Lately the news regarding the world of Real Estate has been kind of quiet.  What was once a daily topic has started to slip from the front of the line.  Is this a good thing, or perhaps something more to fear.   If your not concerned about the fact that home sales were up last month, or that lenders DO have money to lend then read no more. 

Finally, the bottom has been reached.  In the constantly changing market of today's Real Estate no news just may be good news.  Lenders are back to business and writing paper, although it be tougher to get a loan, rates have never been lower, and NOW is the time to buy.  Although I work for an independent company in no way affiliated with RE/Max, their commercials where people "are kicking themselves" for not buying in this market, couldn't be any closer to the truth.

There are tons of listings to choose from, albeit some are still grossly overpriced, things have come more in line with what they are truly worth, and if you own or want to own lake property in my area....the market has seen little if any drop in price, and as a matter of fact has increased since this time last year.  Yes it is still expensive to live on Lake Hamilton, but there are alternatives and remember as my dad always says, "everyone in Hot Springs has lake access," so living right on the waterfront doesn't have to mean you can't be close to it, even smell it. 

The weather has been great, a little mild if anything, but things are shaping up to be a great and prosperous year.  I just hope I get a little slice of the pie myself.......I'm in position, ready to work, have some great listings and buyers.....so as always....I keep on keepin' on.

Guess what, as I keep trying to relay to my clients and associates; the Hot Springs and Garland County, Arkansas Real Estate market is not spiraling out of control like Las Vegas or Florida or parts of some 20 metropolitan areas across the country. It has slowed some, but still is doing stronger than in 2002.....it had to peak sometime, and now that its leveled off things are starting to fall back in place. 

Beings stated income and no money down loans are a thing of the past, how does one purchase a home?  FHA and VA loans are simply the best option for almost all clientele.  Even those with "good" credit need to consider this as a viable option for obtaining financing.  A 680 credit score used to get you any loan, but now without being over a 700 FICO score you almost certainly need to look at FHA type loans unless your prepared for at least putting 10% down.  There is a great market of homes that fit under the FHA/VA guidelines for pricing and Hot Springs is still seeing steady home sales and purchases largely in part due to some great lenders who work in the area.

Hot Springs home prices grew so fast, so quick that now that they have "COOLED OFF" prices are coming back to in-line with reality.  The best of the best will survive and those who just got by the seat of their pants are in for a tough road.  No matter what your situation, rest assured, at least locally, that things are going to be OK.  Interest rates are still at phenomenal levels and with the right REALTOR and a knowledgeable LENDER purchasing a home is still a pleasant, smart, and economically viable investment. 

I can't stress enough the power of having an agent that knows the market, knows how to put you in position to purchase the home and get you through the process without losing all your hair or sanity.  It is a bright future if your willing to stick it through.  Trying to wait for home prices to continue falling will only put you that much farther behind when the market comes back....ever heard the saying "being ahead of the curve?" 

Well in todays market you must be educated, informed, have good counsel, and know just what options are available for seller and buyers.  There is no dumb question in Real Estate and working with an agent you are comfortable with can help make a stressful situation almost seem enjoyable.  There is no bad time to invest in Real Estate, and in Hot Springs, the future has never looked brighter. 

So if you have the chance you have to check out the Arkansas Twisters Arena Football Team.

My wife and I received tickets from her boss, and once again (we went last year too) it was just an absolute blast.  Its fast paced, hard hitting, and fan friendly.  You can touch and interact with the players since out of bounds is in your lap if your lucky enough to sit in the 1st (sometimes 2nd) row, and the coaches are on the field so you can harass and barage all you like, or just simply sit and enjoy a first class football team score a lot of points, and regardless of what some think see some great defensive hits and plays!

Next time theres a home game you need to check it out.  Tickets are reasonable, and fairly easy to get........and it will help keep you "in check" till Razorback Football takes the field this Fall. 

So on top of all the other news that doesn't necessarily apply here, now they release a 13% decline in home sales prices.   Although this must be true in our nation as a whole, what about the communities and locals that haven't seen this turndown?  Arkansas as a whole has only seen decreases in certain markets, while others have continued to gain. 

Is there any end to the media making light of this problem as a whole, or is there some way to highlight the ever-present gains in owning real estate, and the fact most real estate is a longer term investment than what people as a whole are willing to wait.  In the best markets there has to be a limit to the number of "house-flippers" and "remodels" that can be absorbed by consumers.  Not everyone moves every 6 months...thats the joy of owning your own home, not being subject to a lease and can sell when you want, or stay as long as you live. 

