OF THE
EEne FRTake O
PROPERTIES
OUACHITAS
PREMIUM
1
JUNE 2018 • PREMIUM PROPERTIES
June 2018
Inside this issue:
•Tips for the housing market Page 3
•Growing a garden Page 6 •Safeguard your home Page 4
A Special Supplement to The Mena Star, The De Queen Bee & Waldron News
2
PREMIUM PROPERTIES •JUNE 2018
$69,900
9007 - Home w/new roof in 2012, updated floors, shop, pretty lot in Mena.
$169,500
9026 - 3/2 MH on almost 40 park-like acres, large pond & garden, many building sites.
$137,000
8996 - 2/2 home on 5.76 ac overlooking a private lake, Nunley area, new flooring.
$64,000
9033 - Foreclosure Special! Neat brick home in town - nice lot!
1118 Highway 71 S. • Mena, AR
479.394.6500
$149,500
9029 - Three rentals in one - 3865 sf, three apts, 1.55 ac, steady $1625/mo income.
$75,900
8942 - House & guest house - 3.3 ac, mountain views, pond, garage & shop.
$30,000
8997 - 6 ac - wooded, private & secluded w.pretty building sites & creek near Mena.
$62,000
9010 - Updated home w/beautiful tiled shower in Mena
$400,000
8947 - 3/4 home w/4668 sf, 23.62 ac, sold with equipment, so many amenities, mtn view.
$259,900
8938 - 2-story 3/2 home just outside Mena, Mtn view w/ pool & large garage & shop.
$79,900
9009 - 3/2 home - needs finishing touches, large shop, 4.8 ac, near ATV trails.
$85,900
8985 - 3 br home on 7+ acres near ATV trails!
7239V
JUNE 2018 • PREMIUM PROPERTIES
3
Top Tips for Newbies in Housing Market By Hannah Whittenly The housing market in some areas may make your home search more difficult. Be aware of what the market looks like before you decide to go house-hunting. Here are some other tips if you're new to the housing market: Be Prepared to Make an Offer Get pre-approved for a loan before you start shopping for a home. This will let you know the types of homes you can realistically consider, as the last thing you want to do is find the perfect home and not be able to afford it. Having preapproval will also let you move faster when you do find the right home. In addition, the seller will be more willing to consider your offer if you already have financing secured. In a really hot market, the seller may have multiple offers on the table. Look Into the Comps Check out the comparable neighborhood sales
or "comps" for the home you want to purchase, as this will tell you whether the price is at fair market value. You can adjust your offer accordingly with the value of the home. A drastically underpriced home may require extensive renovations, or there may be other problems you aren't aware of yet. Comps are the baseline for how houses should be priced; an underpriced or overpriced home can be a red flag. Have a Backup Plan There may be instances in which you make an offer on the perfect home and your offer is rejected. If you can't up your offer, it may be time to move on to another home. Keep an open mind when you're shopping and look at more than one house before you make your decision. This may be more of a problem when it's a seller's market versus a buyer's market. The time of year that you're looking to purchase can also play a major
factor when you're in the market. Consider Housing Alternatives The traditional single-family home may not be the best solution for your first home, so it's important to consider alternatives such as a condo, which will allow you to save money as you're first starting out. A condo typically has a lower asking price, requiring a lower down payment. This can help you grow your equity and purchase a different home in the future. Another thing that you should consider is a home warranty, which can help cover any of the unexpected expenses associated with homeownership. As a first-time buyer, you should also look into the various programs designed to assist those in your situation. In the end, consider all of your options when it comes to getting your foot in the door in the real estate market.
Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company By Haley Kieser Let’s not beat around the bush. Moving can be a stressful, time-consuming and frustrating experience. The excitement of relocating to your new home can be quickly perturbed by the annoyances of moving day, which is why most homeowners choose to employ a moving company to do the job for them. Movers are more efficient, faster and typically stronger than the Average Joe. That's why they can help lift the burden (literally) of taking several days to do the job yourself. However, your personal belongings are important to you, and, as such, it doesn’t do any good to hire a mediocre moving team that might damage your delicate items or break irreplaceable heirlooms. If you’re new to the moving game, here are five important questions to ask any company you’re seeking to employ: Do you have any references? No matter what job you’re looking to hire someone for, references are a large part of what secures your trust and comfort in their ability to perform the task effectively. When looking for movers, be sure to ask the company if they can
provide references or a link to some reviews of their business, just to be sure they’re legit. Additionally, whether they’re references or reviews, make sure to secure multiple of either to be sure you can trust them. What specific services do you offer? Moving companies vary in terms of what they're willing to do for you. There are some companies that might refuse to move large items, such as grand pianos or air hockey tables, and only provide the lifting and packing of smaller items. Before you call up a moving company, be sure to know exactly what items you will need to have moved. If you ask questions, and the response is anything but what you’re looking for, at the very least, you should look around for better options. Also, you might only want a company to do one or two things for you, such as load up a truck you've rented yourself. Some companies don’t come out to your house for less than an entire moving job, so be specific when it comes to what you're looking for, and don’t be afraid to be picky. Do you offer in-home estimates? Knowing what needs to be moved is one thing
but understanding the cost of labor to get the job done is another. Finding a company that will come out to your place and give you an estimate is a great way to compare different companies in your area, as well as provide a safeguard against possible price-gouging. Be sure to get everything in writing and secure the departure and arrival dates to avoid any potential hiccups that may hinder your progress along the way. In-home estimates are also a great way to figure out if the company can move a larger item that may be in question. See MOVING Page 7
PREMIUM PROPERTIES •JUNE 2018
4
10 Way to Safeguard Your Home & Prepare for an Emergency
CMYK
By Sage Singleton When disasters strike, they come without warning. This is why you need to prepare for emergencies ahead of time. These 10 tips will help safeguard your home and family, and save you time, money, and stress should an emergency occur. Protect your home from break-ins. A home invasion occurs every thirteen seconds in the United States. This alarmingly high rate means it’s essential to safeguard your home from burglars by investing in a home security system. Know potential threats and emergencies relevant to your location. If you live in the Midwest, tornados are a bigger threat than floods. If you live in California, earthquakes are a real danger. Teach your family about the natural threats common to your location and what to do should one occur. Having a plan and instinctively knowing what to do can save your life in the event of a disaster. Inspect your outdoor lighting. Make sure to check your outdoor lights to see if any need to be added or replaced. Well-lit homes help deter burglars and prevent accidents. Perform regular home safety checks. Every month, inspect your home for signs of broken or damaged items. Make sure your roof, basement, attic, pipes, and foundation are in good condition. Check your door locks, garage door, and
windows for any broken parts. Regularly fixing up your home will help maintain its value and keep it in great condition. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. An average of $12 billion in personal property is lost in fires each year. Protect your home and personal items by routinely testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Not only will this protect your home and property, but it can also save your life. Inspect your fire extinguisher. Check the pressure gauge to see if the needle is in the green, and replace or service it if it isn’t. Also examine the hose and nozzle for cracks, and you’ll need to replace your fire extinguisher if the handle is missing the locking pin or is broken. Should a home fire occur, you will be prepared to handle the situation because your fire extinguisher will be in great working condition. Create an emergency communication plan. Discuss what everyone in your home will do in case of a disaster. Talk with each family member about their responsibilities, where you will meet, and how to communicate with one another. If communication lines are down, it's important to have a central meeting location established so everyone can meet and regroup. Discuss different disaster scenarios and come up with a communication and action plan that everyone knows and can
enact if necessary. List relevant contact information and make it easily accessible to everyone. Keep contact information on hand in case of an emergency. While you may keep numbers in your cellphone, it's smart to keep a hard copy of key contacts in your home. This list can include your primary care physician, poison control, and a trusted neighbor. Keep 72-hour emergency kits in your home and car. The CDC recommends putting together an emergency kit that includes the following. • One gallon of water per person, per day • Non-perishable food that is easy to prep • A can opener • Important medication • A radio • Flashlights • Batteries • Toilet paper Compile and regularly update your home inventory. If you need to file an insurance claim after a blizzard or burglary, it’ll help to have an itemized inventory for your valuable home goods. Store instruction manuals, serial numbers, and important receipts in files that you can access easily when needed. Incorporate these ten safety hacks into your to-do list and you’ll be able to safeguard your home, property, and family should a disaster or emergency occur.
