The slump in housing sales across the nation trickled down to the Tri-Lakes area in    the last half of 2008. Residential property sales were down 26% as compared to sales in 2007. Many people wish to move here, but are held back by the real estate market in their area and, in some cases, the decrease in their investments. Average sales price of residential/condo listings decreased less than one-half percent. Also, these listings sold for 94.4% of list price. The price range with the most sales was the $100,000 to $200,000 range. Home sales in the $300,000+ range saw the least activity, accounting for only 15% of all sales. Our company, Tri-Lakes Realtors, was again the top company in the area. Our firm had the largest number of sales and also the most sales volume in comparison to... 02/13/2009

It was recently announced by Branson city officials that three new businesses will soon be built in Branson Hills. Pizza Hut, Dollar Tree, and Quizno's Subs will be built next to the Wendy's on Branson Hills Parkway. For the fourth straight year, Branson has surpassed over $100 million in new construction. For 2008, the city's data shows a total of $102 million in new construction. Our community continues to be an area of growth and expansion, attracting several new businesses in the past few years and, hopefully, for years to come. In light of the national media's coverage of doom and gloom, it's nice to hear of economic growth. 02/04/2009

Taney County is one step closer to an east-west corridor road. The Taney County Commission recently voted to put an issue on the April 7th ballot concerning a 4.5 mile road which would connect Hollister to Kirbyville. Voters will be able to vote on a 1/4 cent sales tax to pay for the project. Currently, the only way to Kirbyville is via Highway 76 east or through BB Highway to Coon Creek Road to east 76. This new road would help ease traffic congestion in downtown Branson and on the Lake Taneycomo bridge. However, are the voters willing to incur more sales tax to build this road? We'll find out in April. 02/02/2009

  There is a new name for luxury in Branson Missouri…D’Monaco.  Featuring unique Villas in an exclusive Mediterranean style, the resort at D’Monaco offers panoramic lake views from every two or three bedroom Villa.   Branson’s luxury destination on Table Rock Lake offers the accommodations and amenities to offer you the finest vacation anywhere   Below is a short video tour of the Villas at D’Monaco and all it has to offer. Follow link to original post on EXIT Real Estate 540 Whether you are in Branson for a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends, or a wedding…D’Monaco offers guests high-end luxury accommodations, dining, and activities that will leave you rejuvenated and stress free.  Below is a pricing breakdown for Villa Rentals: For additional information on D’Monaco’s Luxury Reso... 02/02/2009

This Monday started out as any Monday, planning to do floor duty, packing a lunch thinking I will be there all day to work on print ads. Well, things must be changing with the market here, or buyers are finally getting in tune with the lower than low interest rates...What are they 4.8% or so? The phones were ringing off the hook and usually Mondays have been very slow since most lookers are on their way back home from Branson. Had a new client that was using our web-site BransonHomeExpert.comfor a long time, decided to interview for a job and look for real estate in the same trip, his first time here. I showed him some great condos, starting with Stonebridge, where you can get a two bedroom with lock-out for 88K,(click link**) very nice! You also have a gated community and a golf course... 01/19/2009

This sunset brought a smile to my face on a cold winter day! Hope it does the same for you! 01/16/2009

We're honored to start another New Year with Harriet Leenerts. Harriet is a Broker who has been with the Gerken & Associates sales' team for over 30 years! She has an admired history of dedication to client satisfaction and served as President of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors. Through good markets and bad, Harriet has been through it all. The national news may claim it's a rough time to be in real estate, but not in our office. Things are rockin' along as normal. Happy New Years to all! 01/15/2009

The Vacation Channel featured Charlie Gerken on the station's popular series, "Branson Community Connection". Recently, Charlie was invited to participate in an interview and lively discussion with TV host, Kathryn Buckstaff regarding the local real estate market. The Vacation Channel is available on local cable TV in more than 47,000 homes and lodging accommodations, with an audience of visitors and Branson area residents. 01/15/2009

Gerken & Associates donated their time in revolving shifts to CAM (Christian Action Ministries) for the 20th Annual Holiday Food Harvest. The annual food drive was set up at area grocery stores located throughout Branson to help meet the needs of our citizens. Several local business organizations volunteered to help deliver the donated food and items. By the end of the day, numerous truck loads were donated, making it one of the most successful food drives ever! 01/15/2009

Jon Holloway, Jay Jones, Jeff and Charlie Gerken participated in the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors Chili cook-off competition. Entries were submitted in the "hot & spicy" "white bean" and "normal" chili categories. Although our chili didn't take first place, we had a great time participating and will be working diligently to perfecting our recipes. Special thanks to the Farmhouse Restaurant for providing an awesome kitchen to prepare our entries. 01/15/2009

