Real Estate Information

Really, is this the right time for you to buy a home?  Well honestly only you can decide that, but with interest rates at all time lows, and inventory of available homes reaching all time highs, as your REALTOR I must advise you that this IS a good time to be looking at purchasing a home.

Most renters can find comparable if not better accommodations for equal or less than the current rent they are paying.  Foreclosures and tax sales are growing in numbers and there are some great buys out there if your the "savvy" investor type too.  So is this the right time to buy a house?

With upcoming and current tax breaks and incentives,  and plenty of mortgage programs that still allow "no-money down" loans, you still have great chances of finding a newer or completely remodeled older home that will give you years of trouble free living. 

Hot Springs never has really fit a mold when it comes to the real estate market.  You surely have read or heard on the news about a "mortgage crisis" or the "downfall of the Real Estate market."  OK, so I can't say things haven't slowed down, and in some areas maybe there is a "crisis" or "downfall," but in Hot Springs we just haven't seen the sky falling.  Yes buyers have taken all the national news in and perhaps play their cards close at hand, but they still have needs, a growing family, a new job, the need for more space, or desire for a better yard....and those needs will keep the market moving.  Along with upcoming economic growth and additional jobs, a recent "A-" grading of local schools, good city planning, and a safe wholesome enviroment.....Hot Springs is on the verge of busting out of the "sleepy" little valley town mystique, and turning itself into one of the premiere destinations in the South, or even the U.S.

So what makes Hot Springs different???  First off, its a great place to live.  Secondly, upcoming economic growth and possible legalized gaming have spurred a nationwide "spotlight" on the Spa city....people have always heard of this little town in Arkansas, but now many will flock to see it....and some of those will want to move and live here.  So is now the right time to buy?   Ask yourself that question.  Whether you rent currently or already own a home, the need for future house buying will arise, question is will you be ahead of the curve, or following behind it. 

OK, so you can't go swimming, probably don't want to go boating, so just what does Hot Springs offer those in the "off-season?"

Lots!!!!! Plus its really not that miserably cold here....we have romantic chilly winters....not overbearingly cold and bleak.  Hey if we get snow its 2 days off from everything and time to snuggle up to a good book and relax....couldn't we all use more of that? 

We just finished our Documentary Film Festival, one of the premier events of its type in the WORLD!   You don't want to miss it!

We will be opening our annual Ice Skating rink Nov. 23rd just to complete the feel of the season.

Shopping in Hot Springs is perhaps one of the easiest and greatest spots to find that gift for you know who....the one who is tough to shop for....our eclectic shops and variety of choices mean you can find a gift for anyone!!!!

Garvan Gardens is STILL one of the prettiest gardens around even in winter.....you have to check it out.

The beautiful and numerous Christmas Light displays around town, downtown, and across the county...Hot Springs residents have the Christmas Spirit.

With our mild temperatures you can still get outside...there is nothing better than an early morning hike above the Valley of the Vapors just to admire the beauty of heat and cold mingling together.  It's truly a unique experience.

It beats going to the in-laws for the holidays......wouldn't say this applies to all, but you know who you are!  : )

There are still lots of indoor activities and attractions to see and visit, plus the Natural state offers some of the best hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities year round. 

Give Hot Springs a visit this Holiday season, and see for yourself why this is truly a destination for all seasons.

So getting frustrated is an easy thing to do when dealing with Real Estate transactions.  No matter what "side" of the deal you are involved in, there will be something that arises that will cause undo stress and frustration on you, your lender, your appraiser, your REALTOR.....it WILL happen.  The solution, well its not that easy.

First, keep emotions and business separate.  It is a complicated transaction and there are many outside influences and variables, many of which you can't or won't see coming.  Expect it, deal with it, but don't let the process get you overly emotional.  It will just make an already touchy problem that much worse.

Second, prepare for everything, don't leave anything to chance, and never, never, never heed advice that you yourself don't feel comfortable with.  Unfortunately with the slowdown in Real Estate, some "hungry" agents will resort to some fairly questionable methods in order to get your signature.  I've seen hidden charges, misappropriation of funds, using closing costs to buy down points on a loan, charges for home inspections that never happened, just to name a few.....and ALL of those cost you money, time, and maybe your sanity.

Thirdly, and perhaps the hardest to grasp, is the issue of each "side" trying to gain some type of advantage, or in other words put all the cards in their favor.  There can't be a total lopsided win for one party or another.  The Seller can't have his way on everything, nor can the Buyer...there has to be happy medium, and everyone needs to walk away feeling like they got the best the could, but never should you feel like you completely gave on every issue and hiccup along the way.  There are times where you will give more than the other party, but in a slow market often giving up $100 here or there is better than giving up your $150,000 sale completely.  Be realistic in your requests for closing costs, repairs, and price.  You can't expect to get full price and not be willing to help out if needed, nor should you offer full price without getting something back....its kind of the "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" philosophy.  There is a time to stand firm on your contract, and there is a time to give.....a good REALTOR will explain this to you, and if your not emotionaly charged in the deal, you should be able to see the light at the end.....and THATS what we are all working towards right????

