This past weekend, I held an open house at a foreclosure listing in Lebanon MO. The property is a four bedroom, 3 full bath home in a quiet neighborhood, at the end of a cul-de-sac. Asking Price:     $144,900         I almost did not write about my weekend. Then I read Patricia Kennedy's post, Please Don't Preview My Open House And Whine About The Market!  and decided to share my experience. First, let me say, public open houses are not common in the Lebanon MO area. We've seen more in the last three months than we probably had in all of 2006 or in 2007. Being a rural area, this has not been a common tool for listing agents. Because this home is located in town, offers a lot of square footage and a reasonable price, I decided to hold the home open on Saturday and on Sunday. I had a f... 10/13/2008

Back in July, I wrote a post celebrating the gas prices in Lebanon, Missouri and reasons why you would want to move here - we were paying $3.39 a gallon at that time. I was so excited! You can see those photos HERE.A potential buyer stopped at our United Country office in Lebanon MO first thing this morning, raving about our gas prices. They were from Kansas; when they filled up to leave their home, they paid just under three and a half a gallon. I thought it was worth a trip down the street to grab a few photos to share with you. I never thought we would see gas under $3.00 a gallon - or at least not for a very long time. Just another reason to move to Lebanon, Marshfield or Buffalo Missouri. Call or email me today, we'll get you started! 10/03/2008

    Finally!      It's here!       Hip Hip Hurray!For many years, members of the Lebanon Board of Realtors have used a local real estate guide as a form of local advertising. The guide has ranged from 50 pages all the way up to 170 pages! We've gone from black and white pages to a mix to now all color. And, finally, we've gone on line!Published every two months, the guide hits the stands the first Friday of the even numbered months. (Got that?) The on line version will be updated the week before the actual print version is available. But, there are other important features of the on line guide: Search by town Search by name Search by price Download a page as a PDF Print a homes guide page to take with you Print an ad to reference later Email links are "hot" - ask your question or schedu... 09/29/2008

Lebanon Missouri played host to the 8th Annual Route 66 Festival on Saturday, September 20th, 2008. The event actually kicked off on Friday night with a Cruise-In sponsored by Steak-n-Shake of Lebanon. Then on Saturday, from 9 am until 4 pm, the Cowan Civic Center, located on Historic Route 66, played host to a classic car show, motorcycle show, vendors and new vehicle exhibits. DJ's proved music in the morning and a live band hit the stage at noon. One of my favorite Lebanon caterer's, Maria's Route 66 Cafe, provided the concessions. My Lebanon MO United Country office is right across the street from the Cowan Civic Center, so the kids and I were able to see a few of the classic cars before the rain sent us indoors. Since we were in the mood to get our "Kicks on Route 66" we drove over... 09/22/2008

A few days ago, I wrote a post Summing it all up: New Tax Credit For "First Time Home Buyers". In the post I referred back to a post written by George Souto, which summarized the New Tax Credit Bill, which goes into effect on October 1st. 2008. One of the reasons I wrote the post: I was shocked that a First Time Home Buyer was defined as someone who has not owned interest in a home in the last three years. To me, that seemed like a very short time frame. I expected the time frame to be greater - five years, perhaps. Sharon Simms left a very interesting comment on my post: Debbie - that's good information for your buyers. Are you targeting First Time Home-buyers (or, Buyers Who Haven't Owned a Home in 3 Years)? Often what you blog about, is what you attract. That got me thinking... I fe... 09/14/2008

Missouri "Bond Money" is a loan program offered through the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Bond money allows residents planning on living in their home to obtain assistance with their purchase (meaning: the home cannot be for investment purposes/rental) Money is limited so the Missouri Housing Development Commission "announces" money and rates. Thanks to Darren Stewart with OakStar Bank for posting about new bond money and new rates. You can read his post here: Missouri Bond Loans - Major announcement !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CASH assistance available in Missouri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are guidelines for the buyers income and for the property. A certified loan officer can assist you with all the particulars of the program. Darren is located in the Ozark area of Missouri, or you can s... 09/05/2008

