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5 Services to Guide You Through Your NWA Home Purchase
As we have all heard from time to time “You don’t know what you don’t know”, this cliche rings so true in so many aspects of our daily research. And real estate is no exception. Navigating a home purchase involves several entities, processes, and procedures and it can quickly turn from a DIY “I got this” feeling to a “I had no idea I needed that” reality. As full-service REALTORS®, Coldwell Banker® is your partner in all aspects of the home-buying process. Our affiliations with primary service providers ensure that you receive complete assistance from beginning to end, giving you one-stop-shop convenience.
MORTGAGE SERVICES –
Most home buyers will need a mortgage to finance the purchase. Typically, this is the starting point during your buying journey, to see pre-approval options within all budgets. Our preferred lender Gateway Mortgage provides home loans and features competitively low rates, fantastic customer service, and a fast, simple process. They also are on-site in each of our offices giving you in-person availability and support. In a digital world, in-person assistance is becoming rarer and rarer while conversely being in high demand to give guidance and peace of mind. Our advice, pick a lender you have direct access to!
WARRANTY SERVICES –
You will also want to feel secure knowing that if any major mishaps occur, you are covered, that’s where a home warranty comes in. Slightly different than home insurance, a home warranty covers most home appliances and home system repairs. For us, we recommend American Home Shield®. They provide an extra level of security that will make you feel more comfortable and confident when purchasing your new home. And of course, peace of mind.
INSURANCE SERVICES –
A warranty covers limited repairs, but to cover more potential risks you will also need home insurance. Most homeowners’ policies cover the home as well as personal belongings inside. There are different needs when it comes to insurance and our agents can help put you in contact with a network of providers. Whether you need coverage for a single-family home, condo, townhouse, or anything else, we can put you in front of a reputable provider!
COMMERCIAL SERVICES –
We don’t just sell residential real estate either. If you are looking for a new office location for your business, an investment opportunity, or a land lot, we will make the buying process smooth and stress-free! Our full-service REALTORS® can guide you through the various aspects of each purchase as there are caveats to all. For instance, do you know ALL the questions to ask in that purchase? Such as, “Does your Bella Vista lot require a future connection to city-sewer?” It’s questions like these that experts in our office KNOW to ask!
TITLE SERVICES –
Before closing on your new home, you want to make sure every I is dotted and every T crossed. Title work is required on your purchase and Your Coldwell Banker® agent will thoroughly research and resolve any issues with your title to help you close smoothly and on time! We also have a partnering company on-site, Mercury Title, that has been a rock in the process of title for several years in NWA. Our agents utilize the relationship with Mercury Title daily to ask questions and find answers to the most complex title issues.
No matter where you are in your home-buying journey, we are here to help guide you every step of the way! Our brokerage has helped to build the Northwest Arkansas community and we have supported generations of family members through Real Estate purchases since 1956! Don’t let the process overwhelm you; with one of our local, trusted, expert agents by your side, you’ll have nothing to worry about!! We pride our brokerage on full-service client support beginning from the first phone call and carrying on throughout the life of our clientele.
Don’t miss the next blog in our homebuying series where we will discuss what you need to know when you are ready to make an offer on the perfect Northwest Arkansas home!
Items Needed For A Home Loan
Continuing our homebuyer series, we want to discuss some of the items you may need to have when applying for a home loan. This list will help prepare you and get you one step ahead when buying your new home!
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Social Security Numbers –
- Borrower and all co-borrowers. Needed for accurate credit rate.
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Residence Address –
- Past 7 years (Current and previous) landlords, mortgage companies (account numbers). All borrowers.
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Copy of Driver’s License –
- All borrowers.
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Names and Addresses of Each Employer –
- Current and previous 2 years. All borrowers.
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Gross Monthly Salary and Employment Pay Stubs –
- Hourly rate and the number of hours worked a week or biweekly. Weekly, monthly, or annual salary. All borrowers.
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Names, Addresses, Account Numbers, and Balances of Checking, Savings, and Retirement Investment Accounts –
- needed to mail verifications of deposits (need last 2 statements). All borrowers.
