Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Who Do You Want Managing Your Property?

Professional vs. Amateur


In life there are times when amateurs are equal to or greater than their professional counterparts. For years, the U.S.A. only allowed amateurs to compete in the Olympics - until we finally got beat in basketball. Then we created the "Dream Team" to take back our Olympic pride demolishing every other team in our path.

A young Tiger Woods, as an amateur, was obviously better than most, if not all, of the professional golfers and proved it before and after turning pro. In most sports, you will find that there are those amateurs who are better than their professional counterparts. The same goes for other areas of life.

In many professions, there are good reasons why the government does not allow amateurs to practice in their field without a license or degree. Would you rather visit a licensed doctor or an amateur? Would you rather have a licensed airline pilot or an amateur fly you across the ocean? How about a licensed real estate agent who knows the real estate laws and the market or your neighbor who once sold his own home? 

In most cases, people want a professional who knows what they are doing to help them in an area of expertise. The same is true when it comes to vacation rentals. I have come into contact over the years with amateurs who are able to lure away clients by offering them a lower commission rate for managing their home or condo. Part of the reason that they can offer lower rates is that they don't have a city or county business license, don't have liability insurance or pay workers compensation, they don't have a real estate license or continuing education and usually it is a one or two person team with very low overhead.

While I am all for competition, which I believe makes for a healthy economy and a wider variety of choice, please remember the old saying "buyer beware." What happens when there is damage to your property that is the result of the property manager who doesn't have insurance? Who is collecting and paying your state and lodging taxes? What if there is an injury to an employee of the property manager at your property and they don't carry workers compensation or liability insurance? For these and many other reasons, it is usually wise to seek out a professional vacation rental manager who really knows the market, the laws and has the expertise to properly manage your asset.

A friend of mine once got a job working in the cafeteria at the hospital and when I told my young son that Dave got a job at the hospital, he replied, "What did he get, Doctor?" Soon after we stated calling my friend "Doctor Dave." Think about it - who do you want managing your property?

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986. If you would like more info on renting your Lake of the Ozarks waterfront home or condo as a vacation rental, please call 573-365-3367.

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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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

3 Bedroom Condo in the Heart of Lake of the Ozarks

Indian Pointe 622 - 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath


Recently renovated in Spring of 2015, Indian Pointe 622 offers the perfect location for anything you could want to do here at the Lake. This 3 bedroom 3 bath waterfront condo in Osage Beach features a living room with a 42" flat screen TV and DVD player, a wall of floor to ceiling lakeside windows, laminate wood floors and deck access.

The dining room features a 4-top table, with seating for 4 more at the bar, laminate wood floors, and deck access which includes a 4-top table and gas grill. The kitchen features all the amenities of home, including pots and pans. Save money while on vacation by cooking a few meals in your Lake of the Ozarks rental condo instead of eating out every meal!

Downstairs you will find the 2 master suites. Lakeside suite one features a queen bed, sink area and private bath with deck access. Lakeside suite 2 features a king bed, private bathroom, 32" flatscreen TV with DVD player and deck access.

Although this condo does not come with a boat slip, ask about renting one on property, as we can set that up for you! Indian Pointe is conveniently located near shopping, dining, the Bagnell Dam Strip, the Osage Beach Outlet Mall and plenty of waterfront restaurants, making it the perfect location for your Lake of the Ozarks vacation.

To book your reservations at this unit or any of our other waterfront condos or homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 877-284-0267 today! Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a big family reunion, Your Lake Vacation has your accommodations covered. It's never too early to start booking for Summer 2016!

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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Friday, February 12, 2016

The History Behind Valentine's Day

When we think of Valentine's Day, we picture flowers, chocolates and romance. Each year on February 14th we spend time appreciating our loved ones and showing them how much we care. Do you ever think of how these traditions came about though? How did this holiday get the name "Valentine's" Day? Your Lake Vacation brings you some of the history behind this love-filled holiday!


Who was Saint Valentine? 


The Catholic Church recognizes at least 3 different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred. One legend states that Valentine was a priest who served during 3rd Century Rome. When the Emporer outlawed marriage because single men were more suited for war, Saint Valentine continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered the Emperor ordered him to death.

Other legends suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. One story says that while imprisoned, he actually sent the first "valentine" greeting to a young girl he fell in love with that visited him. Before his death, he wrote a letter to her and signed it with "From your Valentine." The expression is still used today! While the truth behind the Valentine legends may still be a mystery, all the stories emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, he had become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Valentine's Day History Facts


The actual holiday revolving around St. Valentine began in England and has since spread to Canada, Mexico, the United States, France and Australia. Here are few history facts about this romantic date:
  • Many claim that Valentine's Day was celebrated in February in an effort to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture. 
  • During Lupercalia, young women would place their names in a big urn. The bachelors would then choose a name and become paired with that woman for the year. This tradition often ended in marriage. 
  • During the Middle Ages, February 14th was commonly believed in England and France to be the beginning of birds' mating season. This added to the idea that the middle of February should be a day for romance. 
  • The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans,t o his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. 
  • By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. 
  • By 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their feelings in a time when direct expression was discouraged. 
  • In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Known as the "Mother of Valentine," she made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures. 