I'm sitting at my laptop, on-line via my cell phone. Satellite TV on in the background, coming from the living room. Sounds of the Wii float through the air from the kids playing down the hall. Last Thursday a storm took out our router box, used for our high speed Internet connection. The box exploded into pieces - thanks to a summer storm, complete with show stopping lightening. We used a box from our Marshfield office over the weekend, but that box had to go back this morning, so business could resume after the holiday. UPS has yet to bring us our new box for our home. (Read: so our four computers can be connected to the world via the WORLD WIDE WEB) Sitting here, I have to wonder - what did we do with our time before the Internet? before satellite TV? before the Wii, PS2 and Nintendo... 09/02/2008

Sen. Barack Obama makes tentative stop in Lebanon MO a realityJuly 30, 2008   All seemed back to normal this morning at the Bell Restaurant, located right off I-44 on Elm Street in Lebanon MO. Yesterday, the scene was much, much different. Presidential contender Senator Barack Obama made a tentative visit a reality - stopping at our local diner for lunch. Sen. Obama was making his way across Missouri, from Springfield to Rolla.       For those that know me, it's hard to believe I missed this opportunity. I am a huge presidential buff, collecting Richard Nixon memorabilia, having the opportunity to see Ronald Reagan in Illinois some years back and just fascinated in general with American politics. History was made, and I wasn't there! Billie, one of our agents, came into the office wonde... 07/31/2008

  According to their website, Tractor Supply Company is the largest retail farm and ranch store brand in America -  owning and operating more than 750 stores in over 40 states. They supply daily farm and ranch supplies to their target customer base: farmers, horse owners, ranchers, hobby farmers and part time farmers as well as rural homeowners. Ironically enough, their target customer base is exactly the same as mine. Our two offices cater to the country lifestyle, specifically to people who are horse owners, hobby farmers and rural homeowners. Or specifically to those outside our area that want to live like this!While I don't have any "employees", I have heard that TSC will employ as many as 95 people in their new Lebanon Missouri store. TSC is located within the city limits, purchasi... 07/28/2008

This afternoon, I showed my new listing for the first time. In fact, the listing only went up on my website last night. The first call came in mid morning today.After we figured out we could not get into the home (a story for another time), the clients and I stood in the front yard, chatting about work, school and our kids. Almost ready to go our separate ways, my client Katie looked down to find a four leaf clover! In true Yankee fashion, I had to admit I had never seen a "real live" four leaf clover and had to grab my camera. A few minutes later and only a few feet away, her husband found another four leaf clover! Two in one afternoon, in the same front yard! Katie said I could pick them if I wanted to - but she thinks picking them is bad luck. I left them there for the next person to... 07/26/2008

  Just in case I haven't convinced you that you'll Find Your Freedom in South Central Missouri....If you're still sitting on the fence, thinking it would be great to live here... Little to no crime...Good to great schools...Lots of things to do and see....Easy drive to St. Louis and Kansas City...A calendar full of four true seasons...Low taxes...Open land...How about this.... A gallon of gas for $3.39! ** If you don't want to wait in line at the Shell station, across the street at Martin's One Stop, there is no waiting at $3.42 a gallon. 07/26/2008

History tells us that in 1820, Jesse Ballew was one of the first white settlers to call, what was later to become Laclede County, home. In the years to come, more settlers followed. Land was surveyed to create Laclede County. In 1849 Lebanon was created as the county seat of Laclede County Missouri.Lebanon has a rich history of homes and buildings used for business. Many of the historic homes have been well cared for and remain today. Since Lebanon and Laclede County have limited zoning laws, many of the historic homes are currently being used as Bed and Breakfasts, hair salons, tea rooms, offices or antique stores. Your imagination is probably the only limitation! Here is a sampling of five historic homes available in Lebanon MO:2001 Beck Lane, Lebanon, MO 65536MLS# 15875$495,000Built ... 07/18/2008

Most of Missouri participates in electric cooperatives. These are local, member owned and member controlled electric companies. My home and our Lebanon office belong to the Laclede Electric Cooperative and our Marshfield office belongs to the Webster Electric Cooperative. Each year, there is an annual meeting, where members of the co-op elect their board of directors, learn about the direction of the co-op and possibly receive a "capital credit" check - money given back to the members, similar to a dividend check. When I first moved to this area, I was always surprised to receive energy saving tips in with my electric bill and at the annual meeting. Most businesses are focused on making money. Why would our electric company want us to save money? Simple. It is member owned and operated.... 07/12/2008

