Team Riley's Blog

Motivational Thought of the Day

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:18:40 -0700

EXCELLENCE is achieved by those who

CARE more than others think they should,

RISK more than others think is safe,

DREAM more than others think is practical,

and TRY HARDER than others think is necessary.

Top 50 List

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:05:26 -0700

Hot Springs has been named to National Geographic Adventure Magazine's Top 50 Places for Adventure!

This is on top of our ever growing retirement, and art communities. Hot Springs now gains recognition for the Hiking, Biking, and Natural Beauty surrounding this great little town. One city per state was listed, and Hot Springs was the obvious choice according to the magazine's editor. The combination of hiking trails, the national park system, mountain biking, the lakes, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, etc. that Hot Springs offers would make this top on anybody's list looking for adventure or excitement. I am proud to be living in a thriving community that encompasses so many aspects of living.

Want to be a part of this thriving adventurous community. Contact me today and let me show you the best we have to offer, Downtown or in any of our surrounding communities.

Team Riley

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:03:13 -0700

Whether you are Buying or Selling a home, especially in today's market, it is vital that you choose the right agent. Our philosophy is simple, to extend service beyond excellence to all clientele....big or small. By treating our clients interest as the most crucial, we get results. Plain and simple, no fancy backtalk or talking around the question...just honest, direct accountable answers.

We don't take seriously overpriced listings...we value everyone's time and by overpricing a home you basically shoot yourself in the foot before you start. WE do want to get you the most for your home...no qualls about it. But by competitive market pricing, being ahead of the market, and aggressive direct marketing we work to get the most value for your home in the fairest time frame to suit your needs. If its the end result you want (which is the most important right?!?!)....make the right choice and put us to work for you..you'll be glad you did.

For Buyers we provide the same aggressive, direct, and accountable service. Most often this isn't going to cost you a thing out of your pocket, yet you'll be pleased with the end result as you move into your new home at a great price! Put the money where it feels the best!!!!! (in your pocket!) We will work hard to get you the best home for your needs today and in the future, at the best possible price! Again! Call us and put us to work for you!

Thanks to our past clientele for the constant referrals and word of mouth advertising. We know if we did our job correctly, that you are the type of people to pass that experience along; and we are very grateful for it. Of course being shameless self promoters like we are.....should you know anybody Buying or Selling Real Estate, PLEASE give them our number (501-623-3444) or web address (www.myhotspringshomes.com).

Call today, with an advanced support staff and the oldest Real Estate office in town behind us....we are READY to go to work for you TODAY!

Team Riley Spa Realty, Inc. Gary Riley and Drew Riley

A Real Estate Scam in Arkansas!!!!

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:41:39 -0700

This is a respost from the ARA. Beware of such a scam in your area!

In the BATESVILLE board of REALTORS there has been a guy going around first looking

for a house for him and his mother. Then tries to sell fake ads to the agent.

BEWARE it is a scam. He told me his name was Perry Hanchey he is driving Acura

Grey with license number MISSOURI 035 ZMT. He seem to be targeting agents with

ads.

Here are some of the reports circulating in the news:

AG says small businesses target of city map scam

Saturday, Jul 7, 2007

-------------------------------------------------

By Jason Weist

Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK - A man on the phone told an employee at Prudential 1st Realty in

Jonesboro he was moving to town and looking to buy a house. So, in early June,

the man stopped by the business and had an agent pull up houses in the $300,000

price range, owner Greg Baugh said Friday. Before leaving, the man said he worked

for a company named PMH Publications, which was selling advertising space on

promotional maps. "I've got one block left that another real estate company in

town wouldn't pay me for, so I'll offer it to you guys for half the price," Baugh

said the man told the agent. Baugh's business cut a check for $200 and received

a letter of agreement and the promise of 200 free maps that were never delivered.

The business was the victim of what the state attorney general's office says

is the latest scam to hit small businesses in Northeast Arkansas. Several businesses

in the area, including real estate companies in Paragould, have fallen victim,

according to Baugh and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's office. McDaniel issued

a consumer alert Friday warning businesses statewide of the scam. The alert advised

business owners to never pay for a product or service before it is received.

