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Searcy, AR Real Estate News

By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Portrait of Cleo 1966This has been White County Fair Week in Arkansas.  Memories return.  Here is a strange one.  Yearly, there was an art contest along with pickles and sewing and all kinds of other things.  I entered this painting of a lady named Cleo.  She actually sat and posed for me.  It won first place at the fair and I have had it since.  I'd like to know where she is and perhaps she'd like this picture for her family.Children's art winner.My daughter, Valerie Smith, attended McRae Elementary back in the 60's.  She painted and entered this one.  She won!!  These are good memories of our White County Fair.  I need to visit it today before it closes!!We are now Barbara Smith Duncan and Valerie Smith Canepa.
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Painted eggs from May 1998 EGGS'travaganzaWay back in 1998 many citizens and I attended a corporate fund-raising event at Harding representing the White County Medical Center.  Way back then lots of folks around Searcy were raising ostriches and other different birds or animals.  Ostrich eggs were plentiful.  Local artists were asked to contribute a hand painted egg for auctioning off.  Liz Howell, now a highly successfuly REALTOR with her own real estate office, planned and held the auction.  Eggs were displayed on tables and a silent auction was held!I bought two.  One by Lee Freppon and one by Phyllis Alexander. (see an old blog here  https://activerain.com/droplet/4Jst ) Now I have from 8 to 10!  Why?  Because when I have attended estate sales or flea markets I have found more.  See...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Fire! Fire! I had cash buyers in my car.  They liked houses in nice quiet established neighborhoods.  I called an agent to show her house.  She had her own house listed and she knew exactly how to make it show well.  We'd had lots of training and knew what we were doing. She rushed home to turn on the lights, pick up and spruce up and make sure the house smelled good.  In order to make sure it smelled good she threw some cookies in the oven to bake and let that wonderful aroma of fresh baked cookies fill the air!  Then she rushed out so she'd be gone during the showing.My buyers and I walked up to the front door and there was smoke coming out around the cracks.  I opened the door very cautiously and there was smoke all over the house!  It smelled awful;  something was burning!!  Is this...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
 This rap tune has been on youtube for several months now and each time I view it I appreciate the work that had to go into it to make it.  These four Harding University students had to walk down the streets of Searcy, climb over railroad cars, write the lyrics, record the lyrics, probably lip-sinc the lyrics as they are out in the middle of a Searcy landmark.Searcy Arkansas is home to Harding University, a highly rated private school that is also my alma mater.  Extremely talented students attend from all over the world.We are now BIG TIME into videos on Activerain so I want to introduce you to S E A R C Y.   The video is full of subtle humor like the one guy losing his pants while rapping.  In the scene at the car wash they say the clothes got mixed up on the characters.   Watch the v...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Are you ready to put your home on the market?  Here is my  list of the top ten things to do to get your home SOLD! 1. Trim your shrubs, keep your yard mowed, plant flowers, remove clutter from yard, you need curb appeal! 2. Does your home need to be painted?  A gallon of paint can do wonders! 3. Do your repairs BEFORE putting it on the market!  You will get a better price! 4. Does your siding  and exterior of home need cleaned?  A clean exterior can make a difference! 5. Clean the garage, get rid of junk and clutter!  The garage will look larger! 6. Have your carpets professionally cleaned!  They will look and smell cleaner. 7. Clean out closets, it will look like you have more closet space! 8. Check lighting and make sure the bulbs work!  A dark house is NOT inviting! 9. Get rid of smo...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Sunday night I received word that my wonderful aunt had passed.  Becky was a very loving, caring and beautiful person.  She battled brain cancer for almost a year.   During the time of her illness, her family updated other  family members and friends of her progress through http://caringbridge.orgOur family is scattered throughout the United States, some in Indiana, Florida, California, Arkansas and other states.  We were all updated about Becky's progress, sometimes daily, sometimes weekly.  Each morning I would check my e-mail to see if there was an update.   CaringBridge is  a free  non-profit web service, that helps the family connect with others to share information about a loved one's condition, treatment and recovery.  This is such a big help to the family of the loved one, they ...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Millicent The Millicent Collinsworth Story.  A Gripping, True-Life Saga of Family Pride and Love, by Millicent Collinsworth and Jan Winebrenner, published in 1993 is about an actress who becomes blind after having been born into a Southern world of privilege.  At one time during her life she returns to Searcy Arkansas and retraces her happy childhood years.  One of the houses she was determined to visit still stands and is pictured in the book.If you like biographies, pick this one up and read it.  Or if you just like old houses, here's one of our Searcy historical houses.  Note the formal garden shrubs that are tended faithfully.  Also note all the power lines and stop signs that modern living has brought to the once-quiet area.