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Revolving Charge Accounts Names, Addresses, Account Numbers, Balances, and Monthly Payments of All –
- Need minimum monthly payments and balances on all accounts used in the past 6 months even if the account has a zero balance. All borrowers.
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Names, Addresses, Account Numbers, and Balances and Monthly Payments of All Open Loans –
- i.e., car loans, mortgage loans, student loans, share loans, boat loans, etc. All borrowers.
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Federal Tax Returns –
- 1040s: most recent two years, with all schedules, statements, and agenda (completed and signed). All borrowers.
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W-2 Forms –
- Most recent two years. All borrowers.
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Addresses of Other Real Estate Owned –
- Needed for the schedule of real estate. Need to know the type of property (land, home, duplex). All borrowers.
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Loan Information of Other Real Estate Owned –
- Needed for verification of mortgage. All borrowers.
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Helpful Items –
- Survey; Amount of Property Taxes and Insurance – Needed for Good Faith Estimate
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VA Only – Certificate of Eligibility or DD214 –
- Need as soon as possible. The lender will have a form to request the certificate.
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Self-Employment –
- Personal and Corporate Tax Returns
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Stock, Bond Brokerage Account Information –
- All Borrowers.
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Face Amount of Life Insurance –
- All Borrowers
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Homeowner’s Insurance Agent’s Contact information.
This list will have you prepared for whatever the mortgage company may ask from you. Your agent will also be there to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Don’t have an agent? Read about how they can help you throughout the process and find an agent to help you on your journey!
Obtaining Pre-Approval Before Beginning Your Northwest Arkansas Home Search
The first step in any home search is finding out exactly how much home you can afford and securing the financing to make the purchase. While you can get a rough estimate through pre-qualification, taking the extra step to obtain pre-approval will give you some added advantages.
Pre-approval helps you:
• Understand your financial condition
• Know exactly how much home you can afford before you begin your home search
• Strengthen your purchasing power when making an offer
When you find a home you love and are ready to make an offer, your mortgage pre-approval lets the seller know that you’re serious and fully prepared to buy their home, putting you in a stronger position than other potential buyers.
Here are some of the documents that you will need to provide your lender to get the pre-approval process started:
Income
• Current pay stubs, usually for the last two months
• W-2s or 1099s, usually for the last two years
• Tax returns, usually for the last two years
Assets
• Bank statements
• Investments/brokerage firm statements
• Net worth of businesses owned (if applicable)
Debts
• Credit card statements
• Loan statements
• Alimony/child support payments (if applicable)
These are the first steps to gaining pre-approval to begin your homebuying journey. Finding the right agent will help you succeed throughout the process! Check out our post on ‘Why You Need A REALTOR® When Buying Your Next Home‘ and don’t miss our next post about what you may need to provide a lender when applying for a home loan!!
Why You NEED a REALTOR® When Buying Your Next Home
Why you NEED a REALTOR®!
The homebuying journey can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first time or it’s been a while since you last purchased a home. Not to worry, that’s exactly what real estate agents are trained to do; navigate and guide you through the process.
REALTORS® are fully educated in the home-buying process, backed by a Real Estate Broker who fully supports the transaction. They also have required state licensing education to stay up to date on the latest processes and are a part of the National Association of REALTORS®, committing themselves to further education and the utmost in ethics. We often say, “Buyers can find a home easily on a number of websites, but closing on that home is the expertise of the REALTOR®“.
Your agent will be by your side throughout the whole process, giving you the insight and information you need to have confidence in your decision. It is important to choose the right agent, and not all brokerages are created equal. Here at Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, our culture prides itself on the highest ethical standards, fairness, and equity for our clientele, and representing the best interest of each Buyer/Seller.
Find an agent who is an expert in what/where you are looking to buy.
How does your agent guide you through your home-buying journey?