Happy Valentine's Day from Your Lake Vacation! Whether it's for Valentine's Day, a birthday or anniversary, a Lake of the Ozarks vacation getaway is a great way to spend time with that special someone. Book your reservations with us today by calling 877-284-0267. From one bedroom condos to 5 bedroom waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have all your accommodation needs covered!

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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Friday, February 5, 2016

5 Reasons to Invest in Property at the Lake of the Ozarks

Do you like to travel and vacation? How often do you come to the Lake of the Ozarks? If the answers to those questions are "a lot," have you ever thought about purchasing a waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks? There are many reasons that investing in real estate at the Lake might be a good option for you. Your Lake Vacation has come up with a few reasons why investing in property at the Lake of the Ozarks might be a good idea.

1. Home Away From Home.


While vacationing can be fun, hotels aren't always the most comfortable places to stay. Owning a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks offers you plenty of space to enjoy your vacation. The family can spread out and you can save money on meals by cooking at your place instead of dining out for every meal. (However, you will still want to check out some of the great waterfront dining we have here.) You also don't have to worry about finding availability on the weekends you want - if you own the property, you can use it whenever you want. You can also leave stuff there that you use on a regular basis, cutting down on the amount of packing you need to do before heading to the Lake for a fun-filled weekend.

2. BEST Recreational Lake in the Country. 


The Lake of the Ozarks was recently voted the BEST recreational lake in the country. What better place to own a second home than at the Lake of the Ozarks? With more shoreline than the state of California, the Lake provides a boating experience you'll never forget. Whether you want to fish, ski, tube or just cruise, the Lake of the Ozarks is the place to do it - and if you had a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can come down anytime you want!

3. Local Activities and Events All Year Round.


From golf to shopping, dining to nightlife, not to mention the great annual activities and holiday festivities, the Lake of the Ozarks always has something fun for you to do. In addition to the Lake, both golf and shopping bring thousands of people to the Lake area each year. The Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail offers more than a dozen golf courses, for both amateurs and professionals. The 110 outlet mall, as well as the shops along the Bagnell Dam Strip, offer a unique shopping experience. Annual events such as Lake Race, Shootout, Canine Cannonball and Aquapalooza offer even more family fun throughout the summer season!

4. More Affordable Than Oceanfront.


When choosing to invest in a second home, price is important. Let's face it, you're already paying one mortgage and to add a second one to that can be challenging. The Lake of the Ozarks area offers very affordable real estate when you compare it to other vacation destinations such as the Gulf Coast, Lake Tahoe, Lake Okaboji, or the Great Lakes. Just check out the prices of real estate in those other locations and you'll find what great value and opportunity the Lake of the Ozarks area has to offer.

5. Location, Location, Location.


The Lake of the Ozarks is right in the middle of the country, making it the perfect meeting place for family spread out among the states. It's also an easy drive from both Kansas City and St. Louis. Getting to the Lake is easy with great road systems and 6 nearby airports. If you live in the Midwest, the Lake of the Ozarks area makes the perfect weekend getaway destination. Location is everything when it comes to owning a home and you can't get any more central than the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri!

You can offset your investment costs by putting your property on our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental program. If you're thinking about purchasing an investment property at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 573-365-3367. We'll give you all the details you need to find the perfect property that will be great for not only your personal use, but also to rent out when you're away!

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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Friday, January 29, 2016

5 Romantic Things To Do at the Lake This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just a couple weeks away! What do you have planned with that special someone this year? Join Your Lake Vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks this February for a romantic weekend getaway. Here are a few couples activities you could enjoy before turning in for the night in a beautiful waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks!

1. Take a Hike Through Ha Ha Tonka State Park. 


Imposing architecture and breathtaking scenery combine to make Ha Ha Tonka State Park one of Missouri's most treasured spots. The park features the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-20th-century castle and more than 15 miles of trails leading visitors to sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and down to the Lake. If you're looking to stroll around and take in the scenery with your loved one this Valentine's Day, there's no better place to do it than Ha Ha Tonka!

