Lebanon, MO

Thinking of selling your Southwest Missouri property? Wait no more - do it now!

This week I've spent a great deal of time talking to people about the First Time Homebuyer tax credit being offered by the Federal government as well as the Tax Advance program being offered by the State of Missouri. There have been a ton of questions and I'm loving every minute of it!

While it's still early in the program, the buying public has taken note and is looking into their buying options.

Here are four reasons I believe now is a great time to list your home to SELL:

1. New inventory will get noticed! Many properties on the market today have been there for a long, long time. The issue may be price, it may be condition or perhaps even difficulty in showing the home. Agents have seen these properties and have made their judgment call. Buyers have seen these properties on the Internet and have their reservations. A home that has not been on the market recently will get noticed.

2. Local buyers are asking about the 1st time buyer tax credits - The majority of questions we've received this week have come from RENTERS in the area. One or two have made the decision to stay in the area, put down roots and buy a home. A few realize there may never be a better incentive to buy than there is right now.

3. Rates are still historically low - Compared to previous down turns in real estate, interest rates are incredibly low. Buyers can still buy more home for their money due to lower rates. I do believe this time next year we will see higher interest rates.

4. Out of state buyer interest is picking back up - Real estate is selling in areas outside of Missouri. We are again seeing inquiries from around the country; as properties out of state are selling, people are able to come into the state of Missouri and BUY homes, farms and commercial property. This is new money that can be used to buy your home.

And, a bonus: This is a great time to take advantage of the lower interest rates for YOURSELF, especially if you are in need of a larger home or more land.



If you'd like more information on the programs available to your buyers:

Are you a First Time Homebuyer in South Central Missouri? 10 things to know

MHDC Tax Credit Advance Loan Program for 1st Time Home Buyers in Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Buyer Tax Credit

Expanded Tax Break Available for 2009 First-Time Homebuyers

The tradition continues this Sunday, March 1st, 2009 - opening day of trout season at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon Missouri.

Last year, the Park played host to 3,000 anglers on opening day, a Saturday. This year, Park officials expect the same, if not a few more. The weathermen are calling for cooler weather - but I don't think that will deter many. Trout fishermen and women are a dedicated bunch!

If you're heading to Lebanon Missouri for trout season, here is a sampling of what you'll find:



Ollie's BBQ and Steakhouse

• Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Specializing in slowly smoked brisket
• Homemade pies daily!
• Closed on Tuesdays
• Hwy 64, Lebanon MO

417-588-8828


Sand Spring Resort Restaurant

• Friday and Saturday night buffet
• Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast buffet
• Hunt Brothers Pizza - perfect to go
• 1996 Hwy 64, Lebanon MO

47-532-7291


Circle J Cafe

• Breakfast served all day
• Open 7 days a week
• Breakfast buffet on opening day
• On Hwy 64, between the two park entrances

417-533-5131


The Creel Inn and RV Park

• Seven sleeping rooms
• RV parking spots
• Showers and laundry facility
• Hwy 64, Lebanon MO

417-588-8828


Lottie's Rustic Retreat

• Furnished 3 bedroom cabin
• Sleeps at least 6
• Full kitchen
• Covered Deck
• 4 miles west of Bennett Spring State Park

417-849-2807
www.LottiesRustricRetreat.iwarp.com


Cedar Ridge Campground

• RV spots or put up your tent
• Shower house and laundry facility
• Mini golf
• Game Room
• 12830 Hwy 64, Lebanon MO

417-588-8858
www.CedarRidgeCamping.com


Circle J Campground

• Overnight or permanent campsites
• Canoes, rafts or kayaks for rent
• Propane and firewood available
• Located on Hwy 64, between the park entrances

417-533-5131


Vogels Resort

• Lodging or RV spots available
• In-ground pool
• Private bbq area
• Canoe rental
• Hwy 64, east of the main Park entrance

417-532-4097


Redbeard's Ranch

• 295 acre campground
• Riverfront campground
• RV sites
• Tee pee rental
• 30075 Marigold Dr, Lebanon MO

417-533-7337
www.RedBeardRanch.com



Thompson's RV Park

• 4 Rental cabins
• Dining hall
• Men/women's restrooms with showers
• RV spots
• Convenient to Bennett Springs State Park and Lebanon MO
• Located on Hwy 64

417-588-2655
www.ThompsonsRVpark.com

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To read more about Bennett Springs State Park:

Opening Day of Trout Season - 2008

Bennett Springs State Park in the Fall

Kids Fishing Day at Bennett Springs State Park in Lebanon Missouri


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Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty to sell your property or to buy property in Lebanon, Conway, Marshfield, Buffalo, Bennett Springs and the surrounding areas. I specialize in country homes, hunting land, river front property, dairy farms, large acreage and commercial property in Southwest Missouri.
417-532-2031 Lebanon MO office phone or email: missouriagent@msn.com

Copyright © 2009 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved. March 1, 2009 - Opening Day of Trout Season - Bennett Spring State Park Lebanon Missouri.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Information subject to change without notice.

Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Donkey Basketball.

I know, I know, where have I been?

Putting together a post last week on free or nearly free activities in Lebanon Missouri, I realized Donkey Basketball was coming to Lebanon as a fundraising event. Donkey basketball? You mean real, live donkeys? people ride the donkeys? in the gym?

I had to see this!

I can assure you this was worth more than the $6 ticket price - joining the donkey's were students and business men and women from Lebanon. It was rather fun to see a few of our local bankers out there on the floor, trying to ride a donkey in the middle of a gym.

If you have the opportunity, donkey basketball is an inexpensive way to have a few laughs while raising money for a good cause.

