Your Northwest Arkansas Realtor

Vote. Period.

2008-09-29T22:44:18Z

Regardless of your political ideologies, the one thing we all can agree on is that this next general election is one of the most important in years. The deadline to register to vote in Arkansas is 30 days prior to an election. That means you must be registered by Monday, October 6th in order to vote in the November 4th general election. There are several ways to register including visiting your county clerk's office or by going to Rock the Vote. For more information on registration visit the Secretary of State's website.

On November 4th you must vote. Period.

Originally posted at moveNWA.com

Incredible Location, Incredible Light, Incredible Living!

2008-09-27T15:00:33Z

Anthony Clark | AMA Real Estate Group, Inc. | 479-935-6080

321 E. Lafayette St. #201, Fayetteville, AR

Luxury at old St. Joe's

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $380,725

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,681
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Luxury condos located in the Washington-Willow Historic District. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, gas log fireplace, two balconies, skylight, walk-in closets. Open floorplan with lots of storage and high ceilings. Ground floor entrance, covered parking included.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

Guest parking

Storage space(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Anthony Clark

AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.

479-935-6080

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

moveNWA.com

Affordable Luxury Just Off the Fayetteville Downtown Square

2008-09-25T18:38:55Z

Anthony Clark | AMA Real Estate Group, Inc. | 479-935-6080

21 E. Center St., #206, Fayetteville, AR

Beautiful new condo just off the Square!

1BR/1BA Condo

offered at $161,230

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	701
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

The historic Cravens Building just off the Fayetteville square. Walk to the Farmers' Market, restaurants, and shopping. Hardwoods, granite countertops, all appliances. Secured entry, sprinkler, alarm, second-level, no maintenance. Would make a great purchase for your student - why pay rent? Other units available from $146,790 to $216,660. For more information or a tour contact Anthony Clark at 479-935-6080.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Hardwood floor	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Storage space(s)

Secured entry

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Anthony Clark

AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.

479-935-6080

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

moveNWA.com

Luxury Living Above the Square

2008-09-24T12:06:51Z

Anthony Clark | AMA Real Estate Group, Inc. | 479-935-6080

1 E. Center St. #350, Fayetteville, AR

Luxury Overlooking the Square

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $550,812

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	1,398
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Enjoy a casual lifestyle in an environment rich with textures and inspired by nature. This luxury condo features spectacular views of the Fayetteville square, the Boston Mountains, and more. There are floor to ceiling windows and a large balcony. The kitchen is well appointed including granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Pocket doors, recessed lighting, and beautiful fixtures and hardware are throughout the condo. Only three condos still available at East Square Plaza ranging from $550,812 to $1,086,258. Call 479-935-6080 for more information or to schedule a private showing.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Living room	Office/Den
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Secured entry

Elevator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Anthony Clark

AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.

479-935-6080

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

moveNWA.com

Underwood Plaza Sneak Peek

2008-09-20T22:38:03Z

Arguably the most anticipated residential development in Northwest Arkansas history, the Lofts at Underwood Plaza is nearing completion. For the first time today the general public was invited in to tour the building and see the progress. For those of you who were too devastated by the Razorbacks' loss to join us at Underwood Plaza today, I took some photos for your enjoyment. Please keep in mind that this is not the finished product, but a good representation of what these luxury condos will look like upon completion. For more information, a private tour, or our information center hours contact me anytime!

Scroll down for photos or see more photos and read the entire article at moveNWA.com

Short clip of the view from 902:

The Metropolitan, one of three finish packages. Only 5 black box units are available.

A view of Dickson Street, Old Main, and the University of Arkansas campus from unit 901.

Just a short series of events and our lives would be altered forever....

2008-09-11T10:58:26Z

On a beautiful morning seven years ago, I was awoken by a distressed roommate whose first words were "you should probably go fill your car up with gas.... now." It was the strangest way I had ever been woken, but I would soon realize why. I was 22 years old on September, 11, 2001. I was just a kid who had grown up in typical Midwestern fashion. I only knew one New Yorker at the time and had only visited the City once on spring break in college. However, I will never forget the moment when I heard the attacks had occurred. I sat, glued to news coverage, weeping for the dead and injured. Those events, that day, will for ever be etched in my memory much like, but even more so, than I imagine President Kennedy's assassination was for my parents' generation. I can't begin to compare my emotions with those of New Yorkers, particularly those who were in Manhattan, but that day brought us together as a nation under the worst of circumstances.

