Osage Beach, MO

Winter Hours in Effect Now Through February 28

Once again this year I had forgotten that the Premium Outlet Mall has shortened hours during the months of January and February. I pass this reminder on in hopes of saving someone else a couple gallons of gas!

(This post originally appeared at www.PostcardsFromTheLake.com)

Short Sale Expert Offers Alternatives

Melody Anderson of Lakewide Realty in Camdenton has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

At the Lake of the Ozarks, many homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Even high-priced homes are not immune.

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Anderson with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

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

Wonderful Place for a Quiet and Relaxing Meal

One word describes my experience at lunch today: LOVELY!

That word come to mind often as I was taken to my

seat - lovely decor, atmosphere, service and music!

So even before my food was served, I decided I would return -

if only for the refreshingly quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

And then the waiter brought the nicest ‘box lunch' I'd ever had:

egg roll with hot mustard glaze, tempura vegetables, and kung pao

chicken. It was not only lovely, but delicious.

See more of my restaurant reviews at "Lake Area Restaurants" . It's a new and developing category here, so recommendations or review requests are appreciated.

(This post originally appeared at www.PostcardsFromTheLake.com)

TV clip from the Today show about the Lake of the Ozarks

As reported earlier, Health.com has ranked Osage Beach the 4th healthiest beach in the US - alongside Monterrey Beach and others. Here's the link to NBC's Today Show segment about it, broadcast earlier this week on NBC.

(This post originally appeared at www.PostcardsFromTheLake.com)

Health.com ranks Osage Beach #4 in Top Ten list

Lake of the Ozarks at Osage Beach

CNN has recently reported the news that Health.com has ranked Osage Beach as one of America's Top Ten Beach and Lake Getaways. Health.com cites the lake's 1150 miles of shoreline, it's beautiful public beach, and the rolling hills and other natural landscapes as reasons for the high ranking.

One of the judges from Health.com remarked about the views from the State Park, "The view is so spectacular, you won't want to leave."

I remember feeling that way myself on my last visit to the park, just weeks ago.

(this article originally appeared at http://PostcardsFromTheLake.com)