Ozark MO Real Estate Market Report for

October 2009

Three Year Comparison of Home Sales

Three Month Comparison of Home Sales

Springfield MO Real Estate Market Report for

October 2009

Three Year Comparison of Home Sales

Three Month Comparison of Home Sales

I lost another short sale listing today to foreclosure. The bank literally made it impossible for me to succeed in selling the home. Most people ask, "Why would the bank want to do that? Don't they lose money?" The answer is NO, they can actually MAKE money when they foreclose.

This was explained to me by a loan officer handling the construction loans of my last builder/developer. About a year ago, my builder had approximately 12 new construction homes languishing on the market, no longer able to compete with the short sales, REO's, and existing home sales. Our plan was to rent the homes out until the market stabilized. Unfortunately, the market failed to stabilize itself during 2009. When the builder's loan came up for renewal, the bank reappraised the properties, claimed he no longer had 20% equity, and demanded a very large sum of cash to shore up the accounts before they would agree to renew the notes. Obviously, if the builder hands over all his cash, he will no longer be able to make his payments. He's in a no win situation.

I bundled the homes into an investment package and was successful in securing a cash offer for approximately $200,000 less than the total amount owed on all 12 homes. When I presented the offer to the bank, I was met with an unwavering, "No." This particular bank has already received its "Cease and Desist" letter from the FDIC and regulators. The bank was given 8 months to raise $12 Million in cash, or it would be forced to sell. I would have thought that having a $1.4 Million cash offer closing in less than 30 days would have been appealing to them. But instead, the lender told me, "We'd rather foreclose." What? How does that make any sense? Didn't my market analysis of the properties prove to him that this builder owed more on the homes than the market could bear? How did the bank feel that they could fare better selling these properties than the builder could?

When a bank loans money, they are required to put a certain percentage of the value of that loan into a loan loss reserve. That pool of funds cannot be accessed by the bank, except in an instance of foreclosure. If the bank agrees to the short sale, they not only lose their rights to tap into the loan loss reserves, they waive their rights to pursue the builder for the shortage.

Over 50% of all mortgages are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac, or an insurance company. If a borrower defaults on a loan, there is really no risk to the bank. Any costs and fees associated with the foreclosure process are also reimbursed by Fannie or Freddie. Oftentimes, this is why the bank is able to list the home on the market for less than they were requiring on a short sale. To quote Matthew Lexus, a former banking executive, "It’s really a shell game of smoke and mirrors. The banks are singing the blues making it appear they are on the verge of financial collapse because of the financial crisis they essentially created themselves."

I've lived in Ozark, MO, for over 30 years. One of the first homes that ever captured my attention was the home overlooking Riverside Inn and the Finley River in Ozark. In the summer, it's easy to miss the home because it is effectively camouflaged by the trees. But when the leaves fall off the trees, the home becomes very prominent on the cliff high above the river and the restaurant.

I've always wondered what the home looks like inside. The decks suspended over the river look very ominous to me (but then I have an incredible fear of heights). I would love to walk out on them just once...just to say I did. The home was built in 1975 and is currently owned by the owner of a large marketing firm in Springfield, and I've been told that he has made many changes to the home. He uses the home only as a venue for entertaining clients and guests, and resides elsewhere. From the road, the home looks enormous, but I was surprised when the tax records indicated the home is only 1923 square feet.

If you're ever driving by Riverside Inn, look up. It's a sight you definitely don't want to miss.

Unfortunately, this home is not currently listed for sale. However, I have provided some links for other Ozark, MO, real estate that is.

Ozark MO Homes For Sale

Ozark MO Commercial Real Estate

Ozark MO Multifamily Real Estate For Sale

Ozark MO Land For Sale

The Finley River in Ozark, MO, is overflowing once more! It feels like it's been raining for weeks and weeks now, but yesterday's torrential downpours topped any rain we've seen recently. The result is the Finley RiverOzark, MO has overflowed its banks, several areas in downtown , were flooded, and many roads are closed.

The Finley River Park in Ozark, MO, is under nearly 3' of water. I've lived here over 30 years now, and while I've seen the park flood on several occasions, I'm always awestruck by the sight of it.

Standing on the Finley River Bridge next to the old mill was an incredible experience. It feels as if you're literally standing on top of the water, and the fast pace of the water rushing under the bridge will make you feel dizzy, as if the bridge is moving. Between the loud roar of the water and the strong winds today, coupled with the movement of the water, it can really make you lose your equilibrium.

The Ozark Special Road District facility is flooded, along with the park's pavilions, playground equipment, and the light displays for the Annual Christmas in the Park.

Here is a comparison of the view of the river taken from the Finley River Bridge before and after the rains.

Here are photos of the former Heritage Chrysler Jeep Dealership in Ozark and the road to Riverside Inn.

The water is already showing signs of receding. While our area does tend to flood in heavy rains, the flooding rarely lasts long, and usually recedes within 24-48 hours.