Other warning signs include the use of high-pressure tactics - legitimate offers

always allow the prospective customer time to weigh a decision, McDaniel says

- and claims of support for or endorsement of the product. "In the map scam,

the salesperson may tell the business owner that the promotional maps have the

support of the local chamber of commerce and that all of his competitors have

chosen to advertise," McDaniel said in a release. "Both claims are false, and

prospective buyers should take the time to verify any such references before

buying." Baugh said he is working with other local businesses to try to track

down the scam artist. "It's a small amount of money," Baugh said. "That's not

the deal. The deal is, I don't like getting (conned)."

Beware City Map Scam

-------------------------------------------------

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says small businesses in northeast Arkansas

are being targeted by con artists offering featured display on promotional maps.

A news release yesterday from McDaniel's office said scam artists were showing

up at small businesses trying to sell advertising space on promotional maps of

the city where the business is located. The release said the business manager

or owner is told that, for several hundred dollars, that business will be shown

on the map, and the business will be provided with 200 complimentary copies to

distribute.

But, according to the release, checks written to take part in the map promotion

are usually cashed the same day by somebody using a false name, and the business

never gets any maps.

Selling a home???? Buying maybe????

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:33:15 -0700

It doesn't matter if its a "buyer's market" or a "seller's market." There will always be competition (sometimes fierce) among houses on the market..for those ever so few qualified buyers who are out looking. Sellers need aggressive, effective marketing experts to direct those buyers to their property to get it SOLD at their price and terms.

Start out with some questions, don't just hire the first agent you talk to.

Make sure they are going to aggressively market and handle all aspects of the transaction.

Are they accountable for the time frame and market they provide?

Do they work when nobody else wants to (i.e. late Saturday evening or on a holiday?)

What other listings do they have, how long have they had them?

Do they take overpriced listings just to have the listing or are they particular on who they sign up?

What strategies are they going to employ to get your home sold?

Beside a sign and MLS entries...what else do they do?

Are they truly working in your best interest...or just what they think it will take to get it sold eventually?

At Team Riley, you have an advantage. A combination of youth and skill never before seen.

Gary, broker/owner of Spa Realty has actively been selling Hot Springs since 1980. With hundreds of transactions from commercial to residential lots, a lifetime member of the multi-million dollar club, CRS and GRI designations, and a 25+ year member of the local REALTOR board, has teamed up with his son, Drew to bring a youthful, technological side of the business together with knowledge and expertise. Drew has actively been in Real Estate for 5 years and is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the brightest and most talented agents in Hot Springs. With extensive knowledge of the area and neighborhoods, Drew and Gary have brought together technology and real estate with a complete spectrum of realty websites covering any need. Sellers, Buyers, even For Sale By Owners can benefit from Team Riley. We don't have to have your property listed to bring potential buyers to you! Never heard of that have you??????

http://www.hotspringsforsalebyowner.com Start here, see how you can sign up and list your home for Free with no obligation and let us spend our money to drive potential buyers to you. You get the calls...you set the terms...no bull...no gimmick....Just a service we provide for you Do-It-Yourself types.

http://www.searchhomeshotsprings.com See how you can sign up once...and never have to log onto anything but your email to see the homes you WANT to see. You set the criteria, and that's IT! Automatic updates of any new listing or price change meeting your criteria are sent directly to your INBOX! No more worrying about missing your dream home or dealing with incomplete, confusing websites.

http://www.myhotspringshomevalue.com Sellers use our free comparative market analysis to get you on the right track to pricing your home to sell in TODAY's market. Times change fast...the market changes faster...you MUST be up to date on your idea of pricing or you may find yourself a year later no closer to your goal (or price for that matter!)

http://www.myhotspringshomes.com Our main page, recommendations for buyers and sellers, tips and ideas to better stage or prepare your home for sale, and for buyers, what to look for in a house, answers to all your questions, and comfort in knowing your getting the representation you deserve. It's all here links, blogs, featured homes, anything you could ever want or need for Real Estate on one, easy to use site!

