Friday, May 27, 2016

7 Little Known Facts About Memorial Day

While it may be fun to crank up the BBQ grill for the first time this season and hit the Lake with your boat that's been calling your name since you put it away for winter, it's important to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day Weekend. Many men and women died serving our country so that we would have the freedom to take these long, fun weekends. In honor of the upcoming holiday, the best vacation rental company at Lake of the Ozarks has put together a list of little known facts about Memorial Day:

1. Memorial Day originated following the Civil War. 


Memorial Day was the response to an unprecedented massacre of the Civil War, where nearly 620,000 soldiers from both sides died. The loss of so many lives led to spontaneous commemorations across the country.

2. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. 


To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate the graves of the fallen with flowers, flags and wreaths.

3. Memorial Day used to be on May 30 each year. 


In 1971, the date Memorial Day was celebrated on shifted from May 30 to the last Monday in May. The main reason for the shift was the create an extended weekend for the holiday.

4. Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday, not a "National Holiday." 


When first adopted, Memorial Day was a federal holiday and therefore, only applied to federal employees and the District of Columbia. For everyone else, the holiday was enacted by each individual state, starting with New York.

5. On the Thursday before Memorial Day, soldiers visit graves of the fallen in Arlington National Cemetery.


Not only do soldiers from the 3rd infantry visit the graves of the fallen, they place flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington. They also patrol the cemetery 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing.

6. Waterloo, New York is said to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. 


While Waterloo is most widely recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day, there's still quite a debate going about it. Other towns, such as Boalsburg, PA, also try to claim the title.

7. In December 2000, a law was passed to have a moment of silence at 3 pm on Memorial Day. 


To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, the “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” was passed. It encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Your Lake Vacation wishes you a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! If you're still in need of last minute accommodations for the holiday weekend, give us a call at 877-284-0267 now. We still have availability in several great condos and waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Investing in Vacation Property at Lake of the Ozarks

So far in 2016, we've gotten a ton of calls from investors looking at vacation rental properties at the Lake of the Ozarks. In light of all the people currently looking at investment property, Your Lake Vacation has decided to revise an earlier blog on investing in a vacation rental home. Before you make your home purchase, talk to a professional at our property management company to make sure you know what you're in for!

Investment Perspective


By investing in a vacation rental property, the owner can do two things: off-set some of the property expenses like the mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc. and also use the Lake of the Ozarks home or condo as a vacation property for their own family and friends. When it comes to owning a vacation rental property, having the proper perspective will make all the difference in your experience. Very few properties will completely pay for themselves through the rental income. So if you can't afford any added expenses to what you already have, you're probably better off not buying. However, if you are just looking to off-set some of your expenses (and I would say in most cases at least half of your total expenses would normally be covered by your rental income), then you will have a positive experience.

Return on Investment 


When it comes to investments, most people are interested in the return they'll be getting from it. Let's look at the basics when it comes to getting a return at the Lake of the Ozarks. Keep in mind that our vacation rental season, compared to coastal locations, is relatively short. At the Lake, we're looking at around 90 days for the season and depending on the type of property, you might only get weekend rentals for the most part. There are only 15 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, if you have a nice property in a great location, you'll get a few rentals outside of the prime season too. Just keep in mind that 80% of your rentals will fall within that 90 day period.

Running the Numbers


For an example, let's look at a 2-bedroom condo at the Lake of the Ozarks. The average selling price right now for a 2-bedroom waterfront condo in the Osage Beach area is still right around $123,000. Based on a 30 year mortgage at 4.5% interest and a 20% downpayment, your monthly payments would come out around $490. A typical, nice 2-bedroom condo rents for around $175 per night in the summer. You can expect around 40 summer nights and around 10 off-season nights (in the $140 per night range). That gives you around $8,400 for the season. Your average cost is going be somewhere around $11,000 for the year. That total includes your mortgage, insurance, taxes, quarterly assessments and electricity. Also, over time, you will need to set aside some of your earnings to update your property, repaint, replace worn items, etc. Depending on what Lake of the Ozarks property management company you go through, you're going to give 35-40% of your rental income to them. That leaves you with around $5,000 to $5,500 in net income from rentals. Even if you manage the property yourself, you will, in most cases, come up a bit short.

