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Things to do in NWA Small Towns!
Jul 29, 2021
Northwest Arkansas is growing at a rate that we can barely keep up with! These small towns are no exception. We are going to start with some of the small towns surrounding the two towns we have already talked about, Fayetteville and Springdale. These towns have much more going on than just a booming Real Estate market.
Prairie Grove
We begin with the small town of Prairie Grove. In this town of about 4,300 people, a growing housing market isn’t the only thing to look for in this hidden gem. They have a wonderful aquatic park with several slides perfect for kids, as well as classes more suited to adults. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is also located here and serves as a historical site documenting Civil War battles that happened along the Missouri-Arkansas state line. This state park is used for periodic reenactments, festivals, and fairs each year.
Farmington
Next, we move closer to Fayetteville into Farmington. This is the closest suburb to Fayetteville making it an easy commute for people to work in the city but want a larger yard or a smaller town, suburban feel. As for things to do closer to home, check out Sweet Scoops Blender Bar. This ice cream shop is perfect for people of all ages with so unique offerings. Instead of the waffle cones, they offer ice cream in a “bubble wrap”; a more airy lighter version of the waffle cone. For the adults, they have alcohol-infused ice creams that are sure to hit the spot, such as bourbon vanilla bean or raspberry limoncello sorbet. After that, you can stop at one of the local boutique shops. These stores range from home goods to clothing and have unique finds that won’t be available at big box stores.
Johnson
Rounding out the tour through just a couple of our charming small towns is, Johnson. This quaint town is just north of Fayetteville. This town has famous meats all of its own at the legendary. Wright’s BBQ. Wright’s recently earned their famous BBQ sauce onto Sam’s Club store shelves! They usually sell out, even at the box stores, so if you see this famous NWA sauce, better pick up a bottle! If you are looking for a beautiful historical hotel to take you back in time look no further than the Inn At The Mill. This hotel has all the modern amenities you would want with the historical flair. Just minutes from the Fayetteville Mall and Downtown Fayetteville, this boutique hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Up next we will continue on our guided tour of NWA and we will visit Siloam Springs. Look forward to a kayak park, good food, and much more! For any tips on Northwest Arkansas, call your local community expert and REALTOR® today!
Things To Do in Springdale!
Jun 18, 2021
Next up on our tour through Northwest Arkansas in Springdale. Due to our population boom over recent years, it is hard to tell where Fayetteville ends, and Springdale begins. That isn’t to say that there isn’t plenty of unique things to do here! Visitors and homeowners alike will have no problem finding an activity that suits their personality.
Festivals In Springdale
Starting us off is the annual Rodeo of the Ozarks, a venue and event by the same name. This event is kicking off about the time that this is being written, June 23-26. Don’t let the name fool you though, this venue holds much more than just the rodeo. There are many exciting events at the stadium such as a demolition derby in August, a carnival in October, and a Christmas parade right after Thanksgiving. Not too far down the road, you can visit the Tontitown Grape Festival. They offer carnival rides, games, and free live entertainment each night as well as nightly specific events!
History and Learning
Springdale also pays homage to history with the Springdale Railroad Depot and the Shiloh Museum of the Ozarks. During your visit to the Depot. you can take a day-long trip along the historic railroads. You will get to see breathtaking views of the Boston Mountains and see historic downtown areas in both Springdale and Van Buren. If that isn’t your style, but you still want to see some Ozark history? Look no further than the Shiloh Museum of the Ozarks. This museum looks at the people that have shaped Northwest Arkansas as we know it from Prehistoric until modern times. To learn about local wildlife and outdoor recreation look to the JB and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center. This is one of the latest additions to NWA and allows children and adults to learn about the natural wonder where they live.
Sports and Outdoors
Bringing us back to the present, Arvest Bank provides us with our own minor league baseball team. A Naturals game is great and affordable fun for the whole family. If you would rather play sports than watch them then the Jones Center may be the spot for you. This activity center is home to a variety of classes and courses for people of all skill levels! Inside there is an ice rink, fitness center, gymnastics studio, and much more. Outside you will find many bike paths including a new skills course!
