The U.S. Travel Association forecasts a 7% increase in convention spending which is good news for commercial property investors after a slump in 2009.

An increase in corporate travel means booking for hotels and other supporting commercial businesses are set to benefit. Stone and Taney counties are setup to benefit from the uptick in bookings with two new airports and a convention center in Downtown Branson.

It’s a buyers market and while new construction loans are on the decline the cost of purchasing businesses for less than it costs to build is more feasible than ever. While banks deem construction loans as high-risk purchasing pre-owned commercial real estate is more likely to qualify.

As an economic indicator, these transaction totals for residential real estate sales is, well, scary:

Year                              Total Home Sales Value
July 2006                           $33.4 m

July 2007                             26.1 m

July 2008                             22.9 m

July 2009                             17.1 m

July 2010                              12.8 m

These numbers even for the last two years put the residential real estate industry here in the tri-lakes area in a depression, not a slump.  During this time period, the average price fell from $178k to $162k.    The list price to sale price differential fell from 97% to 94% and the days on the market increased from 109 to 133.

At 76Realty.com, we study these numbers so that we can help buyers and sellers spot trends, to take advantage of imperfections in the market.  Our purpose is to help our clients understand the risks and rewards of owning residential and commercial real estate.  76Realty.com is the leading real estate company in the tri-lakes area and we would be happy to answer any questions about homes or land for sale in the area, including Ozark, Nixa Stone and Taney Counties.

From the month of June, 2090, the average sale price of homes sold in the Tri-lakes Branson area dropped from $176,000 to $162,000, a drop of 8.6% year over year.  Over the same time period, average days on the market increased from 135 days to 152 days, an increase of 12.6%.  Average days on the market of about five months in the Tri-lakes area tells an important story about the condition of the market.  It’s near the bottom.  It is still a buyer’s market. Home prices are comparable to prices of 5-10 years ago.

We all know the numbers have not improved over the last year, but these put the actual conditions in perspective.  We have seen fantastic values in the home foreclosure market, including lake front condos well below $100,000, a price barrier that was pretty strong until the last year of steady declines.  The double dip recession has affected the Table Rock Lake area as well as most other areas around the country.  With the banks continuing to tighten their lending practices, most buyers are investors, creating a floor that prices will not go below.

Investors earning less than 1% on the CD’s, stock market, and savings accounts are moving their money from these poor investments to rental property because they can earn 7-20% on their rental properties.  Money goes where returns flow.  These lower home prices will continue to pull more investor dollars fueling a rebound in real estate.

They aren’t making anymore of it but the prices have dropped significantly.

The price adjustments in the Branson Real Estate market haven’t been as drastic as other regions in the nation but land parcel inventory has taken an upward turn.

Currently there are 2,390 individual lots of land on the market in the Branson area. Though this number represents a wide range of sizes, shapes and prices the number of listings has risen rapidly.

Planned developments and a massive increase in infrastructure matched with low building costs have put investment opportunities for land on par with foreclosure costs.

Some planned developments are showing cost reductions at 40% below what they were just a few years ago.

If you’re interested in exploring this unique opportunity call 417-538-1323 to contact a real estate expert today.

America is suffering the worst ecological disaster in its history as we are being held hostage by a foreign multinational corporation, British Petroleum.  From the very beginning, BP has fed the American people one lie after another beginning with the estimate of 1,000 barrels per day of oil being leaked from the well.  Then, after about a month and dozens of experts contradicting them, they accepted a new estimate of 5,000 barrels per day.  The truth is still not available because this lying, deceitful company still refuses to even let companies use the equipment to properly measure the leak.  However, we know now that the number of barrels leaking into our precious Gulf is 100,000-200,000 barrels per day.  By their inaction to seal the gushing oil well, the US Government is an accessory to this tragedy.

As the Gulf States become more poisoned and the economy collapses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, people are moving to and vacationing in the Branson area.  We have received numerous inquiries from people who were planning to vacation in the Gulf, but now are coming to Branson instead.  Many people are moving to Branson and making plans to move to Branson.  We are seeing empirical evidence that there is beginning to be a mass migration north from the Gulf States, including especially to Branson which has similar entertainment roots as New Orleans and other beach cities.

This is a horrific event and we pray for the people in the Gulf who have lost their livelihoods.  We welcome them with open arms and will do anything possible to ease their suffering and make their transition as smooth as possible.

In celebration of Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday, they’ve got a special gift for you!  If you’re celebrating a 50th birthday or 50th wedding anniversary in 2010, then your admission is FREE all season long!  Get ready for the biggest birthday party ever!  Help them celebrate this special season sure to be fun and full of surprises.

New for 2010, River Blast - America’s Biggest Water Battle! Tom and Huck have braved the mighty Mississippi and found their way to Silver Dollar City just in time for their 50th celebration.

76Realty.com the place to come if you have any real estate needs.  Commercial/Residential, they can assist you.  Give them a call.

The 18th Annual MEC Job Fair takes place Saturday at the Branson Convention Center. If you are planning to attend you should be prepared for anything an employer might need. With so much competition you should be prepared with a resume, professional appearance, turn off your cell phone and leave your children in the care of someone else. If you need help with your resume you can go to the Missouri Career Center at 2720 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson.

The Downtown Branson Mainstreet Association has a new director and a renewed vision for downtown Branson. The first big event for 2010 is the annual Plumb Nellie Days arts and crafts festival slated for May 21st-23rd in downtown Branson. Make plans to attend.

76Realty.com is the realtor to call for all your real estate needs. Residential or Commercial they can help you out. Serving Branson, Branson West, Hollister, Nixa, Kimberling City, Blue Eye, Cape Fair, Kirbyville, Forsyth, and the surrounding area. Give them a call.

The Vacation Channel is proud to announce the 14th Annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show. The annual event will be held at the Branson Convention Center in Branson MO on February 26-28, 2010. For fourteen years, this first class consumer show has been hosting the area’s leading companies in one location to bring you everything from home improvement, remodeling, landscaping, home security, kitchen and bath and so much more! This year could be one of the largest in number of both exhibitors and attendees! The three day event will include vendor booths, prizes, seminars and special guests. Don’t miss this show!!

Jeff Sletto, a senior realtor with 76Realty.com recently listed for sale a fabulous lake front resort, Vacation Lane, combined with Captain Hooks Restaurant. This fine property has just been reduced $100,000 from $899,000 to $799,000. This resort includes eight condos and a spacious 3 bedroom apartment along with a 16 slip boat dock only about 15 miles from Branson on a very desirable section of Table Rock Lake. 76Realty.com handles all aspects of real estate from listing, marketing and sales to valuations, BPOs and property management. 76Realty.com sells residential and commercial property in Branson, Branson West, Kimberling City, Forsyth, Reeds Spring, Cape Fair, Galena, Hollister and all the cities around Branson and the tri-lakes area. Give Jeff a call at 417-712-1628 to find out more about this great property or any other real estate in which you may be interested.