If you're looking for a community fundraiser, this may be the one for you! There are a variety of companies out there, however, here in Lebanon MO they used Circle A Donkey Ball Company at Donkeyball.net

Photos and video by Debbie DiFonzo, United Country VIP Realty, Lebanon MO
Feb. 2009

FREE and Low Cost Events in Lebanon Missouri

* The Lebanon High School Magnetic Theater Company Presents: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, show times are Saturday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m.

* Donkey Basketball will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carr Gym at Lebanon High School. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. All proceeds go to LHS After Prom 2009.

* LHS Project Grad will hold a Snowball Softball Tournament on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Atchely Park in Lebanon MO. Entry fee is $100 per Team. For more information or to register your Team, contact Sam Judy at 417-532-9754 or 417-664-4710.

* Ladies’ Night Out, a FREE, educational and fun evening for women of all ages. February 19th, 2009 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon MO. More than 50 vendor booths, cooking demonstrations, free samples, give-aways, prizes and more!

* Informative luncheon at St. John's Hospital in Lebanon MO. Cost is $5.00 and includes a healthy lunch. Seating is limited; call to register 417-533-6009. Program begins at noon and will be held in the first floor conference room. This Wednesday, February 18th, 2009: "Get behind the scenes look at St. John's Hospital in Lebanon, the Sisters of Mercy and St. John's Health System"

* Missouri Division of Tourism in partnership with the Missouri Travel Council will present, "How to promote your business without spending a Nickel" on March 17th, 2009 from 9 am until 3 pm at the Ramada Oasis & Conference Center in Springfield MO. Continental breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m., with the workshop beginning at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments at breaks and lunch are provided. Space is limited! RSVP to Pat Amick, CMP, Executive Director of the Missouri Travel Council, at pat-amick@socket.net by February 27, 2009.

* SCORE is ready to assist Lebanon area small businesses in evaluating their 2008 results and make recommendations for 2009. As always, SCORE counseling is a free service. Want to set an appointment for a "free" business check-up? Call Tim Blake at 417-532-8251. SCORE will offer appointments on February 20 or 27th, March 6th or 13th at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce offices at 186 N. Adams in Lebanon MO. Remember, cost is FREE!

* The Laclede County Office of Emergency Management will be conducting their annual Weatherspotter Training, in conjunction with the National Weather Service – Springfield and Regional Radio KJEL on Monday, March 2^nd 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Laclede Electric Co-op Facility at 1400 East Route 66 in Lebanon, in the Community Room. This class is free, and registration is not required. The National Weather Service will be presenting the training, and there is no obligation to become a weatherspotter when the course is complete. The general public and anyone with an interest in severe weather are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact OEM at 417-532-6992.

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Debbie DiFonzo, e-PRO, GRI, SRS
United Country VIP Realty
417-532-2031 Lebanon MO office
417-468-5900 Marshfield MO office

Your South West Missouri Real Estate Voice

By Debbie DiFonzo. The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. "February Evenst in Lebanon Missouri - many free!"

US News & World Reports recently released a list of the seven worst states to start a business. While I won't give away which seven states made the list, I will tell you this: Missouri was not one of them.

In fact, Missouri ranked #14 as a top state to start a business. (You can read the full report by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council here: Small Business Survival Index 2008.)

If you're thinking it's time to be your own boss, if you're thinking it's time to Find Your Freedom, take a look at just a few of the opportunities waiting for you in South Central Missouri:




Shop Rite Grocery and Grill, Plato MO

Located a short drive from Fort Wood, one of the largest Army installations in the United States, Shop Rite Grocery and Grill in Plato Missouri is the perfect family operation. Currently, the store offers a full line of grocery items including deli items, milk, bread and soft serve ice cream along with Hunts Brothers Pizza and a grill area with seating for about 40 people. Plenty of room to add lottery tickets, salad bar, fishing items or scrap booking supplies. The property also includes U-Haul rental franchise and a small two bedroom home back behind the store on 1.5 acres. UC #50480 $289,000




Thompson's RV Park, Lebanon MO

Located just down the street from Bennett Springs State Park, one of the most popular trout fishing parks in the Mid-West, Thompson's RV Park offers RV spots by the day, week, month or the year. There are 4 cabins, dining hall, his/her showers and bath rooms plus room to expand. Currently offered on 4+ acres with the business only for $259,900 or with an additional 3 acres, 3 bedroom home and shop building for $459,900. Add more cabins, canoe rentals, a small store and so much more!





Autohaus Schmidt Auto Repair, Phillipsburg MO

Multi use building located on the outer road of Interstate 44 between Lebanon MO and Marshfield MO. Awesome I-44 visibility for a building that could continue with auto and truck repair or be turned into an antique store, restoration of antique cars, warehouse, wood working shop and so much more! The building is on 5 acres more or less and has a whole list of features: on the main level, you'll find a reception area for the public plus a private office area, half bath with washer dryer hook ups, the main repair shop plus a second section which could be used as a paint booth or as a show room. Upstairs, you'll find a one bedroom apartment, complete with kitchen, living room, bedroom and full bath. Lots of choices here! UC# 50485 $180,000

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Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realtyto sell your property or to buy property in Lebanon, Conway, Marshfield, Buffalo, Bennett Springs and the surrounding areas. I specialize in country homes, hunting land, river front property, dairy farms, large acreage and commercial property in Southwest Missouri.417-532-2031 Lebanon MO office phone or email: debbie@ucvip.com

Copyright © 2009 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved. Own your own business: Commercial property in South Central Missouri

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Information subject to change without notice.