Real Estate Information

Woodlands Edge – an 800 acre planned sustainable development with entrances off Bowman and Kanis Roads, has almost 40% of the total land preserved in permanent wooded green space.  Today six neighborhoods comprise Woodlands Edge – Meadows Edge, Woodsgate, Foxfield, Tallgrass, Hoggard’s Ridge, and Winthrop Point.  Almost every neighborhood homes borders a forested green space that “provides privacy, tranquility and a personal closeness to nature!” according to the developers – Rocket Properties LLC.  

Paramount for the developers is a high regard for responsible planning and land management which is the driving force behind their low impact development approach.  You will notice they have preserved the natural vegetation along the roadway while entryways and buffer areas contain a mix of hardwoods, pine, native trees and vegetation.  The result – an environmentally sensitive, green neighborhood and Arkansas' first and only Green Certified Neighborhood

While Woodlands Edge has expanded to more than three times its original size not all of the land has been planned and most of it is yet to be developed. Today there are approximately 400 family homes and it is estimated that there will be from 700 to 800 families living in Woodlands Edge when it is fully developed.  This planned development includes an active POA that manages the business and all facilities owned by the Association.  Currently there are 5 miles of hiking trails and when completed a total of 12 miles will pass through many of the preserved greenbelts.  Families can enjoy the pool, club house, tennis courts, playground and picnic area as well as a fishing lake, Hidden Pond, that has been stocked by the Arkansas Game & Fish commission and is open for catch and release fishing only. Many of the residents agree that Woodlands Edge “Feels like we’re living in the country” and you often hear comments like “We love the space! Homes are not crowded together.”  Woodlands Edge – Come discover what they are talking about.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood you would like highlighted – let me know.  My goal is to showcase how great a place Little Rock and the surrounding areas are to live in.   If you would like more information on Central Arkansas homes give me a call at 501-580-3649.

Pleasant Valley, located 8 miles west of downtown Little Rock has easy access to I-430 and I-630, is built around the beautiful Pleasant Valley Country Club and its 27 hole, championship golf course.  This community, built on 1,236 acres of forested rolling hills with babbling brooks has approximately 1000 homes on large lots with mature hardwoods.  In addition to the PV Country Club, Pleasant Valley features Club House, two pools, two playgrounds, tennis courts, over 55 acres of common green space and is conveniently located close to several area churches, private and public schools, restaurants and shopping centers.  Property values continue to remain high and stand to appreciate as the city sprawls westward.  Pleasant Valley - A great place to call homes!

Current Active Listings

Act. Hms                     List Price Range           SF Price Range       Avg Days on Mkt

  30                              $225K-$1,250K                 $73-$180                          109    

2011 Sold Activity

Sold Hms                    List Price Range           Sale Price Range    Avg Days on Mkt

 50                                $199K-$1,295K             $192K-$1,200K                  69

Do you have a favorite neighborhood you would like highlighted – let me know.  My goal is to showcase how great a city Little Rock is to live in.   If you would like more information on Central Arkansas homes give me a call at 501-580-3649.

According to reports just released from the Arkansas Realtors Association homes sales declined by 4 persent in June 2011 versus June 2010. 

Click to download a PDF of the full report.

Despite the decline, the assocation report on the 42-county area shows a rise each month of this year, beginning with 1,265 homes sold in January and reaching 2,346 homes sold in June.  First quarter results are 4,558 homes sold and 6,607 homes sold in the second quarter.

"Our data also shows that June homes sales were 9 percent higher than May, and that home prices increased by 7 percent during the two months," Amy Glover Bryant, the Arkansas Realtors Association's communications director said. "I feel confident that this upward trend will continue and we will see a sizable jump in July's housing numbers."  This is welcomed news for home owners who need to sell their property.  Despite the summer heat homes sales have been good and a 6 percent rise in home prices may be just what sellers need to encouarge them to enter the market.

If you have money for a down payment but your credit score keeps you from qualifying for a loan and buying a homes - then we need to talk.  I have been successful in helping buyers get into homes while their credit is being repaired.  I have several loan options that can help you get in a home now and let you close with a mortgage in one year.  Do you want more information on homes in Little Rock, Arkansas, or how to buy a home in Central Arkansas - send me an email or call me at 501-580-3649 today!

With interest rates at record lows and the housing inventory high - don't wait any longer to make your move.  There are very nice space buys out there in every price point. With the low interest rates you are in a position to SAVE big. Just think about these numbers. 

Interest Rate              House Price                          Savings/Purchasing Power

1/2 percent decrease      $400K                                     $25,000

1/2 percent decrease      $200K                                     $12,500

1 percent decrease         $400K                                     $50,000

1 percent decrease         $200K                                     $25,000

2 percent decrease         $400K                                     $100,000

2 percent decrease         $200K                                     $50,000

Interest rates on 30 year loans are in the 4.25-4.5% range and for 15 year loans - just under 4% for those with excellent credit scores.  If you are waiting for prices to go lower or the interest rate to go lower - DON'T!  We are getting indications that interest rates are to rise by first quarter of 2011.  And if the interest raises by the same percent - you LOSE that much saving or buying power.  Have we hit the bottom of the market - How much will interest rate rise - don't know.  But NOW is the time to act!  To see all my listings go to www.LittleRockARhomeSource.com.

There are still two groups of people that can qualify for the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit.  According to the IRS if you are a member of the military or certain other federal employees that have been serving outside the U.S.you have an extra year to purchase a principal residence and qualify for the tax credit.  That individual must enter into a real estate contract by April 30, 2011 and close on the property by June 30, 2011.

Even with the tax credit eliminated for new buyers, there has never been a better time to purchase a homes.  Interest rates are at record lows.  Contact me for more information.

Effective on FHA insured loans with case numbers assigned April 5, 2010 or later, the upfront mortgage insurance premium  (MIP) will increase.  Usually the FHA upfront MIP is financed, however it can be paid as a closing cost  (which is how the 2010 GFE discloses the premium). 

FHA insured mortgages for purchases and non-streamline refinances will increase from 1.75% of the base loan amount to 2.25% and streamlined FHA refinances (refinancing an FHA underlying mortgage) will increase from 1.5% to 2.25%.

The following changes should take place for FHA loans by early summer:

• Seller contributions towards allowable closing costs reduced from 6% to 3%.
• Increasing the down payment requirements for lower credit scores (risk based underwriting).   Buyers with a 580 score would need a minimum of 10% down payment.   The upfront MIP increase will go into effect just 25 days before a homes buyer needs to be “in contract” to qualify for the home buyer tax credit.

A delay in purchasing a home can cost you more money. If you are thinking of purchasing a home get to your mortgage lender today and get your financing in order.

A brief market comparison of the first 24 days of 2008 versus that of 2007 of properties in West Little Rock Arkansas.

Many homes buyers, sellers and residential real estate professionals alike are interested in knowing how the 2008 market is going to shape up compared to that of 2007. While the residential real estate market is 23 days old in 2008, here is what we know so far about the market in West Little Rock Arkansas.

homes ownership is still within reach and one of the best investments you can make.  Interest rates are still offered at incredible rates and terms with good credit. 

Friday, December 17, 2007, the Senate passed a bill (93-1) to increase the maximum FHA loan amount to $417,000 for a single family residence. The current limit is $362,000. This loan amount matches the current conforming loan amount for conventional loans.  This will give some homeowners struggling with a decline in value the opportunity to refinance their current loans into a more stable FHA loan.

If you need assistance with a home in Central Arkansas give me a call - 501-580-3649.