2. Participate in a Wine Tasting and Tour at Shawnee Bluff Winery. 


Shawnee Bluff Winery offers two beautiful venues, each with a gorgeous view! They offer pick up, drop off and a safe trip to enjoy the nectar of the grapes. Let their staff be your tour guide for either a half day or full day of wine tasting and fun. They will pick you up at your specific location and you can tour one or all of their facilities along with many other attractions at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.


3. Get a Couples Massage at Massage Luxe. 


What's more relaxing and romantic than a couples massage? Massage Luxe is now taking reservations for couples massages! A couples massage is a great way to introduce your partner who have never gotten a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable. They offer a great way for you to spend time with your partner, while also making time to pamper yourself.

Photo Credit: OldTimePhotos-LO.com
4. Get an Old Time Photo Taken on the Strip. 


Make this Valentine's Day one to remember by taking home an old time photo! Choose from hundreds of costumes and props - half the fun is just getting ready. When it's all said and done you have a great photo to take home, a reminder of the great Valentine's Day weekend you had at the Lake of the Ozarks.

5. Enjoy a Lobster and Steak Dinner at Seven Springs Winery. 


Who doesn't like to sit down to a nice dinner with that special someone? Seven Springs Winery is offering a nice meal featuring Caesar Salad, 10 oz Kansas City Strip, 6 oz Lobster Tail, Montego Bay Vegetable Medley, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and a Dark Chocolate Brownie with Spiced Raspberry Sauce on February 13th from 5-8 pm. Tickets are $35 per person - call 573-317-0100 to make your reservations.

Book your romantic weekend getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks today - call 877-284-0267! Choose from many different accommodations across the Lake area. We want to help you make this Valentine's Day one to remember!

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, January 20, 2016

Book Now for Your Favorite 2016 Lake of the Ozarks Events!

A new year is here - a year full of amazing events at the Lake of the Ozarks! Mark your calendars now for your favorites, such as Harbor Hop, Lake Race, Aquapalooza and more. Now is the time to make your reservations with the best vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Let's take a look at all there is to look forward to at the Lake this season:

Mardi Gras Pub Crawl: February 20 


Join us for the biggest annual party at the Lake of the Ozarks. Wrist bands are $10 and get you access to all participating bars, as well as bus transportation. Leave your keys and take the bus!!! 32 total buses run from 4:00pm til 2:30am. We provide the sober chauffeur and all you have to do is kick back, jump on a bus and have fun!

Lake of the Ozarks Bridal Show: February 28


Getting married at the Lake? Come check out a variety of wedding vendors from venues to wedding planners, catering to photographers. The event runs from 11 AM to 3 PM at The Lodge of Four Seasons. There will be a cake dive, prizes, giveaways and more!

LOMDA Spring In-Water Boat Show: April 15-17 


Come see a variety of boats including new cruisers, performance, and runabouts and personal watercraft during the April In-Water Boat Show by the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association.  The even will be held at Dog Days Bar & Grill. Hours are Friday from 1 pm - 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am - 7 pm and Sunday from 10 am - 4 pm.

19th Annual Spring Harbor Hop: May 7


One of the Lake of the Ozarks' largest events of the year is back! Kick off the boating season by participating in the 19th Annual Spring Harbor Hop. Dozens of the Lake's best restaurants and marinas will be set up as checkpoints for participants to draw a card and try and win the best and worst hands. Prizes are awarded to winners, and anyone can play!

Photo Credit: FunLake.com
Lake Race 2016: June 2-5


Watch Power boats from all over compete for their share of the money. Viewing will be available on the Dam as well as many sponsoring establishments. Boats will run from the 0 mile marker to the 6 mile marker. Other festivities will be happening all weekend long, Thursday - Sunday!

The Canine Cannonball: June 16-19


How far can your dog jump? The annual Dock Dogs jumping contest is held at Dog Days again this year. Canine athletes compete in Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve at this family friendly event. Admission to the event is free! For information on entering your dog, contact Dog Days at 573-348-9797.

Aquapalooza 2016: July 16 


The Lake's Largest FAMILY Boating event is back! The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers invites ALL BOATERS to join them for a great day on the water. Live music and activities will keep you having fun all day long. On the Water Party at Dog Days Restaurant at the 19mm, just west of the Grand Glaize Bridge.

Lake of the Ozarks Shootout: August 27-28


The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout being held at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill will bring the top racers and off shore racing power boats topping 200 MPH. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the midwest with over 100 racers and 100,000 spectators. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Area Rescue Teams, and other charitable organizations! Visit www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org for more info.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com
10th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest: September 15-18


Visit beautiful Lake of the Ozarks this September for the ultimate BikeFest Event, including spectacular scenic rides, more than 200 biker friendly bars and restaurants, great parties, vendors, and rockin' concerts at night! Plus, you'll have a chance to win a custom Harley Davidson motorcycle!