- Meet with you to discuss your needs and goals, and to plan your property search
- Help you get pre-approved and establish your budget
- Show you properties that meet your criteria
- Keep you informed of new properties that come on the market
- Work with you until you find the right home
- Help you determine your offer
- Negotiate the offer and contract in your best interests
- Facilitate the home inspection and resolution process
- Keep you updated on the progress of your transaction every step of the way
Although there is much to navigate through other than a simple online home search, leave it to your agent to guide you through each item. With all this covered by your agent, every step of the way, buying a home doesn’t seem so overwhelming! So what are you waiting for? Find an agent now! We can’t wait to help you along your journey to becoming a homeowner!!
Is it a Good Time to Buy a Home in Northwest Arkansas?
Is it a Good Time to Buy a Home in Northwest Arkansas?
Published: December 2022
The New Year is right around the corner, so in the spirit of “New,” we wanted to start a series geared towards buyers.
Buyers, it’s been a rough 18 months. The NWA market has been incredibly competitive, and you’ve faced many unprecedented challenges in 2021 and early 2022. This series will discuss how the market is changing, why now is a great time to purchase a home, and what you should consider in your home-buying journey.
This blog will answer two fundamental questions you want to know before beginning your home search.
How does the 2023 market look different than the 2021/2022 markets?
This 2023 market is anticipated to trend much differently than we have seen in the past two years. There are two significant differences we are already experiencing — more inventory on the market and offers coming closer to the list price.
Comparing the last 18 months, there are more houses on the market now than what was actively available in 2021 and early 2022. In 2021, the NWA housing market dipped below 700 active listings for sale, which is incredibly low for our region. Currently, we are seeing approximately 2000+ active homes for sale. Simply put, more listings equals more options for buyers to choose from. Take these numbers with a grain of salt, as 2000 active listings is still considered low inventory for NWA.
Additionally, because there is less competition among buyers, you may not end up in a bidding war as many experienced in 2021 and early 2022, and buyers can now make reasonable, near-list price offers. We are no longer experiencing the 2021/Q1 2022 scenarios where buyers paid tens of thousands of dollars over list price during the “pandemic pricing.” This was not a fun time for Buyers, trying to make up gaps of cash that a mortgage vs. appraisal would not cover. The good news for Buyers of 2021 and 2022, your NWA home continues to increase in value, despite that increase in the purchase price.
Northwest Arkansas real estate continues to steadily increase, but rates have been inching up as well. So, it’s an excellent time to consider buying or even checking with a mortgage provider to see what your options may be.
Why is now an opportune time to purchase a home?
The national media is painting a far different picture than what we are seeing in the Northwest Arkansas housing market. The national media seems to have a narrow-minded focus on the rates without considering other variables.
One thing to point out, interest rates may never be as low as they were during the pandemic. The 7% rates we currently see align with the historical average for the past 50 years. It’s certainly possible we may never see rates as low as 3% – But we do know rates can go north of 7% to curb inflation, and it may be time to strike quickly as a buyer. If you have been waiting for another 3% rate, you may retire as a ‘renter.
Another consideration; although interest rates have risen, the appreciation value of homes in Northwest Arkansas has also increased. If you are considering buying a house, but the rates are deterring you, the longer you wait, the more you may be paying. Not only might you pay more if rates rise, but rising home prices will also cost you more. As they say in the industry, “Marry the Home but Date the Rate”; if interest rates improve, you can always refinance at a lower rate.
Our last tip, many homes are now offering additional incentives for buyers that were unheard of during the pandemic. These are often referred to as concessions (anything the seller pays for the buyer, like repair allowances, closing costs, home warranty, money to buy-down interest rates, etc.) Concessions can save a buyer thousands of dollars and need to be examined along with the interest rates. In layman’s terms, you may spend more on rates but save more elsewhere.
So what’s next?
We want you to understand this changing market and your potential opportunities. Throughout this home-buying series, we will discuss a variety of topics.
These topics will help buyers know where to start their homebuying process. We will talk about why you even want to buy a home, what services you will need before closing, how the pre-approval process works, and a few other things to help prepare you for this new chapter!
Follow us on social and stay updated with all of our blog posts. We are so excited to get this series started. We cannot wait to help you on your journey to owning a home! 🙂
Fall Is Finally Here In NWA!!