Overpricing, uncooperating, and bullheadedness are all variable that you can control, and should if you want to see results in today's market.

So you heard that Real Estate is in its worst slump in 16 years, and housing sales are down, etc.  Do you always believe everything you hear and read?  If so, then listen up.  Stop believing the media and everything they tell you. 

Real Estate has slowed.  I cannot tell a lie.  But after 5-8 years of the greatest rise in Real Estate it had to stop sometime and somewhere.  Would you rather be back in the early 80's with high interest rates of 18-22%???  Or perhaps the late 90's with 12-14%.  Rates today have remained at all time lows, and now there is an abundance of listings out there.  What does this mean for you?

It depends really on your end goal.  Investors.....have cash?  Spend it today and watch your investment flourish within the next 12-18 months.  Property values will remain steady for the time being, but will soon be on the rise again!  Don't have cash??  There are still plenty of lenders who can and will make loans that with the low interest rates will still allow monthly cash-flow. 

First time buyer???  Not only are there more programs now than ever for you to take advantage of, the abundance of houses to choose from means you can find the right house, and then with a smart agent "steal" the house off the market, and in short-term experiance great equity gains.  

Second home???  There are tons of lake and off-lake inventory to choose from, buy today, enjoy it for the next 5 years and then know your in great shape as our real estate market will have long recovered and provide a solid equitable marketplace for you to sell, or retire to. 

Upsizing?  Downsizing?  This niche is unique as it never really has slacked off.  Hot Springs has seen steady sales and marketing of properties that fit the "empty nester" or "starting a family" types.  There is new construction, and lots of charming old world styles to choose from, and the variety of location available will suit anyone's needs.

Lake property???  Now here is the kicker...yes its slowed down, and there is an abundance of condos...but remember what happens when there is an abundance of inventory???  Prices fall, smart investors swoop in and "steal" some great lake property, then 5 years later we are all left wondering why we didn't get in then and are amazed as our friends close on $1 million dollar homes that they bought for $400K a while back.  This vicious trend either makes or breaks you on the lake...buy today and save!!!!!!!

No matter where you look, or go, in Hot Springs, Arkansas is going to be a highlight in the Real Estate market.  You can either get on the train today, or read about it tomorrow...........just don't say I didn't tell you so.

The one that got away by divine intervention

So, I decided to take a late morning of work and go hunting this morning.  It's bow season, no guns have 'riled' up the woods yet, so I felt fairly confident I would at least see something.  I arrived plenty early, got my gear ready, loaded my arrow into my bow and set off across the starlit field to my stand.  Last two mornings have been gorgeous, low 50's temperature, and a nice quieting morning dew on the grass keeps noise down.  So things are going good to this point.

About 100 yards from my stand I have to top a small hill, and much to my surprise there is a buck standing there.  Not just your typical buck...but I mean a real wall-hanger.  A MONSTER...the kind of deer you only see once in a lifetime, let alone a buck you get a chance to make a good shot on. I think I startled him more than he startled me, so here we are 40 yards apart, there is just barely enough light for me to make out his massive rack and see his warm breath smoking into the cool morning air.  I am frozen, unable to draw my bow, or make any kind of movement as he is just fixated in my direction. 

After what seems like forever, he finally, slowly puts his head down and goes back to feeding. My heart skips a couple beats...this is the opportunity I've been waiting for 8 years of hard hunting.  I take this as my chance, square up, take a deep breath, draw and just as I am about to shoot..............I'm blinded by what I thought was  a spotlight.  From behind this deer comes what at the time felt like the brightest most blinding light I've ever seen.  Now the buck sees this and bolts...takes off across the field, hops a fence and disappears into a thicket of briar's and honeysuckle, probably never to be seen again (at least thats my luck, and what I could tell thru the spots of blindness caused by this mysterious light)

I'm going into a state of furiousness like never before as to what the heck someone is doing on my family's land so I immediately set off toward the direction of the light.  I get out my flashlight and call out, I hear nothing...I stop...listen...still hear nothing...so I keep walking down the path....still no sounds and no sign of anybody or anything.  I can't lie, I spent the next 45 minutes walking every square inch of ground in the direction that light came from....and I never saw a thing.  I never heard anything that way...and I dunno if I just missed it as I watched my trophy buck but I swear I didn't hear or see anything after the bright light. 

I don't know about aliens, or if someone just slipped out after they saw me, but all I kept thinking is the reason that deer was so Monstrously big is because of some kind of Divine Intervention that has been keeping it alive.  I'm not trying to argue any kind of religion, but there was something about the whole situation that just doesn't add up.  It was the whitest, brightest light I think I've ever seen.  It came on, and as the deer ran away it disappeared, never to be seen again.  There are only two ways in and out of where this light came from.  I was standing on one, and the other hasn't been regularly used in 10 years....so its rather grown up and difficult to traverse through in any season, let alone early fall, when temps are just now getting out of the 80's, and the groundcover is so thick.   It just doesn't add up....something or someone shined a light in my eyes...but what...and where did it go?  Normally I cough or make some kind of noise that scares them off...but today....and hopefully only today...something else kept me from succeeding in my quest. 

