Easter events in Marion and West Memphis this weekend, 4/2 and 4/3 Easter bunny is on its way to First Community Bank in Marion on Block Street this Friday, 4/2, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. kids can take pictures with Easter bunny with a very minimum $5 fee , and if you are a First Savers Club member of the bank , the picture taking is free.  The money they collect is for a good cause, it all goes to Relay for Life.  So, remember to stop by First Community Bank this Friday to get your kids picture taken with Easter bunny and do it for a good cause at the same time! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ West Memphis First United Methodist Church is hosting Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch this Saturday, 4/3, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Easter egg hunt wi... 03/31/2010

Is it necessary to get a home warranty? Home warranty is not the same as home insurance, and you don't get it through your insurance agent.  Just like anything else on the market, there are different home warranty companies for you to choose, ask your  REALTOR® to give you some recommendations. As I mentioned earlier, home warranty is not the same as home insurance, you don't have to have it before closing, you can purchase it anytime.  There are certain things that the warranty will and will not cover, you can custom what you need for your home.  Ask your agent to give you the brochure to see the coverage, in our market, the price is less than $500 with tax for home under 5,000 sq ft. How does a home warranty work? It gives the home owner peace of mind in case of home appliances breakd... 03/26/2010

Children's Walking Parade @ Woolfolk Library in Marion this Saturday, 3/27/10 Easter is only less than 2 weeks away, Spring is everywhere, flowers start blooming, lots of sunshine.  It is time for Easter egg hunting soon, don't forget the Children's Walking Parade @ Woolfolk Library in Marion this Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, there are lots of activities for kids to do.  Disclaimer:picture from www.flowerpictures.net     03/24/2010

Places you don't want to miss when visiting Nashville, Tn Just got back from Nashville, Tn after a short vacation, I just want to share some of the local famous spots that you don't want to miss if you have a chance to go visit Nashville. Oh my gosh, Pancake Pantry, this is one good little restaurant for excellent pancake and breakfast, soup and sandwich, we got there at 10:30 in the morning, and already waiting in line outside the restaurant.  They are very famous in Nashville, very close to Vanderbilt University.  It didn't take long for us to get a table, service is very good, food is excellent, price is very reasonable, we have ham and cheese omelette, it comes with 3 pancake, costs under $9.  They are DELICIOUS! ----------------------------------------------------------------------... 03/23/2010

If you are thinking about getting a GPS......... I just came back from a short vacation from Nashville, Tn.  It was wonderful, just 4 days, relaxed, ate great food and did some shopping.  But I tell you, I don't think it would be that relaxed if we didn't buy a GPS before the trip, we bought a Magellan RoadMate 1440.  We like it a lot, very precise, gives you time before turn, and let you know which lane to stay on before the exit.  We missed some exits, and it led us back to the right road, it did not throw us off from the direction.  I am sure there are many other GPS on the market does as good, but I thought if some of you are thinking about buying one and don't have any idea which one to get, I recommend this one.  Price is good, too, we bought it at Walmart for $139.00 plus tax, so... 03/23/2010

It feels good to receive some flowers, especially twice in a week!   It has been a long long time ago since I received 2 flower deliveries in the same week, lol.  Don't we all like to have these surprises every now and then?  It started on this Monday, hey, this week started off pretty good, my client sent me the first vase of flowers on the right of the picture, so sweet of her.  She is a first time buyer, thrilled to own her first home, proud of her.  Then closed a tough deal with another agent, after that, I received my second vase of flowers this week from this agent!  She thanks me for helping to make this tough deal closed, that is way sweet, never expected that. Ahhh, it is nice to have these pretty flowers to bright up my office and desk, everyone in the office asked what was al... 03/19/2010

Buyers in Marion/West Memphis-Don't forget to transfer the name of the utility before/after you close If you purchase your new home in Marion: Marion Water Department closes every Friday, so you will need to transfer the name before that.  They open from Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., their number is 870-739-3073 Entergy for electricity, 1-800-368-3749 Centerpoint Energy for gas, 1-800-992-7552 You don't need your HUD closing statement to transfer name in Marion.   If you purchase your new home in West Memphis: West Memphis Utilities for electric and water, 870-735-3355, they open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reliant Energy for gas, 1-800-992-7552 You will need your HUD closing statement to transfer name in West Memphis, you also need to go to West Memphis Uti... 03/01/2010

