Lebanon, MO

Last week, I closed on a great house for a gentleman who'd relocated to the Lebanon area for work...I wanted to take a minute to thank ALL of the wonderful people who helped make his move as smooth and easy as possible...

1. Ed Lowther from Wells Fargo
2. Tim Ray with CBI Home Inspections
3. Chris Williams - appraiser
4. Jeffries Abstract and Land Title in Lebanon
5. Debbie DiFonzo - the listing agent

I LOVE working with all of these folks and would gladly give you their information if you are in need of their services!

Open for admiration! 2 Homes on Brook St. in Lebanon, MO. Saturday August 29, 2009 from 1-3pm. This is your chance to see two beautiful homes.

324 Brook St.

Hosted By: Lissa Uder

All electric 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home located on a corner lot. With over 3400sq ft. there's lots of room for everyone. A few of it's features include a finished basement, two fireplaces, formal dining, and several living areas. You won't want to miss this one!

Priced to sell this weekend at $169,900

401 Brook St.

Hosted By: Teresa Hough

Better than new, this 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home has been completely remodeled with too many updates to mention. Just a few are a finished basement, all electric, 3 living areas, and a fireplace.

Everything about this home is impressive with an unbeatable price! $159,500

From Lebanon, take North Hwy 5 and a left on Brook St. call Lissa at 417-718-5091 or email lissasells4u@earthlink.net for more information.

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