After a very long, hot summer, autumn is finally here!! This wonderful time of year brings beautiful weather and many fun activities to unite families and entire communities. We know everyone can’t see or go to everything there is to do, so we came up with a very broad (maybe a little random) short list of things to do that we are sure everyone can enjoy. Fall is the best time of year to spend with friends and family, we hope you are able to check out some of these activities!!
One of the most prominent fall activities in my memory; craft fairs! The weather is perfect and everyone has prepped all year to get the craft season started. They are so fun to walk around and find new things you didn’t know you needed, or maybe even check some items off of your Christmas list a little early. Northwest Arkansas has tons of craft fairs coming this fall but we want to highlight two of our favorites.
Vintage Market Days
Our first mention are the Vintage Market Days at the Benton County Fairgrounds from October 7th through the 9th. This fabulous three-day event benefits the fantastic women at SavingGrace. It is mostly indoors and will have a huge variety of vendors selling everything from home decor to clothing to yummy homemade goodies. You will have to purchase tickets ($10 each), but they will last you the whole weekend and benefit a great organization. It is so worth it though. We absolutely love this craft fair!
War Eagle Craft Fair
The War Eagle Craft Fair is next on our list. Beginning in 1954, over 60 years later, it is still one of the biggest craft fairs in NWA. This year there will be over 250 booths with handcrafted items of all kinds. There are so many different products to find, and even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it is fascinating seeing these crafters’ fantastic skills. The craft fair takes place in Hindsville and will last four days, from October 13th through the 16th. We can’t wait to see what fun things we find this year!
Bikes, Blues, and BBQ’s
After you’ve had you fix of craft fairs, check out this next event on out list; Bikes, Blues, and BBQ. This is a humungous bike rally that has called NWA home since 2000. People come from all over the world to take part in this awesome event. This year the rally will be in downtown Rogers from October 5th to the 8th. You will get to see thousands of motorcycles, a ton of vendors from all over the country and taste some of the best BBQ you will ever have. And after you spend the day getting some cool biker merch and eating all the BBQ you can handle, you should totally take a sunset drive along the outskirts of NWA and enjoy a peaceful drive through the Ozarks as the leaves change color. This is such a beautiful area and we know you will agree.
Farmland Adventures
We know fall is an extremely busy time of year so we wanted to mention a couple activities that can be enjoyed all season long and will be fun for everyone!! Of course, we couldn’t leave out a pumpkin patch (that’s like the staple fall activity). Farmland Adventures is the ultimate pumpkin patch and they have fun things to do for the whole family to enjoy. There are so many fun things to do that we can’t list them all but we will tell you some of our faves. You for sure have to pick a pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, watch the pig races, feed some ponies and take a hayride.
Crystal Bridges: Listening Forest
Our last mention on the list is a nighttime that is also fun for the whole family or even just you and a bestie. This year Crystal Bridges has a brand new exhibit called ‘The Listening Forest’. It is a super cool sensory experience that invites you to pay closer attention to your surroundings during an interactive walk through the woods. There are eight different interactive installations that are all controlled by you. This experience sounds like so much fun, I know we can’t wait to check it out!
This list may have been a little random, but these are only a few activities that NWA has to offer this fall season. With something new almost everyday, you will never be bored. We hope you get a chance to check out some of our favorites that we mentioned. If you need any more recommendations, reach out to our agents for some local expert advice! If you do, tag us on Instagram @coldwellbankernwa and let us know if you loved them as much as we did!
Happy Fall Y’All!!
Thinking of Buying Land in NWA? Here Are Some Tips
If you thought buying land was as simple as calling on a listing while you are on your Sunday drive, it really isn’t that easy. There is much more to consider. Clients often have many questions about what to look for when buying land for sale and can find the task extremely overwhelming. We have had many clients recently who have an interest in buying land, but need someone who has experience to get them going in the right direction. So for this month’s blog we sat down with George Brace, managing Broker for the Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette Rogers office. We asked George a few questions that buyers can ask themselves when they start their search for land for sale.
Q: What is the first thing you need to know when starting your search?
A: “I would first ask the client what their plans are for the land. This will help me find out what kind of land they are looking for and how big of a lot they are wanting. This question is helpful in determining the direction they are wanting to go and else we need to ask to understand exactly what they are looking for.”