Local Breweries and Vineyards
We couldn’t mention Springdale without talking about our famous local craft beers and wines. Sassafras Springs Vineyard is a renowned vineyard that calls Springdale home. This venue is the perfect place to hold events and has been voted the best wedding venue in NWA for the past several years. They offer wine tastings and a menu for you to get a taste of what they offer. You can take a picnic out on the grounds, perfect for a romantic date night! NWA is exploding with craft brewing operations. Springdale specifically has Core Brewing, with 7 year-round brews and several seasonal ones they rotate through. For more local brews and great food stop by The Odd Soul. This restaurant has a rotating menu of beers on tap with a focus on local brews, as well as amazing pizzas, calzones, and wings to compliment your drinks. Join Team Springdale on the Taco Tour highlighting some of the best places to get quality and authentic tacos.
Events like this make Springdale an ideal place to buy a home. Northwest Arkansas real estate is a hot commodity right now and Springdale is no exception. Watch in the coming weeks to see your town possibly be featured. Up next we are going to feature our growing network of small towns including Cave Springs, Lowell, and Bella Vista. If you are searching for more information on NWA real estate, reach out to your Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette agent today. They are an expert on all things NWA!
Things To Do in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Living in Northwest Arkansas is an absolute blessing. Each distinct town in our region has something to offer. We are excited to give you our perspective on some of the amazing areas in NWA. First, on the list, is the gorgeous town of Fayetteville, the Home of the University of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. This college town is not just for students as you will see in the paragraphs below. Fayetteville has a rich history of supporting arts and culture and there is something here for everyone. From the rugged hills for mountain bikers to theater lovers going to Walton Arts Center, all interests are covered.
The University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is one of the most prominent features of Fayetteville, providing events and bringing vibrant life into the city. With 23,000 students on campus, there is always an event going on. One of the most popular events is in support of the various sports offered by the U of A. As is common in the South, UofA students love their football team no matter the outcome and that shows on game days. Academically, the UofA offers 75 fields of study and has one of the best business schools in the country. This school often has free events for students such as free concerts and lectures.
Fayetteville and The Arts
Moving off-campus, Fayetteville is considered a hub for culture and art. Its theater companies bringing tours of famous Broadway musicals as well as Arkansas-focused productions. Terra Studios offers vibrant life to the art scene and is conveniently located from the town square. This studio is a wonderland of art and the home of the original bluebird of happiness. For music lovers, you can find yourself at George’s Majestic Lounge to see live music acts. If you are in the mood for a double feature from the comfort and convenience of your car? Then look no further than the 112 Drive-In.
Fayetteville Square
Fayetteville Square is home to many exciting events and a perfect place to walk around and get a taste of the local flavor. Some shops include quirky boutiques like the Himalayan Mountain shop or Dickson Street Bookshop, as well as traditional Southern classics such as Fayettechill, Center Street Mercantile, or Distinctive Dwelling. There is something for everyone. The Fayetteville Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 7 AM until 2 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM. It features local products from approximately 70 vendors and business owners. That makes it the go-to place for local fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, dairy, as well as curated art and jewelry.
Once you are done with your shopping head over to some of our famous restaurants. Such as Hugo’s for one of their classic hamburgers or Hammontree’s for a unique grilled cheese experience. At Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, there are events such as the Firefly Fling Festival. Participants dress as their favorite fairy or woodland creature during this highly anticipated mid-summer event.
Bikes and More
As for the outdoorsy types, the Razorback Greenway begins in Fayetteville and stretches itself over 36 miles across the seven cities that form Northwest Arkansas. This trail system is just one of many that make Fayetteville the ideal place for any outdoor lover. For the more adventurous, there are trails such as Mount Sequoyah and Mount Kessler. They are more more rough-and-tumble than the paved trails that weave through Fayetteville and all of Northwest Arkansas. Just 30 minutes from the square you will find Devil’s Den State Park. This park features cabins to rent, parks, and 11 hiking trails suited for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers.