With more to come and future marketing techniques currently under construction this is just the beginning of the future of real estate. Come see why Team Riley is the obvious choice for buying or selling Real Estate in Hot Springs and Central Arkansas.

Selling a home????

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:32:38 -0700

Start out with some questions, don't just hire the first agent you talk to.

Make sure they are going to aggressively market and handle all aspects of the transaction.

Are they accountable for the time frame and market they provide?

Do they work when nobody else wants to (i.e. late Saturday evening or on a holiday?)

What other listings do they have, how long have they had them?

Do they take overpriced listings just to have the listing or are they particular on who they sign up?

What strategies are they going to employ to get your home sold?

Beside a sign and MLS entries...what else do they do?

Are they truly working in your best interest...or just what they think it will take to get it sold eventually?

At Team Riley, you have an advantage. A combination of youth and skill never before seen.

Free Easy E-mail Home Search Site in Arkansas

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:02:55 -0700

Looking for a home in the Garland County area. Whether you've been looking for a while, or just getting started, may I suggest you log onto www.searchhomeshotsprings.com and sign up for the free email service that will send you information on properties that meet YOUR specific criteria. NO need to log on ever again (unless to refine your criteria) and the system will send you the information on homes that meet your needs. Never again worry about missing your dream home, or dealing with incomplete or confusing websites. When you want to see a property or need more information, all you have to do is "click" or call, and a friendly team of REALTORS will jump into action for YOU! Buyers love this service!

Market news

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:54:02 -0700

Rates Are Up, And So Are New Home Sales!

Home prices continue to normalize across the country while mortgage rates have increased slightly, according to recent reports by Freddie Mac and the National Association of REALTORS®.

The thirty year conventional, fixed rate mortgage has risen to a national average of 6.37 percent in late May, compared to 6.18 percent in April, and 6.51 percent in April 2006. Much of this increase has been attributed to the recent shake-up within the sub prime mortgage market. Although experts believe there may be more increases in store later this year, these historically low rates continue to support the housing market during the country's recent cool down period.

Average Sales Price of Existing Homes by Region

Date	U.S.	Northeast	Midwest	South	West
2004	$244,400	$273,600	$189,400	$215,600	$324,300
2005	266,600	297,000	203,800	231,700	363,800
2006	268,200	299,700	205,300	230,000	371,300
01/07	257,300	292,500	194,700	222,500	352,300
02/07	260,100	292,200	188,400	225,200	366,700
03/07	265,200	302,100	199,100	227,300	365,200
04/07	268,400	308,800	203,000	227,900	369,400

Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS®

Single family home sales declined 2.4 percent from March to April, while statistics for existing homes were mixed regionally. The market got an additional boost from new-home sales, which jumped over 16 percent in April, according to the Commerce Department. The market for new homes was particularly strong in the South, which showed a 27.8 percent increase in new home sales, followed by 8.5 percent in the West, and 3.8 percent in the Northeast. The Midwest was the one area where new home sales actually declined and showed a 4 percent drop during April.

June Calender of Events

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:48:12 -0700

June Calendar of events for Hot Springs, AR

June 1, 2007
Gallery Walk
Time: 5-9 pm
Downtown Hot Springs
501-624-0550

Description:
Gallery Walk gives an opportunity to stroll beautiful downtown Hot Springs and enjoy some of the finest contemporary art in America. The art galleries that sparkle like a fine necklace are located in the heart of the Victorian downtown district. They stay open until 9 p.m., often with music and complimentary refreshments. The artists whose works are on display also turn out to chat with visitors to the galleries. Don't miss this monthly opportunity to enjoy the arts that earned Hot Springs the No. 4 ranking in the Top 100 Small Art Towns in America.

June 1-3, 2007
"Take a Hike" Weekend
Time: 9am-5pm
Lake Catherine State Park
501-844-4176

lakecatherine@arkansas.com

Details:
Admission: Free; Contact the park for further details and program times.

