BJ Conner's Monthly Newsletter
June 2017 

 

The Hot Springs Village calendar is full of events throughout the summer. From the Triathalon to the the 4th of July celebrations there is something for everyone. Plan your visit today.

Remember, I can help you get luxury accommodations at HUGE discounts.

Just give me a call at 501-915-2297 or email me at  [email protected].

BJ




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.
How's the Real Estate Market? Find Out What the Experts Are Saying

As we head into summer, it is a great time to review how the 2017 real estate market is doing so far. Here is what the experts are saying:

Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Chief Economist
"Positive demographic factors should continue to reshape the housing market, as rising employment and incomes appear to be positively influencing millennial homeownership rates."
Diana Olick, CNBC
"Even as more homes come on the market for this traditionally popular sales season, they're flying off fast, with bidding wars par for the course. Home prices have now surpassed their last peak, and at the entry level, where demand is highest, sellers are firmly in the driver's seat."
Daren Blomquist, Senior VP at Attom
"I am guessing we will see it get even better... If you are considering moving, it could be a really good time to sell."
Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist
"The early returns so far this spring buying season look very promising as a rising number of households dipped their toes into the market and were successfully able to close on a home last month. Although finding available properties to buy continues to be a strenuous task for many buyers, there was enough of a monthly increase in listings...for sales to muster a strong gain. Sales will go up as long as inventory does."
Mark Fleming, First American Chief Economist
"Despite higher mortgage rates, the potential for home sales increased on an annual basis driven by steady income and job growth, along with a surge in building permits. While it may be a little late for this spring, the increase in building permits is a welcome sign that some relief may be in sight for the inventory shortages that are holding back many markets from realizing their full potential this spring."
Questions to Ask at an Open House

Open houses are an excellent way to view a property on a whim. They provide an opportunity to look through the property, and they give buyers a chance to get up close and personal, to glean as much information as they can about the property. If you're on a search for a new home, and you are looking to attend some open houses, here is a list of important questions to ask while there.  
"What is the neighborhood like?"
An experienced agent will know and be able to provide information on the neighborhood if asked, and an open house is a great opportunity to ask. Not only are things like safety of the neighborhood, local schools and amenities important, you can also get information on things only locals will know: how the local traffic is during rush hour (and how noisy it is), if there are any parks nearby, if the community is friendly, etc. Don't be afraid to ask, and if you get a vague answer, it might be worthwhile to ask a neighbor if you get the chance.  
"What's the interest like?"
Open houses are a great way to judge the popularity of a property, as the number of people present can be a good indicator of interest (although some of those people could be neighbors or people looking with no intent of buying). Asking the agent about the interest on a property is one way to judge any competition from other potential buyers. You can ask the agent about any current interest: if the response is vague, ask if there have been any offers. Tons of interest doesn't necessarily mean many quality offers. It's also important to check to see how long the property has been on the market, and if there are offers, ask if any are contingent.  
"How much are utilities?"
Utilities make up a large part of a monthly budget, and for some buyers, utility costs may be higher in a new area than in their current property (especially if a renter is looking to buy). When attending an open house, ask the agent how much the monthly utilities cost the current owner. Also find out if the neighborhood or complex has an HOA: how much the monthly fees are, what they cover, and how often the fees are assessed. It's up to the HOA to decide what the fees go toward, but for many HOAs the fees cover basic maintenance of the community, municipal services (trash removal, water and sewage), and lawn care or maintenance of any shared outdoor spaces (a community greenway or park). If the property is in an exceptional community, it could cover a clubhouse, community pool, fitness center and more (but with these additional items monthly HOA fees can be in the hundreds).  
"How motivated is the seller?"
Buyers have specific needs when it comes to housing. They may be renters looking to buy and have a date when their current lease ends; they may already own a property and have an offer on their current home; or they could be living with family or friends and looking to buy something as soon as possible. At an open house, ask the agent how motivated the seller is. If the seller wants to be out of the property as soon as possible, he or she may be more willing to negotiate when it comes to offers. If they're not motivated, or are hoping for a long closing, they may not be as interested in negotiations.  
"Have there been any recent improvements?"
As a buyer, you want to know if a property has had recent upgrades or any construction done on it. Not only will this tell you what may or may not need to be replaced or upgraded after purchase, it also lets you know if the current owner has taken care of the property. You'll be able to spot new appliances or modern cosmetic changes, but as a buyer you won't be able to tell if the furnace is on the fritz, how old the electrical system is, or anything else that may be 'hidden' in the property. If any recent additions or large renovations have taken place, you'll know to ask if the proper permits were obtained from the city, county or other government agency prior to the start of the work.