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By Kelly VanHook
(Dalrymple Residential)
Our area Realtors get together every week to tour new listings and every so often on that 5th Wednesday that comes around, we have guest speakers or some type of program.  Yesterday we met with area loan officers, appraisers, inspectors, title work companies and a representative from the city to discuss changes in the city codes, loan programs and appraisal issues so that we could better serve the Searcy community.  I want to thank a fellow Realtor, Larry Degroat for putting the program together.  It was very informative.  I hope you have a member in your area that works as hard keeping everyone on the same page.....
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
I was watching the news and this wonderful story was being told, finally something positive from the media!  Western Oregon and Central Washington girl's softball teams were in a tournament, it was the top of the second inning.Western Oregon player, Sara Tucholsky, hit the ball over the fence.  She rounded first base, almost to second, when  her right knee blew out! She was in terrible pain as she crawled back to first base.  There would be no home run.  Her team could substitute a runner at first, but Sara would only get a single and 2 RBI'S.  A player cannot assist their own team around the bases.  But wait, Central Washington softball player, Mallory Holtman, wanted to carry her around the bases.  She asked her teammate, Liz Wallace, to help.  They carried  the opposing player around...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
I am soooo excited!  I love chicken any way you cook it!  Searcy, Arkansas is getting a Zaxby's, they have already started on the ground work!  Have you ever eaten Zaxby's chicken?  It is the best and very reasonable!Last weekend was the first time I tasted Zaxby's chicken.  It is delicious and very inexpensive!  My grandson, Adrian, played in a baseball tournament in West Memphis.  Between games our "baseball family" went to Zaxby's.  Everyone thought it was so good and they were all excited that Searcy is getting one!.  I am not a big fast food fan.  I like hamburgers at home, either on the grill or cooked in an iron skillet!  You know the greasy kind, put it in the iron skillet and right before it is done lay the bun on top with a lid!  You talk about good!!!Anyway, if you ever see a...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
A few years ago I listed a home that had been through at least three Realtors.  The sellers were really wanting to sell and were getting discouraged.  They asked me why their home had not sold.  I explained to them that the paint color on their shutters and front door was extremely dated and needed to be changed.Also, the entry and up the staircase needed a more neutral paint color.  It was painted a mauve color. and looked like the 80's.  I told them if they wanted to sell their home, they would have to make these adjustments.  They did and it SOLD!  It is amazing what paint can do!Last year a very sweet couple called and wanted me to list their nearly new home.  The home was immaculate and had a great floor plan.  But, it was painted a light pink and some rooms were purple.  It was re...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Here in Searcy,  Arkansas it has rained so much that it has been impossible to plant.  The ground is still very wet, but I have planted most of my flowers.  I love impatients and cala lillys, and  I found some pretty ones at Lowe's.  I recently added some extra landscaping and planted beautiful red "oncore" azaleas, they will bloom all year!  I think landscaping adds so much to a home.  My crepe myrtles are getting their leaves and they will bloom in June.  I love to cook with fresh herbs!  Sunday I planted rosemary, basil, lemon balm, oregano, dill, parsley and cilantro.  I planted them in several pots and I can't wait to cook delicious meals.  If you have never grown your own herbs, try it.  They are so easy to grow!We toured a cute home last Wednesday, but it had nothing but weeds in...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
  We don't have a lot of condos in Searcy Arkansas, a small 20,000 population city approximately 50 miles from Little Rock  Arkansas.  The first ones built were exciting for our city but the builder made a mistake.  He had an "outsider architect" plan them and though they were beautiful they had a problem. They were expensive and the bedrooms were all upstairs with a very steep staircase to get to them.  Young buyers couldn't afford them and older buyers couldn't climb the stairs.  After a few of those duds, the builders got wise and did better planning.  This one is ideal for the older buyer because it has easy access from the 1 car garage and is all one level.  It was custom built with two living areas and a dining room separating them.  It has 1890 sq. ft. and is free standing, anoth...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
I cannot believe it!  My computer will not function, and I am not sure why!  I cannot get windows to come up, has anyone else had this problem?  What do I do to fix it?This is my home office computer, which I use for my real estate.  Also,  I need to write checks for my builder husband and I guess I will have to do them by hand!  Quicken will spoil you!I keep thinking if I keep messing with it, a miracle will happen and it will work!    I guess if it doesn't, I will buy a new one!  If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.  Thanks!                                                        http://mary@maryjpaul.com