Q: Is the location of the land a big factor in the search?
A: “Absolutely! Where you are wanting to build will have a huge impact on the process of the build. A few different options of location would be waterfront, lake access, farmland, or near/in town. These are all very different in terms of terrain and how to go about building. It will also be extremely helpful to find an agent with experience in the area you are wanting so you can find the right piece of land for you.”
Q: What does a buyer need to know about the utility connections on the property?
A: “Find out what connections already exist and which you may have to add throughout the build or at a later date. Ask if there is electricity and gas and if there is access to a public water system or if you will need your own well. Also ask if the property is connected to the public sewer, and if not, if there is an existing septic already on the property.”
Here are some links to city resources about utilities:
Q: What are other things buyers need to consider?
A: “A few other things to look into are the possible restrictions on building within city limits. Like who has jurisdiction in the location you are wanting. Some areas have specific contractors that you can choose from. So if you have a contractor you are planning on hiring you may want to keep these restrictions in mind.”
Q: How does a client find the right agent for them?
A: “If you’re a DIY researcher, the first place I would look for is the agent’s website and determine their expertise. If you want to skip the research, feel free to call any of our offices and speak with the broker directly to find out who would be the most knowledgeable agent pertaining to the land you’re going to buy. We know our agents well and can identify who’d be most likely to help in your specific situation.”
These are just a few tips to get you started on your search for land. We want to say thank you to George Brace for taking the time to give us a few insider tips and advice. If you have any questions you can call us at any of our office locations or email us at nwa@coldwellbankerhmf.com
Rogers: (479) 696-0600
Bentonville: (479) 273-3838
Fayetteville: (479) 521-0220
Things To Do In Southwest Missouri!!
Southwest Missouri is a beautiful area that often is overshadowed by the ever-growing Northwest Arkansas area. There are so many unique places to explore. Whether you are looking for something adventurous near your new home, a good meal, or a road trip oddity, you are sure to find a destination on this list that fits your needs. Keep reading to see our ten favorite places to visit, plus many restaurants to try when you are in Southwest Missouri!
Places to Visit
Bluff Dwellers Cave – 163 Cave Rd, Noel, Missouri 64854
If you are an avid cave explorer, Bluff Dwellers is the place for you. This cave is family-friendly and has much to discover. They have several cave tours throughout the day and many activities to do after. Our favorite was panning for local gems and fossils in the cool cave water! They also have a museum filled with gems, minerals, and artifacts from all over the area. Let the kids test their cave skills in the crawl box or find the perfect souvenir in the gift shop.
Jolly Mill – 31630 Jolly Mill Dr, Pierce City, MO 65723
This serene park with beautiful views and incredible history is hidden off 60 Hwy in Pierce City, MO. View the old distillery and the watermill that’s still in action next to the giant waterfall. You can play in the creek, explore the old town building, and have a picnic with the family. Be sure to let out your inner child on the farm-inspired playground! This park is off the beaten path, and not many people know about it, so it is a great place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and have a peaceful afternoon.
Roaring River – 12716 Farm Rd 2239, Cassville, MO 65625
Roaring River is a fantastic place to bring your family and friends. There are so many trails and sites to explore that you at least need a whole day or plan to camp overnight. They have a wide variety of hiking trails, interesting rock formations to discover, and several overlooks that give a beautiful view of the whole park. You will see an insane amount of fish in the hatchery area, all in different stages of growth. They also have a gift shop and an information center to learn about the area’s native wildlife and plants. So come play in the creek, do some fishing, go hiking, and make tons of memories at this fun park!
Neosho Fish Hatchery – 520 Park Street, Neosho, MO 64850
Check out the Fish Hatchery in Neosho, MO, and see all kinds of fish! Inside you will find many aquariums and fun facts along the wall. They also have a huge bubble you can climb inside to make it feel like you are in the tank too! Outside they have a trail around the park and many hatchery ponds to discover on your walk. They also have special events for fishing derbies geared towards children, senior citizens, and veterans. Check out their page and register for one of their upcoming events.
