We went to visit our friends in Morganton which is about 30 minutes away from Heber Springs in Ark.  They have 4 HUGE cats and I would love to share the pictures with you guys.  I have 2 kittens which are only about 2.5 months old right now.                                                                                                                                                           This is Cissy, she is my favorite           His name is Brother and he is the biggest of them.                           This is Kay Kay, she is sweet, but she has killer eyes.                                     The white one is Grover, he is the youngest but he thinks he is the king of their jungle land.                    My kittens were napping on the way to Morganton.            We had a great... 07/21/2010

I am showing some properties today, and I know owners tend to put their pet up when they know agent is going to show their house, I agree with that.  We often tell our sellers to situate their pet before showing, not everyone is a pet lover or maybe the pet is a bit over happy when they see stranger coming into the house. But today the weather was very very hot and muggy here, we started looking at houses from 9 am this morning.  Thinking to "avoid" the high temperature of 96 and heat index possible 102, well, it didn't help much at all.  We were pretty much melting by 10 o'clock.   When we were looking at one house, and there was a small size dog in the backyard.  Oh, I know he is hot, that poor thing, there is no trees in the backyard, so no shade for him.  Even though there is a bowl... 07/15/2010

Reasons to choose Marion, Ar. as your new home town In my previous blog Are you thinking about moving to Marion, Ar.? Part 2-Housing It gives you a little background information on housing in Marion, Ar.  And it is one of the major reasons people choose Marion to be their new hometown. Since Marion is so convenient to go to different places like Memphis, Tn.(15 minutes), Osceola, Ar.(35 minutes) Blytheville, Ar.,(45 minutes).  Most relocations to Marion are transferring to their job outside Marion and they like to choose Marion because: Many quality homes to choose from, price is affordable, there is a wide range of prices to choose from, there is something for everyone Many subdivisions to choose from, from smaller lots like 0.25 acres to up to 4 or 5 acres There is subdivision allows ... 07/15/2010

How to buy a HUD home in Marion, West Memphis, Crittenden County, Ar. Part 1   HUD means Housing Urban Development Department.  HUD home is a foreclosed property which was defaulted on FHA mortgage loan, and they are owned by HUD and they are for sale also. HUD homes are popular among investors and home buyers.  Some HUD homes need extensive repairs while some of them are in good condition.  But you can get a pretty good deal most of the time buying a HUD home.  The process of buying a HUD home is a little different, you will need to contact a HUD agent (like I am)to put a bid on the property you want to buy for you.  It is done electronically, and just like auction, it is open for anyone to put a bid, the highest bid gets the house.  If nobody puts a bid on the house, then your HUD age... 07/08/2010

Wordless Wednesday-this is what you do in a cloudy afternoon                         06/30/2010

April 15, I know, it is not a very favorable day for many people, it is TAX time.  You say, "What are you talking about?  It is the end of June now!"  Oh, I know that, I am about to tell you how your tax return can haunt you when you plan to buy a new home. Okay, you gathered up all the receipts and expenses breakdown and get ready to file your income tax, everything looks good, and it is ready to go.  I think most of us are not a big fan of paying taxes when the time comes, it just hurts, ouch, I know.  But do you know that piece of paper has the power over your home loan application, even closing?  Let me explain: **You make X amount of dollar each year, you have decent credit, pay stub, check stub, tax return, looks like you can go ahead to apply for a home loan. **You start the home... 06/29/2010

What's not to love?  I know some of you may say I am crazy, what's to love in this kind of market?  I have heard of many "horrible" real estate stories from the 80's, how bad it was, high interest rate, almost everything ran manually.  I am not able to share any experience of that, I just started 3 years ago.  Many seasoned agents said they have not seen anything like today's market, this bad. I remembered when I first started, the office phone was ringing all the time, several lines at a time before.  Like many other new agents, I would be shaking when the phone rang, didn't know how to say the right thing, there were lots of didn't know how to.  You know, you just scare of screwing things up, worry you will "hurt" the company's name by saying the most stupidest thing to a customer.   ... 06/28/2010

