Linn Creek, MO

$8,000 Tax Credit Scheduled to Expire Nov.30

Unless Congress acts to extend the credit before the scheduled deadline, first-time homebuyers wanting to take advantage of this credit need to act soon! Nowadays it's taking at least 30 days to close, so I advise putting something under contract before Nov. 1.

Realtors and contractors have been lobbying, as you might imagine, for an extension of this deadline. There is plenty of opposition to an extension of this homebuyer's credit, so passage is far from assured.

I have no crystal ball during these uncertain times, but if you have a stable job, decent credit, and always wanted to own a home; it's hard to see how you could lose by acting in time to receive this credit - particularly on homes priced under $100K.

(This post originally appeared on Melody's blog "www.PostcardsFromTheLake.com)

Lake of the Ozarks to be free of white foam

Dec. 3 marks the deadline for dock owners to have replaced all non-encapsulated foam flotation with encapsulated floats approved by AmerenUE. The problem with the non-encapsulated foam was that it would tend to break away from docks, creating a real eyesore along the shoreline; not to mention the hazard it posed to boaters.

AmerenUE currently estimates about 90% compliance, and has begun taking aerial photos of the shoreline - documenting structures that have not yet replaced their old foam.

With efforts this fall by AmerenUE to begin contacting owners not yet in compliance, along with the volunteer efforts of many groups and individuals participating in the Fall shoreline cleanup; the days of seeing and dodging unsightly foam blocks are coming to an end.