Elk River – 201 Minnow Springs Avenue, Noel, MO 64854
The Elk River is a lovely area to take your family and friends for an exciting camping trip. There are multiple camps along the river, so finding a site fit for you can be done in a pinch. Spend a day relaxing by floating, kayaking, or canoeing down the river. We recommend visiting this area in the off-season or during the week to avoid the significant crowds. You are sure to have a relaxing, nature-filled time whenever you plan to go.
George Washington Carver National Monument – 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840
For all of our history lovers, the George Washington Carver National Monument is the place for you. George Washington Carver was born in Diamond, MO, and the homestead he was born in is still there today. He is the man that brought us peanut butter and over 300 other peanut product creations. The national monument has a three-story museum full of crazy facts about peanuts and tons of interactive exhibits. You can also follow the trail that leads to the homestead and a few other historic stops along the path. You will leave this park with a wealth of ‘nutty’ knowledge!
Tall Pines Distillery – 3316 Goodin Hollow Rd, Noel, MO 64854
For our 21+ readers, visit Tall Pines Distillery and discover a ‘different class of hillbilly’ as they describe. They currently have thirteen different flavors of moonshine to choose from and have more in the works. We recommend trying the Apple Pie flavored moonshine. It has a little bite with just the right amount of sweetness. Don’t forget to take some pics for the gram! You can visit to taste some of the spirits or book the venue for your next party.
AR-MO-OK Tri-State Marker – MO-43 Sulphur Springs, AR
If you are passing through Southwest City in Missouri, you should make a quick stop here. Stand on the three states of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma simultaneously. This is a great location to take pictures for social media. Show everyone that you really can be in three places at once!
World’s Largest Small Appliance Museum – 51 HWY 59, Diamond, MO 64840
This little museum is inside JR’s Western Store and will make you feel like a time traveler. They claim to have the world’s largest collection of small appliances, and honestly, we believe it. It is so cool to take a step back in time and see how these appliances started. The progression and changes made to bring us the items we use every day is super interesting. Our favorite items on display were all the crazy variations of waffle irons!!
World’s Largest Flowerbox – North College St, Neosho, MO 64850
Prepared to be wowed at this giant!! You’ve seen flower boxes before, but have you ever seen the world’s largest?? Well, here is your chance! The town of Neosho does a great job of making sure the flowerbox is always beautiful and photoshoot ready.
Places to eat
Burger Time – 1152 US-71, Pineville, MO 64856
Small town cafés always have super delicious burgers and fries, and Burger Time in Pineville, MO, is no exception to that statement. With indoor and outdoor dining options and chic café décor, this cute little café is a must when you are in the mood for a good burger.
Haven 55 – 408 Havenhurst Dr, Pineville, MO 64856
Haven 55 serves fantastic meals and offers delightful, scenic views of the Elk River. A crossover of fine dining and casual mom-and-pop diner is the perfect way to describe this hidden gem. This is the ideal date night destination with your special someone.
Mustang Bistro – 216 MO-59, Anderson, MO 64831
If you are ever in Anderson, MO stop by Mustang Bistro for some amazing sandwiches, excellent service, and the best coffee in town! Their menu items are continuously being rotated, so you are sure to find something new and yummy every time you visit.
MoJoe’s – 925 S Neosho Blvd, Neosho, MO 64850
This cute café off the Neosho Boulevard is a great place to eat when you are passing through. They have tons of flavors for their crispy chicken wings; our personal pick is the mild buffalo sauce. They also have amazing wraps and some of the best appetizers in town. If you aren’t hungry or are in the mood for something sweet, check out their coffee and tea selection and try one of their yummy baked goods.
JJ’s Restaurant – 205 N Main St, Granby, MO 64844
Step into a fun and soulful time capsule when dining at JJ’s. This lovely family-owned dinner is decorated with an array of memorabilia from the past decades and an aesthetic ice cream bar. There are arcade games upstairs too! You won’t regret eating here; everything on the menu is delicious.