I watched coverage of the ceremonies at Ground Zero and the Pentagon this morning, and was overwhelmed with emotion. I am proud to be an American and glad that the memories of that day and those whose lives were taken will never be forgotten.

Fayetteville Farmers' Market - Photo Tour

2008-09-06T19:05:55Z

I woke bright and (somewhat) early this morning to do one of my very favorite activities - go to the Fayetteville Farmers' Market. The market is open Saturday mornings on the downtown square from 7am - 1pm starting in early April and running through late November. The market is also open in the Mill District on Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm with a slightly shorter season. As you can tell from the photos below, there is a diverse offering at the market including fresh produce & flowers, performers, crafts, and ready to eat food.

View more photos (you'll definitely want to see them) and leave a comment at moveNWA.com

This is just one reason Fayetteville is a great place to call home!

Welcome to the Monterey

2008-09-05T11:54:19Z

Introducing the Monterey! Just a half block from the University of Arkansas campus in beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Monterey is home to the region's newest condominium conversions. Built in 1926, the Monterey has housed a green tea room, a dance hall, efficiency apartments, and more. Now the structure is being brought into the future by fulfilling its potential as eight luxury condos.

For more information on the condos themselves including finishes and building amenities (and an exterior photo of how the stucture appears today) visit the full post at moveNWA.com

Northwest Arkansas goes Modern

2008-08-14T22:05:56Z

The natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas is undeniable. However, the architecture of the region is equally as important. There more and more modern architecture popping up around the region. Fayetteville in particular has always been progressive when it comes to things like planning, development, and architecture.

Pictured is the new aloft Hotel by W Hotels in Rogers.

For more photos check out my moveNWA blog.

Segraves Condos - Only three units still available!

2008-08-12T21:13:14Z

Anthony Clark | AMA Real Estate Group, Inc. | 479-935-6080

321 E. Lafeyette St., #105, Fayetteville, AR

Segraves Condos

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $365,650

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,614
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$131 per month

DESCRIPTION

A vacated church & the vision of AMA led to the unveiling of luxury condos on Lafayette Street in the Washington-Willow Historic District on the site of the former sanctuary, schoolhouse and rectory of St. Joseph's Catholic Church campus. Segraves Condominiums features units measuring between 1,400 and 2,000 square feet, the old sanctuary's original stained-glass window and an upscale, contemporary finish. Only three of the 33 total units are still available ranging from $315,150 to $380,725. Call Anthony Clark at 479-935-6080 for more information or to discuss your opportunity to own a piece of Fayetteville history.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Living room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking	Guest parking	Storage space(s)
Playground	Secured entry

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Anthony Clark

AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.

479-935-6080

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 12, 2008, 4:59pm PDT

Where the heck have I been?

2008-08-08T16:14:37Z

Life in Northwest Arkansas is incredible! I am so happy to be back here and taking in the natural beauty of the area. I have spent the past couple of weeks getting organized (simplest way of putting it when you are virtually building a new business from the ground up). One thing I've been doing is driving neighborhoods in order to get a good feel of what's available to Buyers. While driving through the Mission Hills subdivision - a beautiful, small subdivision at the base of Mt. Sequoyah - I noticed this and for some reason thought it was hilarious enough to share:

Thanks to all of you who have emailed & messaged me regarding my "absence" from A|R. Actually I've been poking around here a lot trying to keep tabs on everyone. I'm sure you have seen my occasional comment on someone's post. I'll be around more now that things are beginning to settle. Hope all is well!

Big News! Clients, Referral Partners, Friends please read!

