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The Hot Springs Village calendar is packed with holiday events. Come celebrate the season with us.
Need lodging? I can help you get luxury accommodations at HUGE discounts.
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HOA Basics
If you're looking to purchase a property in a neighborhood, community or building with shared common areas (like a pool, clubhouse, parking garage, etc.) or even a security gate, it's likely the community or neighborhood is maintained by a homeowners' association, also known as a HOA. When you move into a community maintained by a HOA, you are obligated to join the association and are responsible for any monthly, annual, or special HOA fees that come along with the association. But what is a homeowners association, and what can a HOA do for your community?
The Basics
The primary purpose of a homeowners' association is to manage a neighborhood's common areas such as roads, parks and pools. The HOA ensures the community looks its best and functions smoothly. Management isn't normally free, so owners are expected and obligated to pay monthly or yearly dues to the association that go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the community. Homeowners are also obligated to live by the association's rule book, also known as covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs).
If you purchase a property in a community with a HOA, you are locked into abiding by the rules and regulations of the HOA. Depending upon how detailed the CC&Rs are for the community, everything from the size of a dog to the type of mailbox you have, to whether or not vehicles are allowed to park on streets can be dictated by the HOA's CC&Rs.
While many of the rules within a HOA may seem tedious and unneeded, the goal of the HOA is to maintain a specific aesthetic throughout the community. For some, this brings value in that yards are maintained, house colors remain true to the originals of the neighborhood as a whole, trash is not on display for others to see, and overall the community is kept up and thrives. For others, especially those that don't like having to adhere to a list of rules, the HOA can be limiting and its rules bothersome.
Rule Violations
While it may seem like the CC&Rs of a HOA can be easily ignored, it's best to stick with what's safe when it comes to your home and the community's guidelines. In many areas, violation of the rules or not paying monthly/yearly/special fees can lead to notices and fines. In some communities, owners can even be evicted or their properties foreclosed on if violations become egregious. Depending on where you choose to live, knowing the rules set forth by the HOA before you lock yourself into a property is a must, especially if you're the type of person that likes to the toe the line when it comes to sticking to a rule book.
A positive part of a homeowners' association is that it provides a way for the homeowners to actively participate in what's going on in their community. The association generally has a board, made up of members of the actual community who are voted into their positions. If you like being active in your neighborhood or building, joining the HOA or attending the monthly meetings is a great way to stay up-to-date on the regular goings on of the area.
For some, a homeowners' association is a great addition to a neighborhood or building in that it guarantees the upkeep of the shared spaces and ensures a certain quality level is maintained by every homeowner. While it may seem like there are a lot of rules, the rules help to keep up the general appearance of the properties and help keep the resale value of the community up. For others, the many rules can seem like a power grab, limiting their freedom of expression and dictating what they can and cannot do with their own property.
Ask Questions
In any case, if you're considering a home or property in a community with a HOA, don't be afraid to ask some of the current owners how they feel about the homeowners' association, and ask your agent for any information s/he can provide about the association before you make your final decision, including:
- What are the monthly/annual fees associated with living here?
- What does my HOA fee cover?
- How often do HOA fees increase?
- By how much do HOA fees increase?
- What are the HOA rules?
- Current or anticipated special fees (If the HOA does not maintain sufficient reserve funds, special fees will be assessed owners at times of roof or siding replacement, etc.)
- Number of units that are owner occupied and percentage of units the HOA allows to be rented
You should definitely ask for a copy of the association bylaws and CC&Rs as well as a copy of the three most recent financial statements and association minutes. Review these carefully to help you determine both the association topics currently being discussed and the financial condition of the association. Owning a home within an HOA can be a positive or negative experience. Doing your homework before purchase will help your experience be a positive one.
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Mortgage Interest Rates Are Going Up... Should I Wait to Buy?
Mortgage interest rates, as
reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the
last several weeks. Freddie Mac, along with Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors, is calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.
This has caused some purchasers to lament the fact that they may no longer be able to get a rate below 3.5%. However, we must realize that current rates are still at historic lows.
Here is a chart showing the average mortgage interest rate over the last several decades:
Though you may have missed getting the lowest mortgage rate ever offered, you can still get a better interest rate than your older brother or sister did ten years ago, a lower rate than your parents did twenty years ago, and a better rate than your grandparents did forty years ago.
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RE
/MAX of Hot Springs Village
presents...
Hot Springs Village. It's a great place to live.