Here are a few other places to check out:
Corner Café – 101 N Main St, Southwest City, MO 64863
Sam’s Cellar – 101 N Wood St, Neosho, MO 64850
Mary Deans Café -18 Cedar St, Anderson, MO 64831
Cliffside Café – 501 N Cliffside Dr, Noel, MO 64854
The Cave Bar & Grill – 12386 MO-59, Noel, MO 64854
The next time you are in the area, check out some of these incredible places! If you are considering buying a home in Southwest Missouri, check out our homes for sale and find an agent with expertise in the area. We have several listings in the area and many agents who have extensive experience in the Southwest Missouri region.
Things To Do in Bella Vista!
Mar 14, 2022
As we impatiently wait for spring to arrive, we thought we’d spend our time exploring just how many things there are to do in Bella Vista. Fun fact, it is one of the most outdoor-oriented towns in NWA. With over 150 miles of mountain biking and multi-use trails, 7 recreation lakes, 6 golf courses, disc golf, pickleball courts, and much more. It is the perfect place for the active crowd to buy a home. These benefits are for Bella Vista residents so keep that in mind when you are looking to buy a home. There are some affordable POA dues and activity cards. You can find more information about that here.
Golf Courses
No matter where you are driving in Bella Vista, it is impossible to miss the beautifully maintained greens of the SIX golf courses scattered throughout the area. For those who want to get tips on improving their golf game go to the practice facility. You can schedule some time with one of the on-staff golf pros. If golf isn’t what holds your interest, there is no shortage of alternatives to participate in. There are 8 tennis courts (with pro instructors available), 3 fitness centers, a mini-golf course, an 18-hole disc golf course, 3 pools, campgrounds and parks, and even a gun range.
Mountain Bike Trails
Next up are the INSANE amount of mountain bike trails. There are 154 miles of trails as of March 2022, with more being created weekly. There are 3 major trail systems that you can use in Bella Vista. All have varying skill levels from the easy greens to the double black jump lines.
Blowing Springs Trail
First up, we have Blowing Springs Trails. This starts as a 6-mile loop that skirts cliffsides and has caves and waterfalls to explore. It links to Slaughter Pen Trails, the Razorback Greenway. It acts as a gateway to our next trail system, the Back 40. Blowing Springs is excellent for hikers and campers alike, with several amenities like RV sites, cabin rentals, and much more! I’m only mentioning this to tease the topic, but they have an outdoor beer garden! That’s all you get, click here for beer info!
The Back 40 Trails
The Back 40 system boasts over 40 miles of trails that include a 21-mile loop creatively named ” The Back 40 Loop“. This trail system has a wide range of singletrack, again varying in skill level and length. As an avid rider, The Back 40 is an excellent CX destination and although you may be in the back holler of POA land behind neighborhoods, it feels secluded for an adventurous escape. This trail system has several access points, including through Slaughter Pen in Bentonville and the Razorback Greenway. If you decide to ride these trails, be on the lookout for coolers of water filled by “trail angels.” These homeowners, riders, and just flat-out awesome folks leave beverages, snacks, and sometimes a beer behind for the trail user.
Little Sugar Trai;s
Finally, we have Little Sugar trails, an open network of 40 miles. It works its way past waterfalls, Bella Vista lakes, and other natural features that will have you jumping off your bike to go exploring. This might be the most adventurous of all of the trails built with a variety of climbs, features, and tunnels to pass through. This network has many crossovers and cut-throughs to give you plenty of options for routes. Because of this, we recommend the TrailForks app to keep you connected to your desired path. Cell service in Bella Vista isn’t normally an issue for bikers and the TrailForks app is great to make sure that you are never lost.
Bella Vista Lakes
If you are looking for something more leisurely to do, try out one of Bella Vistas 7 lakes. These can be used for fishing, boating, swimming, or paddleboarding. Note: lake users must have credentials for the POA or obtain a guest permit. Click here to get the info on Lake/Beach/Amenity use. The marina at Lakepoint has boat rentals available at an hourly rate if you don’t have a boat. The Bella Vista POA also ensures that the lakes are stocked with a variety of fish for those who want to go cast a line. If staying on land and relaxing is your thing, check out Lake Avalon’s beach. Rentals are available there for paddleboards and kayaks. You can also rent the pavilion for parties or extra shade during those hot summer days.
