and do the cosmetic work. Property is propane ready with a 500 gal tank for easy installation of gas appliances. Call for a showing today.
$79,900
Square Foot Range:	1200 - 1399
# Bedrooms:	2
# Baths:	1.00
Cape Fair

Posted in Properties For Sale | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

This is a fabulous property! It’s a place where you can live where the deer, turkeys and other wildlife roam wild. And there is plenty of wildlife! This is a well-loved home with lots of nice extras like jetted tub, ceramic cooktop stove, custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, a water softener on the shared well, humidifier on the heat pump and 2 garages - one attached, on detached - plus a storage shed. The detached garage has 10′ doors, an extra workshop and is for RV, boat and other “toy” storage. The circular drive provides easy, convenient access. The home is easy to find and close enough to town for shopping, schools and activities while still being in the country. This place is perfect for a private country lifestyle. There are 4.6 acres total that are currently being subdivided. The house and 1.6 acres are listed for $179,900. The other 3 acres can be purchased for $19,900. The boat is also for sale: $16,000. Public boat launch only 1 mile away. Call Kimberly Rogers at 417-849-7991 or Tony Reid at 417-338-2549 to schedule a showing today!

Street view upon approach to property.	Lake view.
Circular drive approaching home.	Front of home.
Side view of home.	View #1 of land.
View #2 of land.	View #3 of land.
Feeding troughs for the deer that visit.	One of several birdfeeders for the birds that visit.
A stand of trees where the deer and turkey play.	Another stand of trees for the deer and turkeys.
A beautiful old and healthy cedar tree.	The front porch.
Walkway to the front porch and entry.	Another view of the front porch.
Living room view #1.	Living room view #2.
Breakfast nook in kitchen.	View of ceramic cooktop stove/range.
View of sink and dishwasher area.	Full kitchen view and view of custom cabinets.
Dining area.	Master Bedroom.
Master bath.	Whirlpool jetted tub.
Custom bathroom cabinets.	Bathroom counter and custom cabinets.
Bedroom #2.	Bedroom #3 being used as office & storage.
Back patio.	2-car attached garage.
2-dar detached garage with 10′ doors for RV entry.	Another view of detached garage.
Side door to shop area of detached garage.	Interior view of detached garage from side door.
Detached garage interior.	Another view of detached garage interior.
Boat for sale. $16,000. 2006. 75 horse. 4-stroke. Call for details.	Additional storage building next to detached garage.

Posted in Properties For Sale | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

The new FHA guidelines may bring consternation to most sellers, but it shouldn’t. Tightening the money will have a good effect on the real estate market. Expect prices to stabilize instead of falling further and expect these new guidelines to bring better qualified buyers to your home.

Posted in Branson/Tri-Lakes Market, Advice For Sellers, News | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

These two stories:

FHA plans to require borrowers to produce more cash for down payments
The Federal Housing Administration plans to increase the amount of up-front cash paid by all new borrowers and to require higher down payments from those with the poorest credit, according to agency officials

and

FHA Increases Upfront MIP Fee; Raises Credit Score Requirement; Reduces Seller Concessions
As promised in December, the Federal Housing Administration has announced the details of changes intended to strengthen its capital reserves which were reported to be headed into dangerously low territory late last year

may be causing buyers some consternation.

Buyers with poor credit will be the most impacted in the short term, but in the long term, buyers will be helped if FHA’s tactic works. Why is this? It is because the market will tighten up again, the dollar will strengthen and home prices will stabilize. This will make it possible for buyers with poor credit to establish good credit and will also give them time to save money for the down payment.

We must not think that the Aermican dream of homeownership is dead. In the early days of America, buyers bought homes with cash. There were far less mortgages in those days. And we may be headed there again.

It wasn’t until after WWII that the mortgage expanded to what we see today. So in the long run, buyers will find themselves in a better position than their parents in that the current economy will have forced them into frugality and saving, habits that will allow them to pay cash for homes or pay larger down payments  and have less mortgage to pay off.

Every downturn has a benefit and I believe this future benefit to buyers will be significant.

Posted in Branson/Tri-Lakes Market, Advice For Buyers, News | No Comments »

01/21/2010 by admin.

I am sometimes asked by people who are not in the real estate market to buy or sell why I send this information. My answer is that there are only two true economic market factors. These are real estate and metal prices (gold and silver, especially gold). The rise and fall of these two markets are indicators of the actual value of the dollars in your own pocket. It is these that more directly influence the inflationary prices on the grocery store shelves than any other indicators, including the stock market. Know what your dollars hold in store for you by watching these two markets.

These headlines pertain mostly to real estate because gold has begun to stabilize. See the report at Reuters.com. This could be good news for a strengthening dollar, which in turn is good for consumers looking to avert further inflation.

This newsletter is designed to help you stay informed at a glance so that you can prepare for the possibilities.

Housing starts fall, but permits soar
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Home construction fell in December, government data showed Wednesday, while the number of building permits issued in the month rose. Construction of new homes fell to an annual rate of 557,000 during the month, down 4% from the revised November rate of 580,000, the Commerce Department said.

Harder to get an Uncle Sam mortgage
Federal Housing Administration tightens standards for loans to reduce risk and restore its ravaged finances. But the downpayment remains a low 3.5% for most borrowers.

Homebuyer tax credit: No e-file and four-month delays
Good news homebuyers: You can file for your $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit again.
Bad news: You still can’t e-file your taxes if you want the cash. And there are long delays.

Going Green Trims Taxes
Installing energy-efficient home improvements like windows and doors in your principal residence will qualify you for a tax credit.

FHA plans to require borrowers to produce more cash for down payments
The Federal Housing Administration plans to increase the amount of up-front cash paid by all new borrowers and to require higher down payments from those with the poorest credit, according to agency officials.

FHA Increases Upfront MIP Fee; Raises Credit Score Requirement; Reduces Seller Concessions
As promised in December, the Federal Housing Administration has announced the details of changes intended to strengthen its capital reserves which were reported to be headed into dangerously low territory late last year. 

Entrepreneurs turn housing bust into boom
One of the most far-reaching results of the market fall was a tidal wave of sheer bias against any businesses involved in the housing market. Some businesses re-branded successfully, but many more failed and closed shop. Some businesses, however, were able to ride the waves of change rather than drowning beneath them.

Get more information at my blog and at my website. And you can follow me on Kimberly Rogers

and

.Your friend in the business,
Kimberly Rogers
417-849-7991

Posted in Branson/Tri-Lakes Market, News | No Comments »

01/14/2010 by admin.

2009 was a banner year for foreclosures. Unfortunately for individual sellers, this is very bad news. The reason is because the market is already glutted with lowered home prices, but that is isn’t even the worst of it. There are more homes still to be brought onto the market that will further lower real estate prices. But there are things sellers can do.

If you’re thinking of selling in 2010, do not delay in getting your home on the market. The selling season has not yet begun, so the sooner you get your home ready and listed, the better your chances of selling.

Start right away to do those little fix ups. Here are a few to consider:

1)  Good yard maintenance greatly boosts curb appeal.

2)  Fresh paint makes a home look upgraded even when no other remodeling has  been done.

3)  Trim trees and plants from the entrance.

4)  Put in a new flower bed.

5)  Clean the windows.

6)  Put a new welcome mat at the main entrance.

7)  Put up a new mailbox.

8)  Add outdoor lighting.

The biggest tip is to simply keep your house clean inside and out. The appearance of a home can make or break a deal. It can also cost you as much as $10,000 on an incoming offer. The extra effort made to keep things clean will pay off.