Description:
This is the best time to take a hike, before the heat of summer sets in. There are three trails and over nine miles to cover, with views of Lake Catherine, the Ouachita Mountainsm waterfalls, wildlife, and more. This weekend park interpreters lead guided hikes on every detail and offer other nature programs as well.

June 2, 2007
National Trails Day Celebration
Lake Catherine State Park
501-844-4176

lakecatherine@arkansas.com

Description:
Help celebrate 'Take a Hike' weekend and our national recreational trails! This day will be filled with hikes, hiking demonstrations, and more.

June 2, 2007
Dance City Recital
Time: 7pm - Saturday
Hot Springs Convention Center
Contact: Patty Tackett
501-262-3949

http://www.dancecitystudio.com/
dancecity@gmail.com

Details:
Free admission.

Description:
Annual dance recital for children ages 2-18. Enjoy ballet, clog, hip-hop, jazz, musical theatre, pointe and tap. There will also be a Daddy/Daughter Dance.

June 2, 2007
Magic Springs Summer Concert Series Presents "Jason Aldean"
Time: 8pm
Magic Springs - Timberwood Amphitheater
501-624-0100

http://www.magicsprings.com/

Description:
Named the Top New Male Vocalist of 2006 by the Academy of Country Music, for No. 1 hits, "Hicktown" and "Amarillo Sky."

June 3-16, 2007
11th Annual Hot Springs Music Festival
Various Venues Historic Downtown Hot Springs
Contact: Laura Rosenberg
634 Prospect Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
501-623-4763

http://www.hotmusic.org/
festival@hotmusic.org

Details:
Admission: Most events free; some $5-15.
Information updated daily on www.hotmusic.org.

Description:
200 International musicians fill the Spa City with 17 concerts and nearly 250 open rehearsals of symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music, musical theatre, recitals and master classes. Great concerts, open rehearsals, casual atmosphere, serious fun!

June 7-9, 2007
Arkansas State HOG Rally
Summit Arena & Hot Springs Convention Center
501-321-2027 or 800-543-2284

http://www.arstatehogrally.com/

Description:
More information as it becomes available.

June 7-10, 2007
11th Annual Senior Softball S.P.A. Qualifer
Kimery Park
Contact: Dawne Brooks
P O Box 1577
Hot Springs, AR 71902
501-321-1441

http://www.srsports.org/
arsrolym@hotsprings.net

Details:
Free admission

Description:
Senior softball tournament for 50+ years old. AA and AAA teams qualify for the National Softball Player Assoc. title. (S.P.A.)teams are rated according to team ability. Out of state teams invited.

June 9-10, 2007
Super Retriever Series Crown Championship
Oaklawn Racetrack Infield
Contact: Steve Arrison
501-321-2027 or 800-543-2284

hscvb@hotsprings.org

Details:
Saturday - June 9, 2007 - FREE ADMISSION
8am - Oaklawn Park Infield - opens to the public
9:30am - retriever Trials - Series 1 - Top 16
12pm - 2pm - HRC- Speed Retrieve / Puppy Stakes / Junior Handler
12:30pm - Zink's World Champion Duck and Goose Calling Seminars
1:30pm - Ducks Unlimited Super V Semi Finals 6 to 4
3pm - Zink's World Champions Duck and Goose Call Seminars Youth seminar
4pm - Ducks Unlimited Super V Finals Top 4
5pm - Team WaterDog - Bring your dog and come learn with the Team WaterDog, the best retriever handlers in the country.

Sunday - June 10, 2007 - FREE ADMISSION
8am - Oaklawn Park Infield opens to the public
8:30am - Retriever Trials - Top 8 Series 2 featuring: Zink Goose and Duck Calling Champions
11am - Ducks Unlimited Super Fly Competition - Top 12
1pm - Retriever Trials Finals - Final 4
2:30pm - Ducks Unlimited Super Fly Finals - Top 6
Championship Jump Off - Top 2

Description:
The public is invited to see America's top retriever dogs and their owners perform in the Super Retriever Series Crown Championship. This free event brings the top 12 hunt test and field trial retrievers and their handlers along with the nation's top 12 Big Air dogs to Hot Springs to compete for the national championship, The beautiful infield at Oaklawn Park will be transformed for the Championship, complete with a water feature where parts of the retriever trials will be held.