This is but a taste of the amenities in Fayetteville, and we hope you come to see and experience it for yourself. Want to tour the town and not sure where to start? Get in touch with an agent with the local knowledge to help you feel right at home. Want to search for Fayetteville Homes? Start here!
Ouizi Mural Brightens up the Bentonville Square!
May 24, 2021
Last March we proudly launched the grand opening of our Gallery location on Bentonville Square. This space serves NWA as a space for our agents, staff, clients, and the community. The gallery office highlights the beauty and diversity of Northwest Arkansas. So naturally, when we learned about Brooklyn Artist Ouizi coming into town to paint a mural on the side of our building location, we couldn’t have been more excited.
NWA Welcomes Back Ouizi
OZ Art NWA and JustKids partnered together to bring Louise Jones aka Ouizi back to NWA! She previously visited the Natural State a couple of summers ago when commissioned by Crystal Bridges to paint a mural in the museum. After seeing her work there was no question that she had to return to follow up with another botanical masterpiece.
Louise Jones was born in Santa Monica, CA, and is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations which can be seen in public spaces throughout the USA, from museums to Public Parks. Her affinity towards botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking figs with her grandmother.
Sourced from: https://ouizi.art/about-1
We watched in awe as Ouizi and her local assistant Roxy Erikson worked tirelessly on this mural! The process started with a sketch of the design, which quickly came to life with shades of beautiful pinks, greens, and yellows. Consisting of peonies, dogwoods, rudbeckia, monarchs, and painted lady butterflies. Each day it was being created we couldn’t help, but stop and marvel at the process! This mural completely brought our building to life. Click the link here to see the design from start to finish!
Here’s to a long summer full of NWA residents taking many a picture in front of this floral masterpiece! We hope the community gets as much happiness from this as we do! Want to know exactly how to get to our Gallery Location? Click the link here, we’d love to have you stop in anytime!
NWA Market Updates- April 2021
May 05, 2021
The current Northwest Arkansas housing market is still seeing an extreme shortage of inventory which has exponentially increased demand. If data and stats is your thing, each month we put together the most up-to-date market statistics for the NWA Real Estate on our website. Click here to access the full list.
We have condensed insights below for a quick 2 min read or click to see a 30-second video.
Number of Active Listings
NWA: 597 Active Listings – Down 69% from the prior year
Bentonville: 83 Active Listings- Down 65% from the prior year
Rogers: 70 Active Listings- Down 76% since from the prior year
Fayetteville: 148 Active Listings- Down 61% from the prior year
Summary: With few homes for sale, your home will sell quickly!
*SOURCE NABOR MLS- Data pulled on 4.29.21- Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed*
Median Listing Price
NWA: $345,000 compared to $289,000 in March 2020
Bentonville: $508,000 compared to $395,000 in March 2020
Rogers: $409,000 compared to $350,000 in March 2020
Fayetteville: $399,000 compared to $330,000 in March 2020
Summary: Home values up, up, up
*SOURCE NABOR MLS- Data pulled on 4.29.21- Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed*
Median Sales Price
NWA: $250,000 compared to $223,000 in March 2020
Bentonville: $285,000 compared to $289,000 in March 2020
Rogers: $295,000 compared to $245,000 in March 2020
Fayetteville: $294,000 compared to $272,000 in March 2020
Summary: Homes are selling for more $$
*SOURCE NABOR MLS- Data pulled on 4.29.21- Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed*
NWA: 37 days- Dropped 30% since March 2020
Bentonville: 25 days- Dropped 66% since March 2020
Rogers: 38 days- Dropped 34% since March 2020
Fayetteville: 65 days- Increased 25% since March 2020
Summary: When the % drops, that means homes are selling faster this year than in 2020
*SOURCE NABOR MLS- Data pulled on 4.29.21- Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed*
Number of Days on Market
NWA: 862 units- Decreased by 4% since March 2020
Bentonville: 111 units- Decreased by 21% since March 2020
Rogers: 133 units- Increased by 3% since March 2020
Fayetteville:153 units- Increased by 10% since March 2020
Summary: More homes have sold in NWA overall
*SOURCE NABOR MLS- Data pulled on 4.29.21- Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed*
Don’t see your city/county listed above? We’ve got you covered; click the link to take you to more market insights in NWA.