"Escape to the Ouachitas" is a resource to learn more about all that Hot Springs Village and the Ouachita Region have to offer. From our nine world-class golf courses and more than 30 miles of trails, to 11 beautiful lakes and various sporting clubs, we think you'll find something that appeals to you. Our residents are an eclectic bunch, hailing from across the country and around the world.
Visit Hot Springs Village once and we think you'll want to stay for a lifetime.
Click on the image above to begin your Ouachita Adventure. Stop by our office to pick up a copy today.
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Friends and neighbors get together throughout the year for community events and holiday celebrations including dances, karaoke, Rock Porch sessions, Farm-to-Table events, and more. The Woodlands Auditorium is the performing arts center and has musicals, dramas, and dance, vocal and choral presentations. Way Point at DeSoto Marina is home to Basecamp and the setting for events such as Rock Porch sessions, Crawfish boils and more. Grove Park is an outdoor venue and home to the farmers' market, artisan market, live outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations and community events.
Check out the event calendar or buy tickets by clicking the image.
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Dec 2017/Jan 2018 |
Hot Springs Village Homes Magazine The RE
/MAX Collection
Click the magazine picture to view the latest Hot Springs Village Homes Magazine.
The Ouachita Mountain area's natural beauty: Breathtaking vistas, blossoming forest and gleaming lakes, combined with its mild climate, reasonable property taxes and low cost of living make it the perfect place to call home.
Available real estate spans from very affordable to affluent, with homes priced from under $100,000 to over $1 million. The variety of homes ranges from golf-front to lake-front, mountain-view or wooded. RE/MAX offers an assortment of quality property lots for sale, commercial real estate and long-term rental properties too.
Check out my
Featured Listings for this month below!
Email to schedule a private tour or learn more about these great properties.
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MLS # 16005621
4 Bd., 3 Ba., 4,464 Sq. ft.
$449,000 |
194 Empinado Way
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French country dream home! Professionally designed colors & window treatments, beautiful exposed beams in living & kitchen areas, 4 fireplaces, master suite on main level, guest suite & office upstairs, guest suite, wet bar, game room, downstairs! Custom features throughout! Gourmet kitchen with upscale appliance package, new roof, Bennett bros. Landscape, underground fence, lovely wooded area with fall and winter mountain/lake view!
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Link to Listing
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MLS # 17002159
4 Bd., 4 Ba., 3,119 Sq. ft.
$389,500 |
47 Coronado Lane
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Nestled among the trees is this gorgeous Lake Coronado home with all the splendor and beauty you would expect. It has been completely updated from top to bottom. You will appreciate the many details and craftsmanship in this two level home located on this very private .50 acre lot with many stone walkways and extensive landscaping offering the buyer of this home a fantastic retreat. Privacy, Lake views media room, two fire places, three decks, brand new boat dock with lift, updated kitchen with Silestone counters and pull outs, hand cut teak and wood, workshop, are just a few of the many amenities. Must see to appreciate.
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MLS # 17032443
4 Bd., 3 Ba., 3,000 Sq. ft.
$319,900 |
1 Montanoso Circle
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You will have your own private, secluded hideaway with a fantastic birds-eye view of Lake Coronado with this 3,000 square foot home built in 1998. Low maintenance yard and brick & vinyl exterior add to this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home that has fresh paint, new carpet, upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops, pull outs and new roof in 2017. It offers split bedrooms, volume ceiling separate dining room, breakfast room & bar. Three bedrooms on main floor, three decks, great workshop all on over 1 acre of land.
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Link to Listing
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MLS # 15026231
3 Bd., 3 Ba., 2,868 Sq. ft.
$314,900 |
60 Loyola Drive
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Beautiful one level Diamante Golf Course Home built in 2003, located on the 18th tee with fantastic views of #17 Pond and Fountain offering lots of privacy. This home has almost everything including granite counter tops, tile floors, formal Dining Room, Breakfast Room, Two family rooms, study, wet bar, three car garage, sunroom (recently added) and includes split bedrooms, fantastic kitchen, volume ceilings, situated on a 3/4 acre lot.