2008-07-15T22:06:39Z

After six successful years as a real estate agent in Tulsa, I am excited to announce that I am now in Northwest Arkansas. I am also pleased to announce that I have affiliated with Alexander, Merry-Ship & Alt Real Estate Group, Inc., a boutique firm that has become the leader in downtown Fayetteville / Dickson Street real estate & development. Most will recognize AMA as the absolute best in downtown condos, but the firm is definitely a full-service brokerage. AMA has built a solid foundation with its mixed-use developments including its newest project, the Lofts at Underwood Plaza.

As a top real estate agent in Tulsa, I look forward to using my knowledge & experience to help Buyers & Sellers throughout the entire region including Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers. Although I will serve all of Northwest Arkansas, I have a special affinity for historic & architecturally distinctive properties and the homes near downtown, Dickson Street, the Wilson Park area, and the Washington-Willow Historic District.

As an University of Arkansas alum, and with family in the area, I am familiar with Northwest Arkansas and have stayed "in touch" with the happenings around the region. I am also committed to networking and have maintained relationships with business leaders, friends, and colleagues, which is integral to successfully marketing homes. Basically, despite being "new" here, I guarantee I can serve the Buyers and Sellers of Northwest Arkansas with the highest level of service.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell real estate in Northwest Arkansas, please give me a call at 479-935-6080 or drop an email to anthonyclarkrealtor@gmail.com. I will maintain my Oklahoma license for a period of time as well, so please keep me in mind when needing a referral for Tulsa or the rest of Northeast Oklahoma.

Day One for the new chancellor at the University of Arkansas

2008-07-01T18:40:33Z

Dr. David Gearhart became the 5th chancellor of the University of Arkansas today. His office released a video introduction.

Dr. Gearhart is most notably recognized for directing the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. This fund-raising effort was the largest in UA history raising over $1 billion and growing the endowment from $119 million to $900 million.

For more information about Dr. Gearhart please visit the Chancellor's Office.

Tooting my own horn - it's mine to toot.

2008-06-19T13:50:31Z

Tulsa Business Journal published its annual "Tulsa's Top Residential Real Estate Agents" list in the June 9th edition. I am proud to say that out of 4,111 members of the local association, I ranked number 72 for 2007! The list is compiled each year for individual agents based on sales (total closed volume).

This ranking places me in the top 2% of all agents in the local Board. I am so honored to be among this group of professionals and could not have done it without the loyalty & support of my fantastic customers & clients. Thank you, thank you!

As I begin a new chapter of my life back in Northwest Arkansas, I look forward to serving the Buyers and Sellers of this region with the same professionalism and expertise that afforded me this honor.

The Memorial Day 2008 Super MEME by Anthony Clark

2008-05-29T11:03:41Z

First of all, Memorial Day was days ago, so I feel like I have the right to overlook being tagged. For 18 months I've escaped the dreaded MEME.... but I will play along just so I don't get kicked off of the playground by some of the bullies around A|R. I was tagged by my new pal Steve Shatsky. Many of the MEMEs I've read lately somehow trace back to Jason Sardi, so he is to blame at least in part.

Update: Tagged again by Jennifer Dahl.

1. Who is your favorite musical artist? This is impossible just like naming my absolute favorite book, movie, or food. However, Nina Simone can bring me to tears with Ne Me Quitte Pas, and I don't even speak French. Some of my other favorites include Beth Orton, Morrissey, the Beatles, and Whit Smith of the Hot Club of Cowtown.

2. Who is your favorite artist? Mark Rothko. I also like Jackson Pollock and numerous other modern artists.

3. Who is your favorite blogger? That's an unfair question for a blogger on a blogsite. I have to say I don't follow anyone so closely that I can call them my "favorite," but there is a lot of talent here on ActiveRain. Traditional journalists beware!

4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them? Nelson Mandela. I would love to have the compassion for humanity that he possesses, and to learn first hand about the trials he's had to endure. His compassion has to be contagious, right? I wouldn't pass a chance to have coffee with a lot of people including The Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, JFK, Parker Posey, David Sedaris, Tom Brokaw.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be an architect or a car designer. I had dozens of notebooks full of sketches. I haven't doodled in years, but that may change some day ;)

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? The nation's youngest billionaire is the 23 year old who created Facebook - proof that if you have the right amount of motivation the sky is the limit.