31st Annual Fall Harbor Hop: October 8


Anyone can enter for a fun day on Lake of the Ozarks! Visit over 40 of our participating locations on the water to play your poker hand. Enter the Harbor hop by stopping at any of the check points. To obtain a hand, sign up and pay an optional $20 donation. The 1st card is drawn at the checkpoint where the hand is purchased; 6 additional cards are obtained by hopping to six more checkpoints drawing one card, per hand, at each location. The hand is complete when the 7th card is drawn. To quailify the hand must be turned in by 7pm at your last checkpoint.

At Your Lake Vacation, we have a variety of condos and waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you're just bringing the spouse down for the weekend or getting together with a big group of friends and family, we've got the best accommodations in the Lake area! Give us a call at 877-284-0267 to book your reservations today for these popular weekends! 

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, January 13, 2016

8 Reasons to Hire a Property Manager

The Lake of the Ozarks is a premier vacation destination in the Midwest - and people are eager to find a home or condo to stay in rather than a hotel. Do you have a vacation home at the Lake? Have you thought about renting it out when you're not using it? Here are a few reasons you might want to hire an experienced property manager instead of trying to rent your home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks out yourself!

1. Online Booking. 


With the advances in technology, people can easily book a vacation rental home at the Lake of the Ozarks with the touch of a button. Online booking makes finding a vacation place easier than ever. By using a property manager, you have the potential to get many more bookings through their online booking system than you would having people just call you. Don't worry - we call all of our guests that book online for screening purposes and to confirm everything with them.

2. Finding Renters. 


When renting on your own, it can be hard to find renters, and not only renters, but quality renters. At Your Lake Vacation, we screen all of our renters for partiers and those who are under age. We require that all our renters be at least 25 years of age to rent from us and we rarely allow bachelor and bachelorette parties unless we have the approval of the owner. In addition to the extra screening, we also have a larger pool of renters that are now considering your property among other properties on our site. Plus, if someone calls about a particular property that is not available for their dates, we can refer them to similar properties and your property could be in that list!  

3. Marketing Strategy.


A property management company at the Lake of the Ozarks is going to have a bigger marketing budget than a single owner, allowing that property to be seen by more people. While individual owners can list their property on sites such as VRBO and HomeAway, so can property managers. In addition to those listings, most property managers are going to have their own website, where your property will be listed as well. Many management companies also have a robust social media campaign, allowing your property to be seen all across the web.

4. Guest Experience.  


At our Lake of the Ozarks property management company, we're focused on the entire guest experience. We don't just get the house booked and leave it at that. We ask, "What you planning to do while you're visiting the Lake?" Granted some people are just here to go boating, but others appreciate help finding other things to do. We ask if they are interested in playing a round of golf or if they need restaurant suggestions. We want to do our best to help our guests plan the perfect vacation getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks!

5. Customer Service. 


Let's face it - renters are needy! They want their vacation to go perfectly and will complain about every little thing. Do you want to be the one answering those late night or early morning phone calls? When you hire a property management company, you wont have to. The manager will take care of all those little issues like, "We don't have any hot water." or "The TV isn't working." Why do they even want to watch TV when they have the beautiful Lake to enjoy? That answer we will never know!

6. Legal Protection. 


Lots of things can go wrong when you choose to rent your property to vacationers. When renters stay in a Your Lake Vacation property, they are required to sign a rental agreement. This binding contract protects both our company and the owners of the property. In addition, we require all of our renters to pay a damage protection fee, which covers accidental damage to the property while the renters are there. This type of insurance protects everyone, the renter, our company and the owner, from having to pay for repairs.

7. Housekeeping. 


While some people make it a habit to pick up after themselves, others don't even want to bother when they're on vacation. They feel it's a time for them to relax and leave all their cares behind. Do you want to be the one that has to clean up after those people, especially when they're leaving on a Saturday and you have new renters arriving on Sunday? When you hire a property management company, you don't have to worry about keeping your property clean. We have housekeepers assigned to each property on our program.

8. Maintenance. 


If there are any maintenance issues that need addressed, there's no doubt the renters are going to find them. We've had people call about a missing handle on a cabinet, even though the door could still be easily opened. From the small issues to the larger ones such as a broken toilet or AC unit, a property management company is going to have someone that can easily take care of it. We have relationships with local HVAC companies, plumbing companies, etc. that we can call when any problems arise. The owner can rest assured that they're property is being taken care of, and in a timely manner.

If you have a waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks that you're consider putting on a rental program, give us a call at 573-365-3367. We would love to take a look at your property and discuss our program with you. Now is the time to talk to us, before the season gets started - people are already booking places to stay for their Summer 2016 Lake of the Ozarks vacations!

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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