If you are interested in selling your home but not sure what it’s worth, we can help! Contact your agent today who can offer a free evaluation of your home.
Tips for First-Time Home Sellers!
Mar 26, 2021
If you’ve been following along with our most recent blogs, then you know how crazy the market has been since March of 2020. Real Estate has experienced many highs and lows as an industry. The state of the market is unprecedented for many realtors. Currently, inventory is at record lows in places all over the country. This is causing buyers everywhere to panic about finding the right home. We’ve said it once, and we’ll repeat it. Now is the time to sell your home!
Nervous about how to get your home prepared for this life-changing process?
Here are some key insights we got from our Agents regarding listing your home in this hot market.
Price your home fairly
- It can be tempting with a market this hot to price your listing higher, but remember that your house has to appraise for that value.
Clean up any wear & tear
- Buyers notice paint chips on the walls, molding that needs re-done, or a backyard fence that could use some love. Take care of these before selling as it may cause your house to be on the market longer due to cosmetic blemishes.
Professional photos go a long way
- You may be thinking, “My house will sell so fast there’s no need to have professional photos done.” This is not always the case. If your listing has blurry cell phone photos that don’t do your home justice, a potential buyer may not give it the time of day.
Staging an empty or cluttered home
- When potential buyers walk into a home, they like to imagine what it would be like if their family lived there. Having a home professionally staged helps that buyer’s dream become a reality. An empty or cluttered home can interfere with this.
Give it a good deep clean
- Touring a home with cobb webs on the ceiling, a dirty bathtub, and an uncut backyard is never a good experience. Put as much effort into deep cleaning your home as you want others to do if you were touring one yourself!
Although these tips seem simple and obvious to some first-time home sellers who are looking for some advice. Many sellers will try to take advantage of the current market and overlook these entirely. If you’d like more information on what your current home is worth before selling we can help with that! Visit our website at the link here and we’ll connect you with a local agent!
It’s that time of year, Spring Cleaning time!
Mar 01, 2021
There’s nothing like taking in the first bit of sunshine after a long winter. Here in Northwest Arkansas we experienced the coldest ever recorded temperature, -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It was wild. After experiencing rising temperatures this past week, there’s no doubt that Spring is in the air. If you’re like me this is normally when you get an itch to declutter and deep clean your home. You could be preparing for the long summer or maybe a big move into a new home.
Most people have a process or way they usually go about attacking spring cleaning. Others just wing it and hope for the best. Here are the 3 rules I follow when Spring cleaning my house:
Does It Bring You Joy?
One of the things mom taught me (by proxy through Marie Kondo) growing up about getting rid of clothes and things you own is that if it doesn’t bring you absolute joy—toss them! This is easier said than done. We tend to get attached to materialistic items. However, if you haven’t done this before we highly suggest you give it a try.
Have You Used It In The Last 5 Years?
Another rule I like to give myself while cleansing my home in the spring. If you haven’t worn it/used it in 5 years, it’s got to go! I know you have that infomercial kitchen tool just sitting in your cabinet waiting to be used, but you will never use it!
One Room At A Time
Tackling the whole house at once can be very overwhelming. It can cause you to get discouraged and quit right after you just got started. Pick the hardest most disorganized room in your home first and tackle it. It may take you a couple of hours or if it’s messy maybe even a whole day. For us, it’s the kitchen. The most important thing is that the hardest part is done and each room after will feel like a breeze.
We hope that after following some of my “go-to” rules for Spring Cleaning your NWA home feels less cluttered and more organized. Still, feel like you don’t have enough space for all of your stuff even after removing clutter and excess items? We have a team full of over 290 REALTORS that can help get you into a home that’s the right size for your family.