I went to a program tonight and met an exceptional young man, his name is Travese Fisher.  He was in foster care since he was 5 years old, and he is 22 years old now.  It was a successful story about how he turned his life around at 16.  Now, he is on the advisory board of the foster care system. He went to Washington for internship, and he also talks to foster children often and encourages them to become someone special. Long story short, he of course went through a lot since young, as a matter of fact, a total of 10 foster homes.  He was relocated everywhere.  During the process, there were some very nice people and some not so nice to him, and at 16, he took a class that helped him to decide he wanted to be something bigger than life.   As the program started, someone asked him what ... 06/24/2010

First Time SELLER in Marion, Ar.-what do you need to know before putting the house on the market? We always read articles dedicated only to First Time BUYER, lots of information on the Internet to guide them how to buy, what to do before starting the house hunting.  But what about the First Time SELLER?  I don't know how many times I was asked by First Time SELLER about what they need to do before putting the house on the market. Other than "standard" advices from real estate agent about decluttering, keep the house clean and tidy, smells good, curb appeal, etc.  There are other things that First Time SELLER needs to know about: What is the mortgage balance on your house?  Do you have first and second mortgage on your house? Is there any penalty when paying your mortgage off early, if d... 06/24/2010

Buyer in Marion, Ar.-Know what you sign at the closing table about termite contract   You are finally at the closing table, whoosh, the house is almost yours.  It is an exciting day, isn't it?  I would think so.   While you are happy and both feet above the ground, pay attention when you are signing the papers at the closing table, especially the renewal of the termite contract.  You already knew you get the first year termite policy free from the previous owner, correct?  So, logically, the owner can pick whichever company they want to use, usually is the one they were using before.  And now they transfer the policy under your name, the new owner. At signing the papers, title agent will explain to you that you have the choice to choose another company after the first year service, also... 06/20/2010

What do you need to know before building your new home in Marion, Ar?  With different subdivisions out there, how to choose which one is the one for you to build your new home? What do you need to know?  Let me walk you through a few of the popular subdivisions in Marion, Ar. and hope it will help you to decide.  Let's start from the less square feet home, shall we?   Pleasant Plains : Minimum 1,200 sq ft, lot size approximately 1/4 of an acre.  Existing home selling from low $120,000 to mid $140,000 Whispering Wind : Minimum 1,400 sq ft, lot size approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of an acre.  Existing home selling from high $150,000 to mid $180,000 Bayou Vista Estate : Minimum 1,500 sq ft, lot size approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of an acre.  Existing home selling from mid $140,000 to low $200,000.  T... 06/17/2010

What area is included in Marion School District other than Marion, Ar.? School is just out not long, and it is the best time to start looking for a new home, move in and settle down before the new school year starts again.  Especially if you are from out of town and thinking to relocate to Marion, Ar. with school age children.  If you wonder which area to move to and still in Marion School District, here it is: West Memphis : Yes, part of West Memphis is belong to Marion School District Avondale Garden - like Balfour Road, Dover Road, Briarcliff, Preston, Baylor, Belvedere, Belehr, Chester Lane, Carlisle Lane, Cheshire Lane, Clover Lane Crawfordsville   The Crawfordsville school was merged with Marion School District a few years ago, so if you choose Crawfordsville , you can go to Mario... 06/16/2010

Delta Acres, Marion, Ar. 72364-the country living in Marion                     If you love living in the country but don't want to give up the convenience of getting around the town for shopping, dining, easy access to major Interstate highway, you may want to consider Delta Acres: Big lots from 1.5 acres to 4 or 5 acres Horses are allowed Home size from right under 2,000 sq ft to over 3,000 sq ft Marion water and sewer Marion School district Propane gas  You can own a lot as long as you want to, no time limit to build In ground or above ground pool allowed A few existing homes for sale right now, or you can build your dream home Travel from Highway 77 N towards Sunset along the railroad track, turn right when you see the sign of Rustling Oaks, Delta Acres is on your left easily get to... 06/15/2010

Signs of improvement in Bayou Vista Estates     From the numbers obtained from our local MLS, it shows: 5/1/09 - 6/2/09 Number of listings : 41 Average days on market : 421 Average list price : $160,818 Median list price : $159,900   5/1/10 - 6/2/10 Number of listings : 34 Average days on market : 318 Average list price : 169,865 Median list price : $169,900   Supply is less in Bayou Vista Estate this year, which is good for the seller, less competition.  The listing price has gone up since same time last year.  There is a big difference in the DOM (days on market) in 2009 and 2010, 103 days less in 2010, which is real good news for home sellers.  But it still takes average over 300 days to move a listing, of course some homes sold faster than the others.  The reasons could be: It is pr... 06/02/2010

