Fantastic Caverns Springfield MO ; All Weather Attraction

Fantastic Caverns is located in the Branson-Springfield area of Southwest Missouri. This region is one of the most beautiful in the United States ... above as well as below the ground! Its rolling hills and sparkling streams are the natural counterparts to the magnificent limestone caverns found beneath the surface.

The famous Branson music shows, Silver Dollar City and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World offer visitors even more to see and do. Complete area information is provided at the Fantastic Caverns Visitor's Center. 

Fantastic Caverns America's only ride-through cave  lies beneath the rolling Ozarks hills just north of Springfield, Missouri. The surrounding countryside doesn't look like a typical tourism area - rather than rows of roadside attractions and bumper to bumper traffic, visitors traveling the quiet country roads are more likely to see a farmer cutting hay or the neighborhood kids riding bikes. Once they reach the caverns, however, they'll be introduced to a unique underground world, its natural splendor, and its environmental lessons.

(417) 833-2010  4872 North Farm Road 125
Springfield, Missouri (USA)  65803

Restaurants in Springfield MO ; Zio's Italian Kitchen

An extensive menu of Authentic Italian Dishes and high quality fairly inexpensive wines put Zios ahead of the crowd. The service is normally prompt even when they have a full house.
Located just off James River Fwy and Campbell you'll find plenty of parking and a cordial staff.

The atmosphere is inviting and looks authentic. The kitchen is open to the dining room which adds a European flair.

1249 E Kingsley Springfield 417 889 1919http://www.zios.com/site/

Home Energy Credits are still out there and they are HUGE.

When our furnace started having issues I called a HVAC Technician.  It turned out to be servicable but is suffereing from old age.  I told the technician it's too bad the Fed Tax credit just ended.

That's true he said but our County and your Electric Co have huge rebate programs that still have money.  The key is to have an Energy Audit that shows the house could be 25% more efficient and our County will pay 70% of the upgrade cost and our Electric Co will kick in additional rebates as well. 
I especially like the fact that getting more efficient includes not only furnaces and A/C units but also windows, insulation and more.
For an devoted penny pincher like me this is great new and my Energy Audit will be done tomorrow.

Springfield MO area Home Prices are Stabilizing, I don't care what they say

In general non- distressed homes for sale in Springfield Mo and homes for Sale in Branson Mo are selling for 96% of asking price which is a bit of a shock for out of state buyers.  Our economy is strong, we're putting in new infrastructure, new business, new homes and some employers are hiring hundreds at a time.  That's great for those of us who are already here but means we Realtors have to play counselor for our out of state buyers.   

also:  www.hashbarger.remax-midstates.com and www.Hashbarger.biz

Greek & Mediterranean Cuisine in Springfield and Ozark MO

The variety of restaurants in Ozark is astounding.  Apart from the usual plethora of Mexican and Chineese establishments you'll find an outstanding restaurant featuring Mediterranean Cuisine.
Greek born Nick & Barbara Pappas found their way to Ozark via Philadelphia.  The variety on the menu is wonderful and includes authentic Greek Dishes, Gourmet Pizza, Hoagies and Phily style cheese steak.
If you happen to be driving betweeen Springfield and Branson take the Jackson St exit in Ozark; go East to the town square and find Pappas Kitchen on Brick St.
Great food at great prices.     Bob Hashbarger  417 209 4480

for local Real Estate trends:  www.hashbarger.remax-midstates.com  or www.hashbarger.biz

Restaurants in Springfield MO Vietnamese

Bambu is a family owned Vietnamese restaurant which aims to enrich the lives of its community, family, and friends with delicious, fresh and richly infused traditional dishes. All the stocks here are made on premise over twelve hours and have marvelous depth in flavor. Most dishes come with a side platter of fresh green herbs, lime, bean sprouts and fresh chili for you to customize your dining experience further. This all contributes to a sense of eating a healthy meal. Beware though, the chilies are fiery and you need to play with your food and slurp your soup! Well kindly provide bibs upon request because its hard not to get the soup spattered all over you. Enjoy your meal!

1338 E Battlefield Springfield MO  417 881 9881

Buying a Foreclosure in Springfield MO area

Choose an agent who has experience with foreclosures and knows the procedure.  It's nothing like selling private party properties.  Have the agent

Banks usually have their own forms and closing procedures.  Bank forecosures generally close faster than short sales.
While short sales can be bargains, they also can take a lot longer. Some banks will negotiate in a timely manner on short sales, but most will prioritize properties they have already takn back. Offering less than asking price rarely works. Most banks drop the price every 30-60days so just wait till they've dropped the price to what you want to pay then make your move.  Stay detached and have other properties in your scope in case someone else buys the property before the price drops to your level.

Ask the bank to pay your closing costs.  Every deal is different.  Banks have a bottom line number in mind.  If the estimated HUD (closing statement) shows they can make their bottom line and pay your closing costs they often will.

Show the bank you have your act together.   I recommend getting at least 2 pre-approval letters from credible lenders and include those with your offer.  Some banks require the buyers to submit pre-approval docs to thier mortgage dept as well.  It doesn't mean you have to use them for the loan; they just want to see what you're working with.