5 Reason to List Your NWA Home in 2021!
Feb 09, 2021
Although 2020 was a year full of uncertainty, the real estate market continued an amazing upward trend. Real estate leaders across the nation have forecasted a continuation of this market through 2021. Suburban Migration trends and new opportunities for working from home caused many regions to see a surge in population, and Northwest Arkansas was no exception. As we enter the second month of 2021, we continue to see stats that reflect an optimistic view of real estate validating the 2021 forecasts.
We have some good news for anyone interested in selling their home this year. Keep reading below to find out…
Low-Interest Rates
With historic Low-Interest Rates, more buyers may be eligible to buy your home. Low-Interest Rates mean the buyer dollar will go farther, allowing some monthly payment flexibility during a competitive pricing market. . *We saw trends during January 2021 with rates near 3.00%, and even lower for 15-year loans. Here is interest rate data over the last 10 years provided by Gateway Mortgage for a better reference point.
2010: 4.69%
2011: 4.45%
2012: 3.66%
2013: 3.98%
2014: 4.17%
2015: 3.85%
2016: 3.65%
2017: 3.99%
2018: 4.54%
2019: 3.94%
Any of our REALTORS® will be happy to assist through the pre-approval process with access to our in-house mortgage partner, Gateway Mortgage.
Source: Gateway Mortgage group
*Rates dependant on several variables
Low Inventory
Not only are we experiencing record lows in Interest Rates, but we have seen the lowest inventory (highest demand) since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In May of 2020, you may remember reading our “Five Reasons to Sell Your Home” blogpost and seeing all of the indicators then as to why it was an excellent time to list your home. These indicators continued through 2020, and our stats reflect they have continued into 2021. In fact, the low inventory is continuing to drive even more competition and market value for sellers. Active listings have dropped to 859, which is 19% less than a year ago.
Increasing Population
NWA continues to see a huge population increase. Recently, NWA Council announced its’ latest statistics in relocation to NWA, which has peaked at 30 people per day. This statistic is staggering, not only as a strong indicator of the current job market and growing economy but also for the opportunity to sell your home even quicker. With demand so high, homes that list with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette sell like hotcakes.
# Days a home spends on the Market
Homes are currently selling in 34 days, which is down 39% from this time last year (20 days!). When stats indicate a decrease in the time it takes to sell your home, that means the competition is HOT! Your home could be selling in just over a month! What a speedy turnaround from listing, meaning less time in limbo with selling your property.
Median Listing Price
With the number of days on the market dropping, prices are going up. All of the previously mentioned reasons to sell your home all add up to one thing, more money in your pocket as a seller. Currently, homes are selling for a median price of $296k, which is up from $274k a year ago.
Source: MATRIX MLS Through January 31st, 2021
If the reasons listed above were not enough to convince you to sell your home, then contact one of our agents. They can give you a home value estimate over the phone in as little as 5 minutes. Click the link below to get in touch with your Coldwell Banker agent today!
Experiencing North Forest Lights @ Crystal Bridges
Jan 12, 2021
Written by Digital Coordinator, Mclean Morrow
Experiencing Winter in Northwest Arkansas can be full of highs and lows (temperature I mean). Recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting one of Crystal Bridges’ most talked-about exhibits, North Forest Lights. We came into the experience with high expectations as we’ve seen this promoted just about everywhere you can think of. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. The rumors are true. This place is amazing.
Upon entering the outdoor exhibit we were greeted by warm and inviting staff. This was accented by the beautiful, soft, and enchanting sounds of Northwest Arkansas Nature. As we started on the tastefully well-lit path, we were informed of the guidelines to be followed along the trail so we could safely enjoy the art.
After passing through the welcome station, our journey truly began. The five featured installations come to life with light, sound, and special attributes. Below are the installations we viewed and the amazing features we encountered.
Crystal Grove
See saplings glow as they seem to communicate through shimmering lights.
The trail led us from one light display to the next, building anticipation and mystique with each step along the woodland path. Spaced 6 feet apart, we, along with several other groups, made our way through the forest, gazing in awe at each exhibit. As we progressed through the artistic visuals it felt like we were being drawn closer to nature and more in tune with the wonderland that had been created.