If you are looking to cover some of your expenses, like your electric, insurance and taxes, then you are probably going to find the experience a lot more satisfying than if you need your rental income to cover your mortgage and assessments. Thinking about investing in vacation property at the Lake? Give Your Lake Vacation a call at 573-365-3367 before you buy. We'll discuss your options, estimate your annual income based on similar properties on our program, and find a solution that works best for you!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  
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Monday, May 9, 2016

4 Bedroom Waterfront Home in Horseshoe Bend Area

Pawnee 204 - 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath


This beautiful waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks boasts plenty of parking, including a garage. Enter the house on the mid-level, where you will find the kitchen including all major appliances and everything else you would need for your stay! 

Lakeside Living


The open concept lakeside living and dining area includes dining seating for 6, seating for 6 in the living area along with fireplace, a flat screen TV and DVD player. 

Main Floor 


Just off the main level is a deck which includes seating for 8 people. The main level also includes the master bedroom with a queen bed, flat screen TV and private bathroom. Upstairs you will find the first guest bedroom with 2 queen sized beds and a flat screen TV. Guest bedroom 3 includes a queen bed, flat screen TV and a computer desk. These bedrooms share an adjoining bathroom. 

Lower Level


Downstairs you will find a game table and wet bar in the family room with sectional and fireplace with flat screen TV and DVD player. Another deck just off the family room includes seating for 4 people. The final guest bedroom includes a queen sized bed, flat screen TV and adjacent guest bathroom. 

Home Extras 


The oversized laundry room not only includes the washer and dryer, but an extra refrigerator for drinks and snacks. Outside, enjoy the decks and yard all the way down to the covered dock. The boat dock has 2 slips and a swim platform.  There's plenty of parking at this home as well, so bring the entire family!

This beautiful Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental is new to our program and we're looking to book it up. Call 877-284-0267 to make your reservations today! Whether you're looking for a nice large house or just a small condo, Your Lake Vacation has something for everyone!   

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  
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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

Saturday, May 7, 2016

6 Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is tomorrow, and you don't have a gift yet. What are you going to do? Whether you're celebrating your mother, grandmother or wife this Mother's Day, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation. Here are a few last minute gift ideas from your favorite vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks, great for both young children to do for mom or grown children for that special female in their life.

1. Make Her a Homemade Card.


Nothing says I love you more than something homemade. Cards are simple to make, all you need is some paper and markers. If you have young children, this is the perfect option for a last minute gift from the kids. Card making isn't just for the little ones though, mom will appreciate a handmade gift no matter your age. For grown children, it shows that you took the time out of your busy schedule to  make something for your mom.

2. Pick Her Some Flowers.


Flowers are a favorite for many moms. In fact, it's one of the most popular gifts to give women on Mother's Day. If you live somewhere that flowers are available for picking, you can make a handpicked bouquet for her. However, if that's not an option, some store bought flowers will do just fine. The smell of those fresh flowers will be a reminder of how much you care.

3. Give Her a Foot Massage.


What mom doesn't like a nice foot massage? Now any other time of the year, you might turn up your nose at rubbing your mother's feet - but for this one day, it's a great way to show her how much you care. Grab a bottle of her favorite lotion and take a few minutes to let her relax and show her how much you appreciate everything she does for you.

4. Bake Her Favorite Cookies.


What mom doesn't have a little bit of a sweet tooth? Home baked treats are a great way to thank mom for all she does on Mother's Day. Cookies are relatively simple to make and she'll appreciate the effort. Plus, there's nothing better than a fresh, warm and gooey cookie that just melts in your mouth! You might just have to sneak one for yourself.

5. Cuddle Up on the Couch with Her for a Movie Night.


Sometimes spending time with your mom is the best gift you can give her, especially if you're grown and don't see her all that often anymore. Grab one of her favorite movies, pick out some movie candies and pop up a bag of popcorn. Then curl up on the couch and show her that you want to spend some time with her this Mother's Day.

6. Bring Her Breakfast in Bed.


All year round mom's do a lot of cooking for their children (we know...some dad's do a lot of cooking too - but father's day is coming up soon). This Mother's Day, why don't you let her take a break from the cooking, wake up early and bring her breakfast in bed. She'll not only appreciate the gesture, but she'll be thrilled she doesn't have to cook breakfast for the family that morning.

Happy Mother's Day from Your Lake Vacation! Whether it's a present for mom or just a regular summer vacation, the Lake area is a great place to spend a week or just a weekend. Our property management company at the Lake of the Ozarks can take care of all your accommodation needs! Give us a call at 877-284-0267 to book your reservations today.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  
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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA
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