Buyer, did you lose your dream home because of............. You change your job and did not tell your lender before closing You buy a more expensive new car as soon as you got your home loan approved and a contract on your dream home You start going out for new furniture shopping spree and put them on a charge account or your credit card You took a "dream vacation" before closing on your dream home Your saving/checking account is dropping less and less before closing Your financial status have changed and you didn't let your lender know, like salary cut, being laid off, and you don't think the lender will know   Buyer, believe me, the lender knows everything.  I know you are excited that you are pre-approved for a home loan, you found the dream house, the contract is executed.  What els... 05/31/2010

Commercial/Industrial building for sale in Marion, Ar. If you are looking for a good solid built commercial/industrial building in Marion, Ar., I am glad you are reading this post, because you have found the right one . 4006 Commercial Center Drive, Marion, Ar. conveniently locates close to I-40 and I-55, and it is right off Airport Road in Marion, Ar. This one of a kind building, it is not just another commercial building, look at the materials it is made of, then you know how sturdy and safe it is. 7,500 sq ft open warehouse type or divided 3-Store Front entries at the front of the building 3 Insulated 14' x 12' roll-up doors with extra side entrance at the back Plumbed for 6 restrooms and utilities in place 3/phase electrical inplace 8" concrete in parking area Exterior is made of st... 05/30/2010

"CELEBRITIES" SERVING AT COLTON'S FOR A CURE this Thursday, 13th, 5-9 p.m. Our local "celebrities' are serving at Colton's Steak House and Grill in Marion on Hwy 64 this Thursday, 13th from 5-9 p.m. for a fundraiser event, Cure for Cancer for American Cancer Society.  These local celebrities are mostly familiar faces you already know who are actively involve in our community.  On Thursday, you will have a chance to be waited on by one of them, and for a good cause, too.  So come on out to enjoy the delicious food at Colton's and let these "celebrities" to be your waitor and waitress for a day! 05/11/2010

Why should I buy after the tax credit has already expired? Tax credit has already expired on 4/30, it may affect the business a little, but it will not put a stop to it.  Why? Interest rate is still low No down payment program is still available Inventories are still plenty on the market Home price is still favoring buyers Buyers who want to buy now shows they are not buying a home just for the tax credit, they actually want to own a home Buyers are more ready to buy now then trying to rush to meet the deadline of the tax credit, they know what they want So, why would real estate comes to a stop after the tax credit expires.  We will see more solid buyers than before, because they wait till they are ready to buy instead of just jumping into the "buying spree" that was going on.Buyers, g... 05/09/2010

The 18th Annual Esperanza Bonanza starts this week from 5/5 Wed to 5/8 Sat Esperanza Bonanza is here tomorrow till this Saturday!  This annual event is going to be located at Marion Athletic Complex.  You can get there easily by taking the bus shuttle at the Marion High School parking lot, and the shuttle is FREE.  You just park your car at the school parking lot, the bus will continuously going back and forth to pick up and drop visitors off.  Schedule and Admission, children under 12 is Free May 5 : 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Shuttle starts at 5 p.m.  Wristband night for $15 for unlimited rides.  Admission is $2. May 6 : 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Shuttle starts at 5 p.m.  Wristband night for $15 for unlimited rides.  Admission is $3. May 7 : 3:30 p.m. to 12 midnight.  Shuttle starts at 5 p.... 05/04/2010

Apartment rental in Marion, Ar. 72364 If you are looking for apartment rental in Marion, we have a few choices with different rates for you to choose.  Under $500 per month, No pets allowed                                                                                 Four Seasons : 1-2 bedrooms from $400 to $491 Village : 2 bedrooms $425                                                                                                                                      **************************************************************************************   Over $500 a month, Samll pet allowed with additional fees The Greens: 1-2 bedrooms from $515 to $640, pets less than 15lbs allowed Angelo's Grove: 1-3 bedrooms from $599 to $850, pets less than 25lbs allowed Rhodes Village: 1-3 bedro... 04/07/2010