The majority of agents at Gerken & Associates are now Realtors for Green Living (RGL). RGL is comprised of members of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors who have a passion for living green. Each RGL member has taken a "Green Living" class and the oath to "Live Today to Help Save Tomorrow." RGL is a community minded group looking to do its part in preserving and restoring the Tri-Lakes area and educating its citizens. 01/15/2009

Gerken & Associates Realtors donated auctioneering services for the Christian Action Ministries Butterfly Ball & Benefit Auction held at Chateau on the Lake. The auction featured the top 25 favorite butterfly sculptures which were sponsored by local businesses and turned into creative masterpieces by talented area artists. This community-wide project was created to benefit Christian Action Ministries and their service efforts in Taney County. 01/15/2009

Congratulations Kay Gerken! Kay was honored as the 2008 "Realtor of the Year" at the Missouri Association of Realtors Business Conference. Candidates were evaluated on the basis of their activity in civic affairs, activity in the Realtor Association at the local, state and national levels, and business accomplishments. Kay's husband, Duane Gerken received Missouri's "Realtor of the Year" award in 2001. 01/15/2009

Good job guys! Jon Holloway and Jay Jones recently completed and passed the GRI-403 and GRI-401 course and exams. The two day course, included topics ranging from current residential financing information, financing fundamentals of Conventional, FHA, VA, ARMs and current innovative financing techniques. In total, there are six agents at Gerken & Associates who have earned their GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designations. 01/15/2009

Third Annual Ice Carving EventJanuary 17, 2009 Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.http://titanicbranson.comLocation:  The Titanic MuseumPhone:  800-381-7670Admission:  FREECome watch the world's most celebrated ice sculptors chisel 250-pound blocks of ice into fantastic designs. This free one-day event is held in Titanic's outdoor entertainment center (at the ship's bow). Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord - Branson Veterans Task ForceJanuary 28, 2009 http://bransonveterans.comPhone:  417-337-8387A moving ceremony marks the day in 1973 when America's longest and most controversial war came to an end. Time and location TBD. Masters Fishing TournamentJanuary 31, 2009 http://www.lilleyslanding.comLocation:  Lilleys' Landing Resort and Marina on Lake TaneycomoPhone:  888-545-5397Admission:  The entry... 01/12/2009

Condo or home, which is better? If you are interested in a vacation home in Branson you might consider these. I had a chance to preview some properties today that would make a great second home and would be a terrific investment since you are allowed to do your own rental program. Some of these usually rent for 200-250 a night.  A good friend of mine and co-worker Jeramie Worley of Realty Executives has the listing for this development on  Table Rock Lake. Jeramie actually owns one of the cabins and made great money even in the low season from October-December doing his own rental program on-line. I went out to visit Jeramie today and he gave me the grand tour of each of the units listed below. The development is beautiful, and I was so impressed with it, I thought many of my buyers wou... 01/06/2009

There are several things to be aware of when purchasing a foreclosed home from the lender.  You need to be prepared as the process is quite different than purchasing from an individual. •1.    There will be no sellers disclosure. Most of the time, the bank/lender has never even seen the home. Therefore, they know nothing about the condition, age of home, past repairs, etc. •2.    You are purchasing the home "as is." The seller will not make any repairs. Consequently, it is a good idea to have an inspection or thoroughly check the home over if you are experienced in home repair. •3.    The seller will not accept any offers contingent upon the sale of your home. •4.    You will need to have been pre-approved by a lender or provide a letter from a financial institution stating that you hav... 12/20/2008

A great resource for locating a lakefront or lakeview home, condo, or lot on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo is at www.branson-lakehomes.com The website only shows Lake property listings that have a video through youtube or google videos. Real estate agents can upload their Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo video listings for free at http://www.branson-lakehomes.com/input.html   12/19/2008

Affordable Branson condo only a minute from the Branson Landing! Great location, 3 bedroom 2 bath, 1080 square feet excluding garage. This Condo is being sold below appraised value. Call Today! Address: 150 Scholars Court, Suite A Sales Price: $99,500 Type: Residential Style: Single Story "Condo" Development Level: Built Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garage: Single, Detached Size: 1,080 sq. ft. "Plus Garage" Lot Type: Rectangular Year Built: 2007 Condo Fees: $75.00 12/01/2008

The Ozarks Regions has unsurpassed, unique, special beauty that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Usually described as Mountains, the Ozarks actually consist of many different types of terrain; hills and hollows, forests and meadows, bluffs and valleys.   This legendary beauty is presented in the gently rolling hillsides, mysterious caves, and clear lakes and streams. In the spring, the hills come to life with the blooms of redbud and dogwood trees. Wildflowers sprinkle the hills and also can be seen along the highways and secondary roads that wind slowly through the hills. Summers are filled with rich, green colors of dense forests. Oak trees are predominant; however, a variety of other hardwoods intermingled with cedar and pine trees share the forests. Fall is a burst of red... 12/01/2008