5
JUNE 2018 • PREMIUM PROPERTIES
CMYK
6
PREMIUM PROPERTIES •JUNE 2018
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing a Vegetable Garden By Kris Holland Next to building a patio, one of the most popular backyard projects for many homeowners is growing their own vegetable garden. As more people are making conscious decisions to eat healthier, it's come as no surprise that at-home vegetable gardens are growing in popularity. A fully-functioning garden that houses a variety of different fruits and vegetables is a great way to encourage your family to eat more greens, while cutting down on your costs at the grocery store. A vegetable garden can also help your family eat less pesticides and other chemicals, since you have complete control over the way you choose to grow and harvest your produce. Not to mention, it's also a fun activity for the whole family to spend quality time together outdoors. Here's how to enjoy the fruits of your labor: Space The biggest misconception homeowners have about starting a garden is that they don't have the space. The truth is, a vegetable garden doesn't require a lot of it. If you don’t have a large backyard, that's okay! Many vegetables can be grown in containers or in raised beds. You can also choose to create a mini garden right on your deck or balcony. Regardless of the area you dedicate to be your vegetable garden, keep in mind that the area must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight. The best spot is the south side of your house
is critical for their growth.
in an area with little to no shade. Another key factor is your soil. If you choose to use your land for gardening, you may want to get a soil test done. Soil sample kits are available in many home improvement centers. The results will tell you what type of fertilizer you need to add to your soil for optimal vegetable growing conditions. Also, be sure to add organic compost to your soil when you turn it over in the spring to give it nutrients that will ensure strong plants and tasty produce. Choose Wisely You don't need to have a great green thumb to succeed; what you need instead is a master plan, a sunny space for your plants, moist soil and plants that do well in your soil type. You can choose to grow from seeds or from seedlings. Keep in mind that seeds are more cost-effective, but can take a little while to germinate, so be sure to start them
at the time indicated on the packets. Seedlings, on the other hand, can dry out quickly, so be sure to plant immediately, or water daily until you're ready to plant. Most seedlings can be purchased at your local garden center. The most popular vegetable garden staple are tomatoes. They naturally grow throughout the season, so you won't have to replant. There's a reason why basil and tomatoes taste so great together. By planting basil near your tomato patch, it will act as a natural bug repellent and provide a unique flavor profile to your tomatoes. Leafy salad greens like lettuce, kale, spinach and endive are a beginner's best friend. They grow quickly and are an easy harvest: just cut off the top, wash and enjoy. Cucumbers and zucchini don't take up too much space when they are grown vertically. Also, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes grow easily from seeds. Well-drained soil
Pest Control One of the biggest ongoing problems for most gardeners is keeping pests, insects and fungal diseases at bay. If your garden is in an area that is prone to deer, build a fence that is at least eight feet high. When building it, think below the ground, as well. You may want to install the fence up to two inches under the soil to keep smaller critters like rabbits and groundhogs from digging under. Garden fabric—or row covers— will protect your vegetables from insects. They are easy to find and will help retain moisture in your soil. For larger insects like caterpillars, simply remove them by hand. If you do choose to use a pest-control chemical spray, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions, including safety measures like wearing gloves and/or a face mask. When doing your daily watering, be sure to water the soil and not the plant itself to prevent fungal growth. The plant leaves should be completely dry by the time the sun sets. If you notice a leaf that has a fungus or mildew, simply remove it and throw it out immediately to prevent it from spreading to your entire garden. Not only can growing a vegetable garden become a great hobby for the entire family, it's also a great way to live a more nutritious lifestyle. It's a great feeling of accomplishment to be able to grow food from scratch!
JUNE 2018 • PREMIUM PROPERTIES
MOVING
Continued from page 3 Will you draw up an inventory of my items? Apart from the cost of the actual move, this is perhaps the most important question to ask. Moving is not only expensive; it's also the surest way to lose something you can’t replace. The countless stories of a child’s lost teddy bear or a favorite lamp go on and on. Finding a moving company that will create a detailed and organized list of your stuff will ensure that it all arrives safely and securely, and that nothing is lost in the process. Perhaps even more valuable is the time, energy and stress you’ll save yourself by having a team do it for you.