7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why? There's no time like the present, baby. I think we live in the greatest time in history. We literally have the world at our fingertips. Technology & global media allow us to experience things that our grandparents never imagined.

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held? Paying or non-paying? I'm not sure "interesting" is the right word, but I worked at a golf course in high school. It was the greatest job ever - riding around a beautiful course, taking in the sun & fresh air, getting rainy days off, free golf....

Whew. That wasn't so bad, but I feel compelled to tag some folks:

Joshua & Kathy Schmidt

Donna Schoby

HGTV ruined my life

2008-05-19T22:36:12Z

HGTV is the devil. Okay, that might be a little harsh ;)

As a real estate professional I find it interesting how HGTV (and other home and DIY networks) has really changed the way Buyers and Sellers see the home buying and selling processes. At just about any time of day we can turn on the television and see shows telling the average Joe (or Jane) just how to do it.

Buyer expectations are often times ridiculous. They see shows like House Hunters and expect every home to be absolutely fabulous with granite, stainless steel appliances, updated fixtures and hardware, high-end flooring, a glistening pool, and so much more. Oh, and this should all be well within their price range.
Neither Buyers nor Sellers understand the emotion and hardwork that goes into every transaction. In shows like My First Place, a process that normally takes weeks or even months is condensed down to a 22-minute episode.
Everyone thinks they have what it takes to flip a house. If you've ever fixed a leaky faucet or patched a hole in the ceiling before you just might be able to be an investor according to programs like Flip that House. Much of the heart-ache that is involved makes it on the show, but in the end there's always a big fat paycheck. And along the way they have an awful lot of fun. In reality it takes a lot of knowledge, a checkbook, some stamina, and a whole lot of common sense.

On the otherhand, there are shows like Get it Sold, Property Ladder, Curb Appeal, and Property Virgins (one of my personal favorites) that provide good information to the average consumer. These shows demonstrate the importance of thinking through the process - of buying, selling, or investing - before jumping right in.

The best advice that can be given is to find and follow those who have succeeded before you. There are real estate agents, stagers, contractors, appraisers, and multiple other professionals that can be valuable partners in your venture - if you just seek them out!

So much for my contribution to the environment

2008-05-18T20:19:09Z

I recently surfed over to the website for Peroxyl, my favorite mouthwash. Although the mouthwash comes in a recyclable bottle, that bottle is sold in a box. I thought I would suggest to Colgate that they start selling the product without the box - less packaging.

I thought I was doing something good for the environment. I thought I was giving corporate America some much needed feedback. However, it resulted in more waste.

So here I am doing my best to save the world. I am recyling, trying to consume less, changing my driving habits, heading up a "green initiatives" committee at my office, actively posting on green living here in the 'Rain, and more. In fact a new customer recently found me by googling "eco-friendly realtor" and a city name in the area!

So you can imagine my surprise when I receive a big envelope from the company with the following:

a 2-page letter

3 pamphlets

a folded tabloid sized insert

a dozen or so coupons (not for my favorite mouthwash, but for products I don't actually use) in yet another envelope

All of the information within the envelope was to "educate" me on how environmentally responsible Colgate is as a company. Now, to submit my suggestion online I was required to give them my email address. Seems to me that they could have emailed all of this info to me....

So rather than waiting for this company to get with the program, my next visit to the grocery will include some time dedicated to finding a new mouthwash. And everything pictured above? In the recycle bin.

Check out my other green living posts.

ActiveRain has hit a Ceiling?

2008-05-16T09:52:48Z

Let's start with this: I love ActiveRain. Lately, however, I have felt that ActiveRain may have hit a ceiling. I felt affirmed in my thoughts when Jonathon Washburn posted How can ActiveRain be more than itself? In my opinion he's basically saying "where do we go from here."

Initially I thought the answer was to make it more consumer-centric. However, if you go to the About Us page on ActiveRain you'll find this: "....ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free social network and marketing platform for real estate professionals. This network helps agents to create business relationships both within the industry and with the consumer." You guys are right and I don't think the answer lies in catering more to the consumer.

