Financial Institutions, Investment Companies, Legal and Real Estate professionals are part of what makes the heart of the Lake area economics beat strong. Without these businesses’ insight on our future, the Lake economy would struggle to flourish. From helping newcomers find and purchase new homes, supporting other area businesses in growth, or by simply donating to our many charities and volunteering time, these industry leaders are important fixtures of what makes the Lake area thrive.

Real Estate Statistics

While many think the Lake of the Ozarks real estate boom in 2020 has been solely due to the COVID-19 outbreak, RE/MAX owner JASON WHITTLE slightly disagrees. “The national exposure we have received lately with COVID-19 and the Netflix series Ozark has certainly helped put us on the map for people outside the Midwest, but we were already setting ourselves up for a great year,” he says.

He points out the 60 percent increase in sales volume also was accompanied by record low interest rates mixed with already low property tax rates, which helped make buying affordable for many. “Once people experience this Lake and see what they get for their money—especially compared to other lakes in the country—they don’t leave without buying!” Whittle says he foresees the real estate buying frenzy to potentially be ongoing for a couple of years to come.

JASON WHITTLE ALL PRO TEAM
After 11 years playing in the NFL, Jason Whittle returned to his home to give back and raise his family in the same community that helped develop the values and character that led to his success in professional football. That same commitment has quickly earned Jason and his team of real estate professionals a reputation for service and excellence. In February 2015, they merged with the Lake’s top performing brokerage, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks, to create an even more powerful team that is “Locally Known, Globally Connected.” It is Jason’s mission to go above and beyond the client’s expectations, earning their trust, fulfilling their real estate needs quickly, and making their dreams become a reality.

The Jason Whittle All Pro Team includes buyers’ specialists, listing specialists, listing and closing coordinators, and professionals dedicated to marketing, social media and internet. The team works tirelessly to guide buyers through the entire home-buying process, and assists sellers using their extensive knowledge of the area and employing an unparalleled level of marketing that includes print, video, internet and social media.

“There is no question that technology is quickly changing our industry, and we believe our technology and marketing is second to none. We are proud to be on the cutting edge, but as good as those things are, it still comes down to the people. We are blessed to have a team of hard-working, passionate real estate professionals. Whether you are a buyer, seller or investor, we are here to serve you and your family.”—Jason

BAREFOOT FLOORS AND HOME DESIGN
Bert Featherston and Alan Skelton opened Barefoot Floors and Home Design in 2018 in Osage Beach. Its wide selection of hardwood, carpet, tile, luxury vinyl plank, marble and granite countertops, kitchen cabinets, faux wood walls, vanities and slack stones reveal that Barefoot Floors is much more than a flooring store! Barefoot Floors is an authorized dealer of Mohawk and Karastan flooring products.

Most of Barefoot products are Made in the USA, and the great prices and exceptional customer service have brought local customers and second homeowners into the store to check out the many options from the start! From selecting products for a home or business that are perfect for renovations, Barefoot Floors can coordinate the installation of flooring, baseboards, electrical changes, countertops, backsplashes and stone fireplaces. Testimonials are many:

“The installers did an awesome job. I highly recommend Barefoot for any updates to your home or condo.”

“Beautiful store, a zillion gorgeous displays. Bert was very helpful.”

“The store is beautiful. It is so organized and easily accessible. The owners were friendly, pleasant and so helpful. They really know their stuff and are eager to share. I love the designs and huge options available.”

“Huge selection, knowledgeable and friendly service ready to help with your full remodel needs. Bert and Alan see the project through to the end. Honesty and integrity is a priority. You can’t go wrong with Barefoot floors for product or installation.”

“Alan designed the remodel to our fireplace wall and it is wonderful. It looks great. Installation went smooth. All done on time and they communicated with us through the process.”

Open daily, Barefoot Floors and Home Design is a showroom beyond your expectations. Your favorite home, our favorite design!

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE LAKE REALTY

Diana Sutherland has been a real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks for nearly 40 years. Over the course of her career, Diana has worked for independents as well as franchised firms in a variety of capacities. She has served in leadership positions in the local and statewide Realtor organizations, constantly increasing her knowledge to ensure the best service for her clients. She has combined her years of experience and success with that of Rod and Tracy Barr—a husband and wife team originally from Kansas who have relocated here to make their home permanently at the Lake, and hope to help their clients do the same. Rod and Tracy offer an extensive business background and are passionate about the Lake area and showing clients the value in living here.

Together, Diana, Rod and Tracy have opened Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lake Realty. With the power of a brand that offers extensive resources and high-impact technology, as well as a name that is recognized in households nationwide, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is uniquely poised to serve their clients at a high level in both selling and purchasing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lake Realty offers a dedicated office of agents and support staff to help with the home buying or selling process, and a unique opportunity for digital marketing in its association with the Better Homes and Gardens brand.

Diana, Rod and Tracy look forward to making Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lake Realty a central part of the community and serving their clients as they navigate the real estate market at Lake of the Ozarks.

CENTRAL TRUST COMPANY

Navigating the financial industry can be daunting, especially for someone who may not have experience in the industry or holds minimal knowledge about the vast solutions available. At Central Trust Company, they offer a wide range of solutions to best fit the needs of any client. These solutions include Investment Management, Trust & Estate Services, Financial Planning and beyond.

Client goals and objectives are the most important part of building a customized financial plan. At Central Trust Company, Trenny and Bart focus on aligning their investment experience with each client’s specific goals and aspirations. By including a broad range of asset classes, building allocations based on forward-looking market assumptions, utilizing industry-leading methods for portfolio construction, and leveraging many of the best investment management firms in the world, Central Trust Company can help clients meet their objectives with lower volatility.

Central Trust Company offers a Second Opinion Service, which is a nonintrusive, comprehensive analysis of a current investment or financial plan. They are able to evaluate your asset allocation and the securities you hold, along with any fees, to help understand the current plan and if there are any opportunities for improvement. As a fiduciary, Central Trust Company acts in the best interest of a client by law. Therefore, they have eliminated all conflicts of interest and truly focus on their clients’ goals and what is truly best for them.

With a comprehensive and disciplined approach to financial and estate planning and investment management, Central Trust Company always strives to tailor a long-term plan to fit their clients’ needs.

DUGAN’S

Dugan’s is a family-owned paint and flooring business with locations that have been serving Central Missouri since 1871. Six generations of the family have worked at the store and have strived to give the best customer service possible to their communities. There are two locations serving the Lake of the Ozarks, in Laurie and Osage Beach. Their goal is to be your one-stop shop for paint, flooring, and tile needs. It’s important to the Dugan’s team to stay up-to-date on the newest products and trends.

The retail showrooms have been updated to bring you many selections for your latest projects. With so many options out there, their team has what you need to create your dream!

Dugan’s Coatings Specialists can help you find the right coating for your projects, from painting your exterior of your home to staining concrete basement floors. The Coatings Specialists are here to help you get your project done correctly.

Dugan’s Design Consultants are here to help you through your renovating or building process. From tile-pattern backsplashes to fully tiled walk-in showers, they are here to help you with your project from start to finish.

Dugan’s Installation Crews are some of the best in the state. Dugan’s is proud to work with contractors that have experience in the field, who help bring Dugan’s clients beautiful dreams to life.

As a family-owned company that has served Missouri for almost 150 years, Dugan’s wants to be part of the community. They support local schools, community colleges, athletic programs and many nonprofit organizations. As a family, they believe that giving back to the community is where success begins. Stop by today and Discover the Difference!

Thank you for choosing Dugan’s for your paint, flooring and tile needs.

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