Memorials and Landmarks
Don’t be intimidated if you aren’t the outdoor type. Not all of the activities require a helmet or a bucket of sunscreen. One of our favorite suggestions, check out the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. This E. Fay Jones’s masterpiece is one of the beautiful arch and glass chapels that you will find scattered around Northwest Arkansas. Additionally, near Bella Vista lake in the center of town, pay homage to the Veteran Wall of Honor dedicated to honoring the legacy of our beloved Veterans. As with most things in Northwest Arkansas, you are never far from any art or culture. Crystal Bridges and the Momentary are less than a 15-minute drive away. That drive is easy when you are surrounded by as much natural beauty as in Bella Vista.
These are some great options to do in Bella Vista if you already own a home there or are looking to buy. Be sure to check for your town on our blog page to find your town to find some of the possible hidden gems in the place you call home.
Should You Sell Your NWA Home in 2022?
Mar 03, 2022
As Homeowners, we’ve all heard the phrases “it’s a seller’s market” and “now is the time to sell.”
But are those just clever marketing phrases? Or are there actual stats legitimizing these statements?
At Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, we wanted to list out some of our top reasons why selling in 2022 makes sense for you.
Northwest Arkansas is Booming in Popularity
Northwest Arkansas continues to grow nationally in popularity. We are seeing more and more people relocating to NWA each day. Information released by the US Census Committee and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission states that Arkansas was ranked #1 for inbound moves in 2021. Let’s face it, most of those moves seem to be going to Northwest Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas Council says NWA is attracting (30) new relocating individuals per day!
NWA is one of the most popular areas to move to for those looking for natural beauty to balance out their lives. That doesn’t touch the multiple Fortune 500 companies that have made NWA their home. We have insane trail systems and amazing things there are to do in Northwest Arkansas.
Our “small towns” are no longer the secret that they once were. Fayetteville was named one the the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living and Money Magazine named Bentonville as one of their “Best Places to Live in America”.
How does this help you as a seller? If our area is being touted nationwide by a host of organizations, then your home may have more views than ever before!
Northwest Arkansas Homes Have Experienced Unprecedented Increases in Value
The influx of people relocating as well as incredible demand for the area has led to a large increase in the value of your NWA home!
To put some additional context around these claims, the average sales price of an NWA home was $347,809 for January 2022* as compared to just ONE YEAR prior. The average sales price was $273,118 in January 2021*.
This is a continued trend from the past several years as seen by the graph below. Homes are selling at an unprecedented pace and are often looking at multiple offers. Using a full-service real estate brokerage like Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, our agents are experts at helping you determine which offer will be the most beneficial. Price is of course a large deciding factor in competing offers, but there are many other variables that our REALTORS® can help guide you through.
*Source: NABOR MLS
Homes Are Selling Faster!
Last year, the average time from the house hitting the market to being completely through the home sale process was only 79 days*. To give that some context, (pre-pandemic) NWA listings held steady at just over 100 days on the market*. You can see the sharp decline in the graph below. Less time on the market means Buyers must act fast, creating a frenzied demand and a quicker turnaround on the sale of your home.
*Source: NABOR MLS
Less Listings = Less Competition from other Sellers
Because there are so few homes on the market, there is even less competition for sellers. In January 2022, each day the active inventory hovered between 600-700 homes*. This is significantly less than we were seeing pre-pandemic. Typically, the active inventory was well over 1,000 homes on the market*. This doesn’t change the fact that the NWA Council is saying that we are seeing 30 people move to Northwest Arkansas every day. These factors combined mean more eyes on your house and the potential for multiple offers on your home.
*Source: NABOR MLS
More information on specific towns and sales trends is available on our NWA Market Stats Video page. These 30-second videos can help get you quick information all broken down by local towns.
If you have considered listing your home and are not sure where to start, Contact us today and we can determine the best course of action. Our full-service REALTORS® are market experts and are with you every step of the way. Visit www.coldwellbankernwa.com to find an agent near you!