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Link to Listing
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MLS # 17029165
3 Bd., 2.5 Ba., 3,086 Sq. ft.
$284,000 |
27 Loyola Drive
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Enjoy wonderful outdoor space & unlimited golf with this 3086 sf home located on #11 Fairway of Diamante Golf Course-covered & uncovered patio & hottub for those cool nights. Volume Ceilings, Split Bedrooms, skylight, kitchen island, built-in cabinets & two built-in desks with pullouts, huge master bedroom plus a bonus room upstairs, 3-car garage,with common property on both sides for added privacy. Zoned heat, workshop, new roof-2009, new HVAC-2013 & new leaf guards in 2017 makes this a perfect retreat.
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Link to Listing
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MLS #
3 Bd., 3 Ba., 1,846 Sq. ft.
$249,500 |
30 Maravilla Way
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Enjoy every day in this one-level Isabella Golf Course home with its 3-car garage, 3-BR, 3-BA, split Bedrooms, no carpet anywhere, huge deck overlooking #3 of Santa Maria with northern exposure, Pella windows, Volume Ceilings, circle drive and a buried 500 gallon propane tank for your fire place, BBQ grill and gas cook top.
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MLS #
3 Bd., 2.5 Ba., 2,449 Sq. ft.
$184,900 |
27 Realeza Court
No more day dreaming about living on the golf course with this great home! Enjoy Country Club living at its best with this wonderful -2449 SF home on the 14th Fairway of Diamante. Sitting high with a view of the fairway and green, the screened-in porch will be one of your favorite places to enjoy. Home includes family room, hearth room, see-through fire place, vaulted ceilings. Current dues are $550 per month & Association Fee of $83 per month takes care of all the landscaping.
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MLS #
3 Bd., 2 Ba., 1,819 Sq. ft.
$174,900 |
18 Lanza Court
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Built in 1997 - Come live in this beautiful move-in ready townhome with two-car garage, Formal Dining Room, Breakfast Room, Utility Room, and fantastic covered back deck overlooking Arkansas's Natural Beauty, all located in the 26,000 Acre Gated Community just minutes from the Fitness Center. New Roof, New Double Oven, New Micro Wave, New Water Heater and Newer HVAC. You will enjoy stress-free living in this townhome community with landscaping done for you and you will also enjoy have great privacy located at the end of a cul-de-sac with walking path to Fitness Center just a stone's throw away.
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Community Calendar
Check out the Hot Springs Village Community Calendar (click on the image)
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Outdoor Adventure
Hot Springs Village Basecamp is your launching point to outdoor adventure.
If you enjoy life outside, you'll want to be part of Basecamp. Keep an eye on the calendar and Facebook announcing upcoming events, local activities and road trips. Then, grab your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!
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Sporting Traditions
The Ouachita Rod & Gun Club is focused on bringing folks together to celebrate sporting traditions. We believe in good fun, food and fellowship in the great outdoors. It doesn't matter if you are seasoned by years in the outdoors or just want to meet some new friends. There is a place for you in the Ouachita Rod & Gun Club.
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Mortgage Calculator
There are two types of mortgages popular in Arkansas. Fixed-rate mortgages, or FRMs, are those that include principle and interest in the monthly payment amount and are stable throughout the life of the loan, and adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, are loans that include principle and interest that change periodically throughout the life of the loan. Both FRMs and ARMs are available in 10, 15, 20, 30, and even some 40 year increments, and can be either first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinance options.
Click on the image above to connect to the Mortgage Calculator and learn more about mortgages in Arkansas.
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The Hot Springs Village State Weeks promotion allows guests from across the country to enjoy our amenities at reduced rates during their state week.
While here, discover all that Hot Springs Village has to offer; schedule a community tour with me!
Check out the State Week calendar by clicking the USA image.
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Visit our RE/MAX of Hot Springs Village office conveniently located at
1400 DeSoto Boulevard
on the corner of Desoto Blvd. & Ponce de Leon Drive.
***FREE***
Village Information
Cup of STARBUCKS!
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Recipe of the Month
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Blue Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/3 ounces crumbled blue cheese (about 6 Tbsp.)
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. finely chopped toasted pecans, divided
- 3 (16-oz.) jars cherry peppers, drained (50 to 60 cherry peppers)
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives
Directions
- Place cream cheese, blue cheese, and heavy cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until well blended and light and fluffy. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans.
- Spoon mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 3/4-inch-wide tip, and pipe about 1 tablespoon mixture into open end of each pepper. Place peppers on a platter, and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons pecans. Sprinkle chives evenly over stuffed peppers. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.
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BJ Conner Associate Broker GRI, RCC | RE/MAX of Hot Springs Village
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