Sellers-What you need to know before listing your house on the market No matter what is your reason of selling your house, there are a few things you need to know before putting your house on the market for sale. How many competitors in your area- if you want to "win" this game, you need to do your homework.  You need to know about the competition you are up against, know how to compete. Be realistic of pricing-why do you think everybody keeps saying it is a buyer's market?  Because there are plenty of inventories out there, when it is overstocked, price will come down, interest rate is low, there are buyer tax credits to claim if they buy before 4/30/10.  All these favor a buyer.  If you don't want your house gets stale, don't over priced it, and think it can always come down later.  U... 02/21/2010

Open House at 900 Nicks Cove on 2/21, Sunday   Price:$125,000 Size:1304 sq ft 3bed/2bath fenced yard corner lot, cove This well kept home is one of the very few homes in Pleasant Plains with side 2 car garage.  Hardwood floor in living room, tile in kitchen and bathrooms, carpet in all bedrooms.  Split floor plan, eat in kitchen.  Very cute home and clean.   02/18/2010

Buyers, don't take "Move in for Nothing", literally.  "Zero Down Payment" ,"Move in for Nothing" sounds very attractive to buyers, isn't it?  But Buyers, there are some expenses for you when purchasing a home before closing, so don't take "Nothing" literally. These are some examples that you will/may need to pay: Earnest money-it is usually a few hundred dollars, average about $300-$500, which usually you will get it back at closing.  But you will need to give the earnest money within 3 business days after the offer is accepted. Home Inspection-it is a buyer's expense to pay the home inspector to do the inspection for you on the house you are purchasing before closing. Septic Inspection-if the home you are purchasing has septic system, you will need a septic inspector to inspect it othe... 02/18/2010

OPEN HOUSE AT 115 MILLER DR. ON 2/20, SATURDAY PRICE:$268,500 SIZE:2894 SQ FT 5 BED/3 BATH  This beautiful 2 stories house has it all, 3 bedrooms down, 1 bedroom plus finished bonus room with closet which can be the 5th bedroom, 2 baths down and 1 full bath upstairs. Seller puts extra finishing touches all over the house. Separate A/C unit upstairs, 80 gal hot water tank,ceiling fans in all rooms, all rooms are custom painted, gorgeous! All bedrooms are big and lots of storage spaces all through the house.                                                                                                                                            02/18/2010

Chinese New Year treats that bring you good luck! I have been very busy the last few days, I didn't get a chance to post this until today.  But Chinese New Year celebration lasts from a few days to 14 days, so, I am still in the loop. When I was young, I looked forward to Chinese New Year so much, more than Christmas, tell you the truth.  Because, everybody goes out to get everything new, from clothes, shoes, hair cut....., it is part of the tradition of Chinese New Year, get rid of the old and welcome the new.  And there are many goodies to eat, and best of all, children receive red pocket money from married couples, we actually "made" money out of the New Year.  And it is also a long holiday for us, some business closes up to 7 days for the New Year celebration, that's why everyone is... 02/15/2010

Heavy Snow Fall in Marion, Ar It has been a long time since I saw that much snow in one day in Marion, Ar.  It is so beautiful, and powdery, perfect for making snowball and snowman or snow anything.  Kids don't have to go to school today, remember we are in Arkansas, snow day almost means no school day, haha.  I know, I know, for those of you who live in the north, this is really nothing.  You probably say, What?  No school?                                     We continue to have on and off snow, sleet today, and I think it is raining outside right now.  Maybe another day without school tomorrow.  But I think we won't see this much snow for another long period of time.  02/08/2010