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Maybe I'm wrong,  but  shouldn't homes be appraised by more than just square footage?.  Is  there not a difference in a  2500 sq. ft. home with an 8/12 pitch, and a home with a 12/12 pitch!   A  home with 10' and 12' ceilings should appraise for more than a home with 8' ceilings, don't you think?  I know it does on the cost approach, but on the comparables, shouldn't you find a comp with a higher pitch and higher ceilings?Also, a pier and beam home that has closed piers should be higher that one with open piers. You are not comparing apples to apples when you  don't make these adjustments.  There should be a difference in a home with vinyl in the gables and a home with brick in the gables.Below are some more things that should obtain a higher appraisal"                          1. exten...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Why do we collect THINGS?  We spend the first half of our lives collecting things and the second half trying to get rid of them!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?  I'm just as guilty as you are!I collect vases, dishes, antiques and who knows what!  Most are stored in my attic.  Why?  Why would a perfectly sane person do this?  It doesn't make sense!  I can't take these things with me when I scale down to a smaller home.  I've come to the conclusion that when I decide to retire, this is what I will do.   I will call my daughter and grandchildren and let them take what they want, the remainder will be put in an estate sale!  Maybe, I will recoup part of my money!There are people who collect cars. That is an expensive collection!  Jay Leno has so many cars that he stores them!  Can you imagine??  So...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
My grandson, Adrian, played in a baseball tournament last weekend in Pocahontas.  We won the tournament and all the boys played great!  Pocahontas has had serious flooding and the water is still very high, it did not affect the ball park, it was on higher ground.While eating breakfast at our motel, I became acquainted with a lady that had been staying at the motel for over a month!  Her home, which she had remodeled about four years ago, is still underwater.  She lives in a two story home, built very high off the ground, the water is almost to the second level.  She has lost everything on the first floor.  She said she had pictures and beautiful antiques that could never be replaces.  I felt so sorry for her.This was a remarkable lady, she had a very good attitude.  She did say that the...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Adrian, my ten year old grandson, loves base ball.  He lives and breathes it!!  He plays first base and batters rarely get by him, he will do the complete splits to get an out!  We spend alot of time at the ball park, and what better place to to see old friends,  make new friends and make  real estate contacts.Gabrielle, my fifteen year old granddaughter, also plays first base.  She is an excellent player and can really slug the ball!  With two grandchildren playing ball we have a busy summer, thankfully most of the games are at night.  I think it is so important for children to play sports or have somthing in their life that demands time!  If you keep them busy, you can usually keep them out of trouble.  Searcy has a very nice sports complex.  Spring and summer almost everyone is at th...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
WELCOME TO SEARCY, ARKANSAS!  "A city where thousands live as millions wish they could," is the motto of Searcy.  Searcy has a population of approximately 20,600 people, and is located about 50 miles North of Little Rock.RIVER OAKS is an upscale golf course community and is very close to the hospital, shopping, banks, post office and restaurants.  The golf course has a club house and a pro shop.  River Oaks is home to all people, young, middle age, senior citizens and  retirees. There are condos in the front of River Oaks and they are perfect for the person who doesn't want any upkeep.  River Oaks is a great place to call home!My husband has built alot of homes in River Oaks.  There are some pictures below of River Oaks and some of the homes he has built.  If you are planning on moving,...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
IF ALL YOU CAN DO IS PULL UP YOUR MLS SYSTEM, YOU'RE NOT!  Tommorrow's agents will do most of their transactions on the internet  RELAY is a transaction management system that many Realtors will use.  The agent of tommorrow will know "texting" and their cell phone will be their office away from home!  I have a Treo 680 and I can text, e-mail, pull up the MLS, surf the internet, figure loan payments, have a contact list, a daily planner and soooo much more!  It is my office that I carry with me.  There are many cell phone like this, this one just works well for me.  If you don't want to learn new technology, YOU WILL BE LEFT BEHIND!  Consumers are very technology minded!  They know what they want, and they want it fast!  They can surf the net and find homes any place in the world, and th...
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By Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
(RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR)
Remember "time is of the essence" when dealing in real estate.  To ensure a valid contract, make sure all parties have signed!  Return phone calls promptly, to clients and other agents.  DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!  This is the most  important thing you can do.  Keep that paper trail, especially if you feel something is not right.  Today, I had an agent in my office ask what to do if you are worried about drug manufacturing in a home.  I gave her a pamphlet with a number to call, and told her what I would do. She is a fairly new agent and will do well in real estate, she never hesitates to ask questions.  I had a house listed that I knew the occupants did drugs, he had been on tv court.  My buyers had a small child, I suggested an inspection of the home for drug manufacturing. I got t...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Walking by my azalea bush in the back yard, I was almost blinded by the color.  It will only last a few days and be gone.  Looking at the neighbor's yard, I saw this tree that is also so colorful.  With flooding all over Arkansas, as you've probably read in the news, it should be cheerful to see something pretty and colorful.  BUT, it is colder than the dickens here (old Southern saying and I don't know what it means) so all our new flowers may get killed tonight by late freeze. 
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