Sometimes buyers get caught up in the opportunity to look through a house during an open house and forget to use the time to ask important questions. Before you embark on your open house tours, remember your list of questions, as they'll certainly help you make a decision on whether to pursue a property further or move on to the next one.

Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs.

Real Estate Advisor
Community Events

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. 
Apr/May 2017
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.
MLS # 16005621

4 Bd., 3.5 Ba.,  4,464 Sq. ft. 

$438,900
194 Empinado Way

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! 

Link to Listing
MLS # 16030655

 4 Bd., 4.5  Ba. 4,449 Sq. ft.

$389,900
14 Nina Drive

You will enjoy luxurious living in this fantastic Magellan Golf Course home with covered Trex Deck overlooking the #7 Fairway with brick trimmed driveway & 2 water features! Each Bedroom has a private bath with tiled shower, Master Bath Jacuzzi tub with built-in TV, Extra jets in shower, Brazilian Cherry Wood Floors on main level, (no carpet anywhere) cherry wood built-in cabinets, central vac, lower level game room, wet bar with wood laminate throughout PLUS Radiant Heated Floors and Wine Cellar!! MUST SEE


MLS # 16023809

  3 Bd., 3 full Ba.  3,690 Sq. ft. 

$384,900
11 Madrid Way

Enjoy beautiful sunsets with this fabulous Lake Desoto home that has been completely updated with Granite Counter Tops, newer HVAC, Water Heater & Roof. This home offers an abundance of storage, fabulous landscaping front and back, & a lovely covered deck, sun room, two boat docks one covered & one swimming dock with a board walk along the water's edge. You will appreciate the tender loving care this homeowner has provided - move-in ready. Start living your dream with this gorgeous Lake Desoto home.
 
Link to Listing

MLS # 17001348

3 Bd., 2  Full Ba., 2 Half Ba. 3,426 Sq. ft.    

$319,000
60 Magellan Drive

The moment you arrive, you will fall in love with this fantastic Magellan golf course home with its lamplit portico, level circle drive, no-maintenance landscaping, inviting you into this magnificent custom built home located on the 9th tee box. It offers volume ceilings, separate roomy bedrooms, open floor plan, walls of red oak cabinets, wheel chair accessible, 3-car garage, lovely sunroom, buried propane tank, handicap accessible, built-ins and so much more. Come see this fantastic golf course home

Link to Listing


MLS # 17013556

3 Bd., 2  Ba.  1,977 Sq. ft.

   $249,900
222 Pizarro Drive

You will spend all your free time on this gorgeous covered back deck overlooking the Isabella Golf Course. If you must go inside, you will enjoy stainless appliances & backsplash, over/under counter lights, granite counters, pull outs, split bedrooms, separate dining room, breakfast room & breakfast bar, volume ceilings, plantation shutters, wood floors, tray ceilings lovely decorator colors throughout. Double vanity, jetted tub, & walk-in shower complete the package along with an oversized two-car garage


Link to Listing


MLS # 17002159

3 Bd., 2  Ba., 1,755  Sq. ft.

$179,900
80 Salvatierra Way

You will LOVE this adorable move-in ready 1999 Keaton built home. Your guests will enjoy the totally level lot, the low maintenance landscaping, drip irrigation, a water feature, & HUGE TREX deck in back to enjoy Arkansas wildlife. Plus oversized garage, with workshop, common property, brick patio, recirculating hot water, recessed lighting, upgraded fireplace, split bedrooms, custom closets, Murphy bed, double vanity, Jacuzzi tub, large walk-in shower, 5 ceiling fans, new roof in 2015... Near East Gate!

Learn about the latest Hot Springs Village Recreation News, click on the image above.
Community Calendar

Check out the Hot Springs Village Community Calendar (click on the image)  
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!

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.
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.
State Weeks

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.

remax

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!  


Recipe of the Month
Blackened Grouper Sandwiches with RĂ©moulade 

Ingredients
 
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon black pepper1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 (6-oz.) grouper fillets
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup canola mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
1 tablespoon unsalted ketchup
4 (2-oz.) whole-wheat hoagie rolls, split
4 romaine lettuce leaves
8 plum tomato slices

Directions

  1. Preheat broiler to high with oven rack 8 inches from the heat.
  2. Combine paprika, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture evenly over fillets.
  3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add fillets to pan; cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
  4. Combine mayonnaise, relish, mustard, and ketchup in a bowl. Arrange rolls, cut sides up, on a baking sheet; broil 1 minute or until toasted. Spread mayonnaise mixture over cut sides of rolls. Top bottom halves of rolls with lettuce, tomato, fillets, and top halves of rolls.
BJ Conner Associate Broker GRI, RCC |  RE/MAX of Hot Springs Village
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