Several times a week I am asked, "Why did you move to Missouri?" or "Why did you move to Lebanon, Missouri?" I usually give the standard answer, "My parents moved here. I wanted my children to be near their grandparents." Nothing in life is that simple, is it? No not really. Our reasons for moving really are more complex than that. I grew up in a suburb of Chicago.Back "in the day" we had a quite community, a close knit family. I could walk to the mall with friends. I could go to the store and be greeted by name. I couldn't get away with skipping school - someone who knew my parents would for sure see me and tell. I couldn't say I was going one place and end up somewhere else - my parents always found out!With growth, comes change. My town became part of the high tech corridor and ballo... 07/10/2008

Specialist James Finley, of Lebanon Missouri, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan a little more than a week ago, on May 31, 2008. Yesterday, Spc. Finley drove down Jefferson Avenue, a main drag in Lebanon Missouri for the last time. He made the journey from Heritage Baptist Temple on the north side of town to Mount Rose Cemetery, on the south side of town. Yet, he was not alone. Family,friends and complete strangers joined Spc. Finley. The Patriot Guard, over 20 strong, escorted the procession, along with local fire and police. Jefferson Avenue was lined with people, from near and far.  The procession was almost two miles long.  Businesses closed.  Wal-Mart shut and locked its doors. On Monday afternoon, it wasn't about making money. Local business owners joined together to bu... 06/10/2008

My Active Rain friend Michael Thornton recently posted a photo of mushrooms growing in a new construction home. (Read Michael's post HERE)I have to admit, I wrote a nice comment but inside, I had a nice chuckle. Mushrooms growing in a home? Crazy...Fast forward to May 5th, 2008 in Lebanon, Missouri. An investor I work with stopped by the office; he wanted to see a foreclosure property I have listed in downtown Lebanon. This historical building has been vacant for many years, as the property was in a lawsuit due to the foreclosure.All ready old, sitting empty has not been kind to this building.As my investor walked through the property, I stood by the door. The leaking roof has left the building smelling less than rosy.  Laughter caught my attention... Mushrooms held it.Never had I seen ... 05/05/2008

   Stats are from the Lebanon Board of REALTORS MLS system,January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007andJanuary 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008RESIDENTIAL:2007                       69 solds                              $8,520,491 total "sold" prices                               High: $531,700                              Low: $27,000                              Average DOM: 131                              Largest Parcel: 80 acres 2008                       68 solds                              $8,163,393 total "sold" prices                              High: $425,000                              Low: $10,500                              Average DOM: 158                              Largest Parcel: 150 acres                                LAND:2007                       16 solds          ... 04/05/2008

It was 11:55 this morning and I heard the sound of my cell phone ring above the storm sirens that had been sounding for about 15 minutes. It was Ozzy's "Dreamer" coming through the tiny speaker on the phone and I know it isn't family calling. I have this tone set for numbers my phone does not recognize. For a brief moment, I wonder if I should stop gathering up essentials and see who is calling in the middle of the storm. I answer and hear the sound of my daughter's voice asking "Mom? You're not cleaning are you?" I have a habit of cleaning the house in the middle of bad storms and tornado watches. I chuckle and ask "where are you?". She giggles and says "under a table with everyone piled up on top of me." She was in a class at school. I feel that is a safe place for her. A few hours la... 03/31/2008

A generalized cleaning will not remove the toxic waste and chemical residue of Meth production. Do not try to clean it yourself! Even law enforcement and other first responders face health risks when they enter a lab before it is cleaned or ventilated, unless they are protected by Haz-Mat gear. If not properly decontaminated, anyone who moves into a former lab site will be exposed to all the health dangers associated with Meth, as mentioned in part 1 of this series.  There are five major methods of an indoor meth lab cleanup. The method used will depend on the what chemicals are found, the processes used, and how long the lab was active. It is possible in rare cases, that the building be demolished in order to clean up the contaminates. Most situations, though, will require a combinatio... 03/28/2008

The ingredients used to make methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories are generally household products that by themselves present little danger, but when combined can have serious toxic and explosive effects.If you came in contact with a methamphetamine lab operation, how would you know it? What ingredients and equipment would be present? What should you do if you find a meth lab? Learn the signs of a potential Meth lab to protect your family and your property from catastrophic damage: A strong smell that might resemble urine, or an unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone.Little or no traffic during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours.Extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors.Residents never putting their trash out.Lab materials surrounding... 03/27/2008