Maybe the jokes on me....but there's always next time

Garland County, Arkansas

Home of Hot Springs National Park, thermal spas and baths, numerous lakes, and McClard's BBQ.  Garland county is host to some of the most fun to be had in the Natural State.  Beautiful lands encompassing Lake Oucahita to the North, Lake Hamilton, and Lake Catherine, large parts of the Ouchita National Forest to the west, and just south is Lake Degray. 

The list of things to do never seems to end, and is constantly growing.  Springtime brings live thouroughbred horse racing at one of the premiere tracks in the country, Oaklawn.  Cool spring days lead to sizzling summers filled with boating, fishing, amusement parks, botanical gardens, duck rides, shopping, and thousands of other attractions right here in the area.  So whether you live in Arkansas, or have just read or heard about it, Hot Springs, Garland County, and the whole south central part of the state offers something for everyone.  Relax or Rev-up, we've got it all.

Visit my page for links to hundreds of local attractions, or visit the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce website for lists of things and fun for the whole family.

Hot Springs is at it again.

Hot Springs wins award !!!!!!

The National Geographic Adventure magazine has chosen Hot Springs as one its 50 Best Adventure Towns in the United States for 2007. 

Hot Springs will be featured in the upcoming September issue that hits newsstands on this Tuesday, according to Ethan Fried of the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

"Choosing one town per state for the cover story feature - 50 Top Adventure Towns - National Geographic Adventure breaks the top adventure towns where you can live the adventure dream daily into five categories:  Wilderness, Small Town, Mountain, Waterfront, and City and also highlights a few select Hot Spots", Fried said.

"With an ideal mix of terrain, activity, and opportunity, Hot Springs is a place where you can live the adventure dream daily."  -- article published by the Sentinel Record

Arkansas State Fair

Once again, it's that time of year when the annual Arkansas State Fair comes to town.  Ranked as a "Top 50 Fair in North America" in 2003, 2005, and 2006, this year promises to be one again!

This year's events include:

• Live Shark Encounter
• "Jump" the Ultimate Dog Show
• Potbelly pig races
• The "Swampmaster Gator Show"
• Racing displays from the NASCAR Alltell Race Team
• The National Guard
• An Exotic Barnyard
• The annual FFA Barnyard
• a multitude of concerts including the Charlie Daniels Band, Kelly Pickler, and REO Speedwagon
• The Arkansas State Rodeo, featuring Bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding & more. There will be four exciting performances by the best Professional Cowboys in the business.
• Of course the usual livestock shows
• And the always exciting Queen and Talent Shows

Bring the whole Family, and have a ton of fun at the Arkansas State Fair!

Rodeo Ticket Prices:

DAILY CONCERT LINE-UP

Friday, October 12

Saturday, October 13

Sunday, October 14

Monday, October 15

Tuesday, October 16

Wednesday, October 17

Thursday, October 18

Friday, October 19

Saturday, October 20

Sunday, October 21

Regular Admission:

These prices take effect after 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 11th

Advance Tickets:

Family Pack:

all times subject to change, current as of 10/10/07 4:00 CST 

This is a repost from Yahoo.com News!

MAIDEN, N.C. - A man who bought a smoker Tuesday at an auction of abandoned items might have thought twice had he looked inside first.

Maiden police said the man opened up the smoker and saw what he thought was a piece of driftwood wrapped in paper. When he unwrapped it, he found a human leg, cut off 2 to 3 inches above the knee.

The smoker had been sold at an auction of items left behind at a storage facility, so investigators contacted the mother and son who had rented the space where the smoker was found.

The mother, Peg Steele, explained her son had his leg amputated after a plane crash and kept the leg following the surgery "for religious reasons" she doesn't know much about.

"The rest of the family was very much against it," Steele said.

Steele said her son, John Wood, plans to drive to Maiden, about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte, to reclaim his amputated leg, police said.

So you've found your new favorite restaurant in Hot Springs, you love the food, but are looking for a little fun and some music to add to your evening.  You simply must check out Capone's Ohio Club, 336 Central Ave., in beautiful downtown Hot Springs, across from bath house row!

From the majestic, one of kind mahogany back-bar, to the coldest beer in town, and the unique and interesting history of the building itself (frequented by Al Capone and others) you won't be disappointed.  Looking for a wide selection of beers and liquors?  Want to relax in an atmosphere that will let you smoke your cigar??  Looking for some great local music and entertainment???   Look no further than Capones Ohio Club.

Owner's Tony and Cassie will do whatever it takes to make your visit special, and be sure to ask about some of the history of the bar, the building, its visitors, and most importantly, who that part-time bartender who works down there is doing.