I'm ready to see the light at the end of the tunnel with everyone else, biggest problem is, everytime things start to get close to it, the media or someone slams the industry as a whole for what a few select areas have done.  No matter the numbers, I'd rather be selling Real Estate today than 19 years ago when the "numbers" were bad.

Yes the weather has had its way with Arkansas as of late. 

Tornados leveled several communites, 16'' of snow a week later, then a 75-80 degree week followed by more than a foot of snow, then between that runoff and in some places 14" of RAIN we are still trying to dry out.  Hey they had to close barge traffic on most every river in the state.  Todays forecast is 60 degrees with Isolated Thunderstorms, with more Thursday and Friday.....yet there is hope (keep reading).

The weekend looks to be beautiful and there really is nothing more enjoyable than Arkansas in springtime.  65-70 degrees with lots of Sunshine!!! 

With Oaklawn winding down there is some great thouroghbred racing going on in Hot Springs.  The lakes are full and just gleaming with anticipation of the upcoming Summertime season, and Garvan Gardens is in full bloom with some of the most gorgeous botanical displays in the country.  While your out that way be sure to check out the Southern Living House....which is for sale by the way if your interested....FURNISHED!  (I know a Great Real Estate Team). There are countless other things going on.....need to know what and where. 

CALL ME!  I like to keep the really good things exclusive 

OK, so as far as music goes I have pretty eclectic tastes to begin with, but there are some songs you just don't play with your boys in the car.  Besides the fact I really used to enjoy this music, there is nothing now that embarasses me more than anyone knowing that I just used to love................

Milli Vanilli....I know.......but only for AR and this "guilty music pleasure" would I devulge this info.

Enjoy!!!! 

I am.

Despite all the negative press, and rumors floating around, this year I have closed more sides, and actually made more money than in the last 3 years.  Why?  Better marketing?  Harder work?  Luck?  I really don't know, and aren't really trying to figure it out.  I just know I am happy with my career so far, enjoy the flexability of my lifestyle, see great potential for growth, and have met some great and interesting people along the way.  To all my past clientel, many thanks for helping me feel so great about myself, and to those I encounter in the present or future....Let me show you what being passionate about your work can do for you!

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

A repost of one of the most famous psychology texts ever written.  Not to mention its strikingly true, and something we could all use some review of from time to time.

Thank you!

It's a small, incomplete token of what your personal sacrifice truly gives ME.

There really isn't any word to describe how great it is that I can sit here today doing whatever it is I'm doing, but I know it is because of you.  For all you do, for all you must endure, Thank you.

For having the courage, for having the desire, I personally want to thank you for it.  If I could shake each and every one of your hands I would, but know your Job is one I truly admire...thanks for being the BEST at it!

Eternally Grateful,

Drew Riley, a U.S. Citizen

If so, then call a REALTOR today.  I would hope you'd be calling Drew Riley with Spa Realty, Inc.  He's the best.  If your not dealing with Drew, then your going to be dealing for a long time, and in todays world...Time is Money!

If your not.....you must stop lying....OK, OK maybe it's not you who's buying nor selling, but surely you know someone who is.  A friend, a co-worker, and maybe even a relative or neighbor.  If you truly care about that person, even slightly, you need to make sure they have the best REALTOR around.  Drew Riley again is the man for the job.  Knowledge, experience, trustworthiness, and an accountable, results oriented REALTOR who wants your business.  He wants to be the best REALTOR in Arkansas, and everyone likes to be associated with greatness.

Call Drew today at 501.318.7899 or email him at HotSpringsHomes@gmail.com and know you've done your part in helping yourself, because if you refer someone either buying or selling their house to Drew, he will pay you $250 to $500 for each referral upon closing.  Just in time for the Holidays, but a great idea in any season.  Drew will work hard for you, and your referral to assure the process goes as planned and smoothly as possible.  No one has to know your getting paid, but Drew doesn't mind if you tell someone about his referral program!  Not at all...in fact he wants you to tell someone.  Go ahead...Make Drew's day.  Call today.

Always Selling,

Drew Riley, REALTOR   Spa Realty, Inc   501.318.7899 / hotspringshomes@gmail.com

Team Riley    www.myhotspringshomes.com