Sunny Side Up

Industry professionals are starting to smile again — and breathe a sigh of relief — as more people are showing interest in buying at the Lake.
 
Whether it’s a condo, villa, townhome or single-family residence, builders, developers and real estate agents are seeing more confidence in potential buyers. “I’ve been pretty happy with the number of people coming through,” says Al Wilson, owner of Wilson Realty and developer of Oak Ridge Bay, a townhome/villa lakefront development that opened three years ago. “I’ve had a lot of interest and traffic,” he says, which has him looking on the bright side. “I see activity and sales closings lakewide on a daily basis, so it’s just a matter of time.”

Mark Kelly, agent for Re/Max at the Lake, agrees that buyers are pulling the trigger this year as opposed to sitting on the fence. “We’re on the road to recovery,” he says. Kelly is also the builder/developer for Sunset Palms and developer consultant for Millstone Condos, and though he doesn’t have any new projects in the works, he’s seeing more foot traffic in his condo developments, both of which have plans to expand next year.

Sheri English, sales director for Old Kinderhook, a residential golf and lake community, also says it’s a great time to buy at the Lake, especially with such low interest rates, great financing packages and home selections, plus they work with lenders who are always willing to help. “There’s more optimism, many more inquires, and sales are definitely up more than last year and in all categories,” she says. In fact, Old Kinderhook already started building new maintenance-free villas — the first was completed in August (as of print date). There will be a total of 10 new buildings for 20 units.

“We know the market is on the mend, and we want to be prepared with new product,” says Jennifer Bachman, director of marketing for Old Kinderhook. “We are looking at this as an opportunity market.”

While there are still some hazy days, it’s safe to say the Lake definitely is seeing more sunshine — on and off the water. “It’s not rebounding quickly enough for anybody, but we’re glad to see things turning around,” English remarks. “That’s sparking a lot of good vibes for us.”

Try one of these communities:

• Bella Terra Villas, Located on MM past Porta Cima and the Villages, $349,000-$499,000, 573.374.1302  www.bellaterravillas.com

• Blue Anchor Bay Condos, Located at the ½ mile marker on the Gravois arm, $179,900-$259,900, 573.372.0022  www.blueanchorbaycondos.com

• The Hamptons at the Lake, Located at the 18 mile marker in Osage Beach, $350,000-$450,000, 573.302.2355  www.thehamptonsatthelake.com

• Le Reve Estates, Located at the 21 mile marker in Osage Beach, $375,000-$1,100,000, 573.216.2957  www.johnfarrell.com

• Monarch Cove Condos, Located at the 2 mile marker on Horseshoe Bend Parkway, $185,000-$290,000, 573.365.3328

• Mystic Bay Condos, Located on Highway 54-49 in Osage Beach, $293,000-$358,900, 573.374.1140  www.mysticbaylo.com

• Nichols View Estates, Located at the 19 mile marker, $105,850-$528,500, 402.333.1462  www.mcneilcompany.com

• Oak Hill Forest, Located 5 miles north of Osage Beach, $139,000-$225,000, 573.365.9444  www.oakhillforest.com

• Osage National Golf Resort, Located on Osage Hills Road in Lake Ozark, $144,900-$151,900, 573.365.1950  www.osagenational.com

• Pointe Royale Condos, Located at the 4 mile marker of the Big Niangua arm, $120,000-$195,000, 573.365.3330  www.pointeroyalecondos.net

• The Riviera Condominiums, Located at Business 54 and Horseshoe Bend Parkway, $342,000-$499,000 573.302.2355

• Royale Palms Vista, Off Highway 5 on the 35 mile marker, $199,000-$263,000, 573.374.2222 

• Sunset Palms, Located by the Hurricane Deck Bridge at the 35 mile marker, $150,000-$350,000, 573.374.9915  www.sunsetpalmscondos.com

• Tuscany Condominiums, Located at the 31 mile marker on Lake Road 5-89, $200,000-$340,000, 573.873.5678