Oh, bigger is better, right? How about building the network by adding more stuff - like widgets, useful applications, custom platforms for users, etc., etc.

No, keep it simple stupid. With 88,108+ members there is a lot happening here - a LOT of content. I can barely keep up with reading my subscriptions, and I rarely have time to make the random comment on new blogs. I think the solution is to clean house. There is so much content here that is totally irrelevant to the real estate industry. There are members on here that do nothing but spew political proganda, advertise their wares, or are just plain ignorant. Sound harsh? It's true.

So perhaps the future of ActiveRain is to go back to its roots? Quality, not quantity? I remember joining this network almost two years ago and making fast friends with folks like Brian Brady, Renee Burrows, Ray Nellum, and Teri Lussier. People like Jeff Turner and Mary McKnight share fresh ideas and priceless tips with the community. For new folks, happening upon their posts may now take weeks of wading through a bunch of crap first.

So, if the AR gods are listening, Keep it Simple!

Blog updated with a question mark (?) in the title to better represent the purpose of the post.

You work for me now. No, we've never met.

2008-05-13T17:57:10Z

Lately it seems that this is how the average Buyer is approaching me. Whether they call from a yard sign or ad, email from a website, or are referred by a past client, today's Buyer doesn't seem to understand the importance of consultation and pre-qualification.

Unless you've been living on another planet the past 12 months, you know that the U.S. has gone through a housing downturn due to the mortgage "meltdown."

All the more reason it's important to pre-screen Buyers in my opinion. I have had two conversations in the last week alone with Buyers who just simply could not understand why I inquired about their pre-qualification status. Well, I'm doing my job - I guess no one else is doing theirs. You see, as a listing agent (or buyer's agent showing someone else's listings) I have a duty to that Seller to pre-screen (a great business practice) prospective Buyers prior to scheduling appointments.

Buyers and Sellers alike can appreciate that real estate is a "relationships" based industry. By consulting with them and asking the proper questions, a good agent can save them so much time, energy, and headache! I prefer to work smarter, not harder for my customers knowing that in the end they will be better served. I guess some folks aren't looking for that. For example, another brokerage in our market - which markets themselves as the "elite" real estate company - has a kiosk in a local mall. To the right is a photo I snapped while in that mall recently. Yes, this is the "elite" company's kiosk and agent. Yes, she's playing Solitaire on the computer. I suppose this is the type of agent some people wouldn't mind working with, however, I hope that my customers work with me because my head is in the game (of real estate not playing cards).

If you're a consumer, what is your hesitation about getting pre-qualified? What do you look for in a real estate agent?

If you're a real estate professional, what is your screening process for Buyers? Do you show any one, any home, any time? When you get a lead do you ask "are you working with a Broker?" Do you request a pre-qualification or proof of funds before unlocking that first deadbolt? Do you have a consultation prior to showings?

Thank God for Gmail

2008-05-10T12:26:32Z

I've been wanting to write about Gmail and how incredible it is for a while. So here I am using the crap out of the free wi-fi at a coffee shop while on a weekender. I have a few minutes to kill so I thought I would write a quickie:

Before I left home yesterday I commented on the most recent Carnac post. Big mistake right before leaving for an extended weekend, knowing you'll return to hundreds thousands of "New Comment" emails, right? Unless.... you've got Gmail.

One of the best features of Gmail - besides being web-based and having mobile options - is that it "groups" emails into conversations. I can hardly begin to tell you how much better this makes my life - especially as a real estate professional.

As you can see, rather than 66 individual emails in my inbox, each "New Comment" email is grouped because Gmail recognizes them as a "conversation" about the same topic. So as you and a email buddy converse back and forth, each email is grouped into a conversation. You can expand, collapse, delete, archive, or label all email messages with one simple action. This makes email conversations with Buyers and Seller especially easy to track and follow.

This is in addition to Google's powerful search function that is built into Gmail. You also get the added benefit of tying in Google's other features like Calendar, Docs, Analytics, Blogger, Picasa, etc., etc., etc.

If you're looking for a new email service, Gmail will not disappoint!