Forest Frequencies
Take in the light and musical wavelengths of the Crystal Bridges woods.
Each installation offered even more for the senses to take in. The fog was introduced quickly. It added to the spiritual feeling we experienced throughout the whole exhibit. As we entered the Forest Frequencies display our feet were covered with fog. It reflected the dancing neon lights that moved in rhythm with mystical instrumental music.
The Hearth
Gather around a bonfire and enjoy the warm glow and beating heart of nature.
Although this was described as a walking exhibit we were delighted to find an opportunity to rest on hand-carved log benches and watch a 5-minute light show called The Hearth. This display was by far the most mystical. Instrumental voices and harmonious waves of natural sounds built along with what started as a “slow-burning” thicket that became gradually brighter and increasingly prominent presentation. A blend of sight and sound would be the most extensive and auditorily compelling performance of the evening.
Whispering Tree
Communicate with the whispering tree to learn about the color of your voice.
Distinct from some of the art curated by a museum, this experience was interactive. The Whispering Tree held the most mystery and magic. As we stood in line we could see a massive, lonely tree in a clearing but just beyond an overgrown, vined fence. The Tree was dotted with large orbs of light that would flash and dance with varying colors. When we reached the front of the line, we were led away from the waiting spectators to the foot of the tree and were instructed to speak to the tree. We understood then that the Tree’s lights were in response to our voices. Whether these lights were random, an algorithm, or based on the tone of our voice did not matter. It was a fascinating display.
Memory of Water
A simulated stream brings water back to this dry creek bed.
The North Forest Lights experience concluded with the Memory of Water, which acted as the period of the novel of this exhibit. It was a cathartic ending to an evening full of wonder. The final light display was a beautifully crafted show that resonated within and truly did bring the entire night full circle.
Without a doubt, the minds and creators of Crystal Bridges have outdone themselves with their North Forest Lights exhibit. It was a transcendent and unique experience that is a rarity in today’s world and a truly memorable experience that is well worth the visit. For questions about this or any local activities, reach out to our NWA community experts.
**Photos were taken by Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney Faucette Marketing Team**
What Does Your Front Door Color Say About You?
Nov 12, 2020
To some, a front door is just a door, but to others it’s a unique way to express yourself and your personality to others. Personally, we love a painted door! It always provides a fun splash of color to a home. Did you know that the color you paint your door has meaning?
Scroll below to find out what your door color means about you. If one of these door colors fits your personality, then you’re in luck!
At the time of writing, 11.11.20, All of the homes listed were available for purchase.
Blue
Meaning: Enjoy peace and value truth.
Insight: Those who paint their doors blue are well grounded and true to themselves.
Orange
Meaning: Social butterfly, like to entertain others.
Insight: Orange informs guests that you are an entertainer and love a good challenge.
Red
Meaning: Traditionally, this signaled future guests that you had a hospitable house.
Insight: In today’s world a red door means “Welcome!”. If you have a red door you are more likely to enjoy attention and tend to live life to the fullest.
Gray
Meaning: Indecisive and prefer to compromise.
Insight: If you paint your door gray, you may prefer to compromise and are a bit indecisive.
Black
Meaning: Order and control.
Insight: When entering a home with a black door, you may be entering a place with elegance and style with everything in its place.
Brown
Meaning: Warm, reliable, stable.
Insight: Those who live in this home may keep an even head about things and are very trustworthy.
Glass
Meaning: Open minded, friendly and outgoing.
Insight: The simple fact that you have a glass door means you have nothing to hide from neighbors. Or a bunch of cool stuff to show off!
White
Meaning: Simple and organized.
Insight: With the clean lines, a white door eludes to the interior of the home being simple and organized.
Green
Meaning: Ambitious and strive for personal betterment.
Insight: Green is typically associated with money so one could speculate that someone who lives in a house with a green door is good with money. Or maybe you are just an outdoorsy type and love to mimic your natural surroundings.
Does your door color match your personality? If not, maybe it’s time to paint! If you fell in love with any doors above, these homes are for sale at time of writing. Click your favorite home’s photo to view more details.