June 9, 2007
Magic Springs Summer Concert Series Presents "Heartland"
Time: 8pm
Magic Springs - Timberwood Amphitheater
501-624-0100

http://www.magicsprings.com/

Description:
A hot young country band from Alabama, which had a No. 1 single in 2006, "I Loved Her First."

June 9, 2007
Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant
Hot Springs Convention Center
Contact: Lynn DeJarnette
501-520-4243

http://www.mrsarkansas.org/
ldejar8122@aol.com

Details:
For more information on entering or attending, visit our website, email, or call the above phone number. The pageant is sponsored by Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant. If you are interested in promoting or sponsoring any part of the pageant, please contact Lynn Dejarnette as she is still taking sponsors and contestants.

Description:
Beautiful married women from around the state come to compete for the state title of Mrs. Arkansas America. The winner will go on to complete for the national title of Mrs. America.

June 9 - September 30, 2007
2007 Southern Living Idea House
Red Oak Ridge - Hot Springs

Details:
The 2007 Southern Living Idea House in Red Oak Ridge is just minutes outside Hot Springs and a short drive from Little Rock. Amenities in the development include more than 800 gated acres of natural beauty offering estate-size residences, as well as a beautiful garden-home living, all with meandering trails, two private fishing lakes and a private pool. Better still, it's all just a stone's throw from Hot Springs' business, medical, professional and retail amenities.

The Southern Living Idea House at Hot Springs will be open for tours June 9 - Sept. 30 and will be featured in the August 2007 issue of Southern Living magazine.

Description:
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains near Lakes Hamilton and Catherine, this stately 4,500 square-foot brick home evokes old-world elegance with Georgian and French architectural influences. Designed by renowned residential designer Rick Gary of Plano, Texas, a large open terrace greets visitors and welcomes them into the home.

Once inside, the wrought-iron doors, brick floors and archways accent the front foyer while a winding staircase draws the eye upstairs. Tucked beneath the staircase, a wine closet stands ready for entertaining. The main floor features a large, open family area with a fireplace and brick arches that open into the spacious eat-in kitchen. In the rear, an outdoor living area has two covered porches and an open-air kitchen and fireplace.

June 15, 2007
Antique Walk
Time: 4-8pm
100 Block of Central Avenue - Downtown Hot Springs
Contact: Davis Tillman
501-624-4083

Description:
Tillman's Antiques, celebrating twenty-five years in the 100 block, has been joined by the new shops - Rampant Lion, Art-Tiques, Manor House Antiques and Joan Good Antiques of Royal Street, New Orleans. These dealers hope to attract others who will expand Antique Row further into the Historic District and create an area whose reputation for fine antiques will be unmatched in the Mid-South. Antique Row with over 15 shops, two restaurants and a hotel also includes wonderful upscale boutiques featuring ladies clothing, decorative accessories, jewelry, linens, gourmet food, luxury bath items and a children's store. Restaurants include the Colonial Pancake and Waffle House celebrating its forty-fifth year in the 100 block who has expanded its menu to include plate lunches and Jernigan's Restaurant celebrating their 12th year on the 100 block serving up traditional southern favorites.

June 16, 2007
Magic Springs Summer Concert Series Presents "Christian Family Day - Featuring Point of Grace"
Time: 7pm
Magic Springs - Timberwood Amphitheater
501-624-0100

http://www.magicsprings.com/

June 20-23, 2007
49th Annual Miss Arkansas Pageant
Summit Arena
Contact: Nancy Rhodes
P O Box 1143
Hot Springs, AR 71902
501-321-3506 or 800-264-6477

http://www.missarkansas.org/
info@missarkansas.org

Details:
Tickets may be obtained by contacting Ticketmaster at 501-321-1919.