Home Insurance-What is your score??  Do you know your credit score also affects the way you get your home insurance?  The way insurance company decides on the score is not the same as your credit score for a mortgage loan.  The score runs from 1-30, and the lower the number, the better the score for insurance.  It is just opposite from getting a mortgage loan which needs the higher the score the better it is.  And it affects your insurance rate, which will affect your monthly mortgage note also. Home insurance and home shopping goes hand in hand nowadays, good credit score gets you good insurance and interest rate.  It is important to find out how much is your home insurance, so your mortgage lender knows exactly how much to add in your monthly note, and you won't have a surprise.  Thes... 01/29/2010

You just never know what the day or week holds for you!!  Just this morning I got up it snowing and a little freezing rain and the weather is just not friendly!!  But I put a smile on my face headed out to pick up my Dad for coffee and breakfest.  Every time I am a little down my Dad reminds me of just how lucky I am to be able to work!!  That advise always puts a smile on my face so after a little pick me up from my Dad I head to the office.  You can figure out were this story is going.  No one shows up but me...because of the weather I mean the banks are closing at noon and everyone is headed to the house.  Well I'm so glad I went to the office because I sold a House today!!  So just like I said in my opening remarks so never Know what's going to happen!! Keep a smile on your Face and... 01/29/2010

Congratulations!  You are pre-approved for a mortgage loan to buy your new home, and you may be a First Time Buyer, or just need some guidance, what do you do next? Before I start going through the buying steps, please let me remind you, buyer, DO NOT GO OUT FOR SHOPPING SPREE BEFORE YOU CLOSE ON YOUR NEW HOME.  The lender will check your credit status again before closing, they don't want to see your bank account balance going down, or you have opened a new credit card account.  These are reg flags to the lender, so keep calm. I would like to walk you through step by step of the buying process: Look for an agent-If you do not have a real estate agentto work with you, you will need to look for one.  A good agent will make sure all the paper works are done correctly, your interests are p... 01/13/2010

As we talked about housing in previous post Are you thinking about moving to Marion, Ar.? Part 2-Housing If you prefer something more in the outskirt neighborhood, still in Marion School district, city water, city sewer, cable ready, maybe Rustling Oaks is where you may consider to take a look.  Rustling Oaks is a one of the newest subdivisions in Marion, about 2 years old, they are all medium priced range, it is about 5-10 minutes from the business part of the town on Gammon Road.  There are vacant lots with and without mature trees for custom built home, which makes Rustling Oaks popular with home buyers who like to have mature trees already in their backyard.                                  About Rustling Oaks: price ranges from low $160,000 to low $200,000 average size from about 1... 01/10/2010

We usually just have a moderate winter, average around 40-50 something degrees, but the last several days sure was cold cold enough for us in Marion, Ar.    Brrrr, It is cold outside, even the pond in couple of subdivisions like Marion Lake Estate and River Trace is frozen.     01/09/2010

I was on phone duty this afternoon, right before I was fixing to leave the office, the phone rang and the lady was asking about one of my listings: Buyer: I want to know how much is that house on ABC Street selling for? Me: It is listing for $X amount of dollar. Buyer:  Thank you. Me:  Is this something fits what you are looking for?  Would you like to take a look at it? Buyer:  Yes, it fits my budget, and I do want to look at it. Me:  When is a good time for you?  It can be shown anytime. Buyer:  mmm, my agent is so and so. Me:  Okay, just tell so and so give me a call, and she can show you anytime, and see what you think of it.  Thank you. She is a role model of a buyer.  She did call herself to ask about the property, but she didn't take advantage of the agent's offer for her to look... 01/07/2010

Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) program of HUD in Marion, West Memphis and Crittenden County, Ar.   Dear Full time paid Police officer, Firefighter, Paramedic, or Teacher, Do you know about this wonderful HUD program called GOOD NEIGHBOR NEXT DOOR (GNND) just for you guys only?  You are only paying half of the listing price of the property.  Requirements: You have to be a full time paid Police officer, Firefighter, Paramedic or Teacher. The location of the subject property and your job must be in the same town. You need to use a HUD registered brokerage/agent to submit your information electronically.  It is Lottery form to draw for a lucky buyer.  It is open for all qualified officers and teahcers. You need to get FHA loan pre-approval from your lender. For more information about the GO... 01/05/2010