Description:
An exciting week where contestants from all four corners of the state come to compete for the title of Miss Arkansas. The winner will represent the state of Arkansas in the Miss America Pageant. Over $60,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

June 22, 2007
Fourth Friday Series at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Garvan Woodland Gardens
501-262-9300, 800-366-4664

http://www.garvangardens.org/
info@garvangardens.org

Details:
Reservation recommended. Contact for admission information.

Description:
Enjoy a relaxing summer evening listening to music and dining alfresco with great food from one of Hot Springs premier restaurants. A new restaurant and musical group will be featured each month.

June 23, 2007
Magic Springs Summer Concert Series Presents "Loverboy"
Time: 8pm
Magic Springs - Timberwood Amphitheater
501-624-0100

http://www.magicsprings.com/

Description:
The classic rock group with such mega-hits as "Working for the Weekend" and Queen of the Broken Hearts."

June 23, 2007
Hickory Hill Park Gospel Music
Time: 7:30pm
Hickory Hill Park
Contact: Lou Tabor
194 Bryant Rd (off Hwy 7 North)
501-623-8068

http://www.hawkinsfamilyministries.com/
loutabor@sbcglobal.net

Details:
Free admission and parking. Hickory Hill Park directions: Go 1 mile up Hwy 7N from Hwy 5 junction, turn right on Bryant Road and go 2 blocks.

Description:
Gospel music concert featuring southern gospel music, bluegrass gospel, and plenty of old time country gospel in an outdoor amphitheater nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains. Bring lawn chairs for seating in outdoor amphitheater. Refreshment stand. (No ice chests / coolers).

June 29-30, 2007
Miss Arkansas' Oustanding Teen Pageant
Hot Springs Convention Center
Contact: Mac Sisson
870-246-5329

http://www.missteenarkansas.org/
mac.sisson@sbcglobal.net

Description:
Scholarship pageant where the winner represents the state at the third Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orland, FL.

June 30, 2007
"Grip it & Rip it" Street Vault
Hill Wheatley Plaza - next to Hot Springs Visitor Center
Contact: Morry Sanders
870-334-3100

http://www.arkansasvaultclub.com/
mcsanders1@alltel.net

Details:
More information as it becomes available.

Description:
This will be a USATF Sanctioned pole vault competition for males and females of all ages and skill levels.

June 30, 2007
Magic Springs Summer Concert Series Presents "The Manhattans"
Time: 8pm
Magic Springs - Timberwood Amphitheater
501-624-0100

http://www.magicsprings.com/

Description:
Legendary R&B stars famous for such classic hits as "kiss and Say Goodbye" and "Shining Star."

Land Tract for Sale 120 acres in Royal, AR 10 Minutes from town and Lake Ouachita

Team Riley (Spa Realty, Inc) — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:46:24 -0700

120 acre tract Royal, AR (close to Lake Ouachita)

http://www.spacity.com/content/listdetail.html/44585779?proppos=-9&ag_id=1525861&startpos=1&endpos=10&ids=46227600,48122651,48844064,51921860,48233462,30897922,30898400,50561438,44585779&propertyCount=9

This first time on market 120 acre land tract is located in beautiful Royal, AR just 10 minutes out of Hot Springs on Hwy 270 West.

Surrounded by rolling pastures, this wooded acreage tract is just waiting for development, would make ideal hunting lodge, or could possibly be subdivided into a little of both. I've had lots of people looking for land in the Royal area, but there isn't much to pick from. Buy today, subdivide 3 acre tracts and realize your dreams! This is an excellent development oppourtunity. Highly sought after area that continues to grow in popularity amongst both locals and visitors alike. Just 10 minutes to Lake Ouachita, 5 minutes to Lake Hamilton, nearby groceries and amenities will make you forget your in the country!

Fenced, developmental road in place, 30 ft. easement to property, this is the land tract you've been looking for. This is a hard to find property especialy for the area, this could quite possibly be the best tract of land left in the Royal area.

Call today for your personal preview of this unique and gorgeous property. Listed as one tract currently @ $7,000 per acre...owner is ready to sell says BRING ALL OFFERS! May be willing to subdivide but looking to sell as one tract. Call agent for details/questions.