What happens if something is damaged? You’ve chosen a company you can trust and afford, but what will the company do if they accidentally break something of yours? Be sure to ask what the company’s policy is on this subject. Most offer optional coverage packages to repair or replace items that are damaged or broken, and it would be a smart idea to purchase it. Unfortunately, the more complete the coverage, the more expensive it will be, but in the long run, the smart move is to get the best coverage you can for the items you’re moving and feel the relaxation that comes
with not worrying about your stuff. Nowadays, it's hard to go wrong with a moving company if you simply put in the time to make sure they're a good fit. By taking the time to ask these questions and compare different companies, you’ll feel all the better for having done it. Your new home and new life await, so get your things there in the safest and most effective way possible. Visit blog.rismedia.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from blog.rismedia.com with permission of the RISMedia.
Happy Home Hunting! RICH MOUNTAIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. We look forward to serving your needs! WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
3983v
Your Local Energy Partner 515 Janssen • Mena, AR 71953 • (479) 394-4140
7
PREMIUM PROPERTIES •JUNE 2018
8
Bobbie Himel
Select Realty It’s the sign of success!
Owner / Principal Broker, GRI (479) 437-9348
1161 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953
Office: (479) 394-7676 • Fax: (479) 394-7677 • Toll Free: (877) 394-7676
Le-Ann Holmes Realtor/Owner (479) 234-7310
Jan Atchley
OSE, MA, ABR, CRS, GRI, CRB Executive Broker (479) 243-6475
Sandra Thomas Realtor (479) 234-3952
Deana Dixon Realtor (479) 234-7572
Michael Looney Realtor (479) 234-5582
Brianna Cook Realtor (479) 216-6415
Helping p your dreams become a reality Visit us online at www.menaselectrealty.com
2016 Log Cabin!
• • • • •
#2042 3 Bed-2 Bath! Approx. 43 acres! MLS#17014634 $989,000 2 Children nooks! 3 New studio cabins, 2 RV hook ups! Outdoor movie pavilion, gazebo, outdoor cooking area! Cable glide & outdoor storage areas! Wildlife- deer, turkey, bear & more!
Call Bobbie Himel
#2088 1 Bedroom-1 Bath! Approx. 80 Acres! MLS#17035242 $199,900 • Close to National Forest! • Mountain views everywhere you turn! • Wired for generator, well & septic in place! • Creek runs along western border! • Addiitional building for securing your supplies! • Plenty of wildlife & trails!
• • • •
#3002 3 Bedrooms-2 Baths, ½ bath! Approx. 101.86 Acres! MLS#18008840 $565,900 Gated entrance with paved driveway! Ouachita River, Loftus Creek, 3 springs & 6 ponds w/2 stocked! Crossed fenced,2 barns, outbuildings & more! Spacious farmhouse sits on hill overlooking property!
Call Le-Ann Holmes
Call Deana Dixon
“NEW”
• • • •
#2065 2 Bedrooms-3 Baths! MLS#17026586 $139,800 Home has new wood flooring & crown molding! Screened in porch! Walk in closets! Garage, extra insulation, storage building & lovely landscaping!
Call Jan Atchley
#3016 Lakewood Estates! 4 Bedrooms-3 Bath Approx 8.5 acres MLS# 18017235 $259,000 • • • •
• New energy efficient Lakefront property windows, dual water Mountain views and orchard heaters, 6-man storm Private dock shelter, 24x42 workshop Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms Call Sandra Thomas
• • • •
7240V
“NEW”
#2075 - 3 Bedrooms-2 Baths! Approx. 3.17 Acres! MLS#17029921 $150,000 Covered & Open decks! 10 minute drive to Mena & five minute walk to Lake Wilhelmina!! Spacious living room with fireplace! Master suite has dual sinks and walk in closet! Call Michael Looney
#3015 2 Bedrooms-1 Bath! Approx. 3 Acres! MLS#18016331 $85,000 • Large pantry for storage! • Big Cedar, OK • Bright and cheery decor! • Cottage with open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room! • New tub and shower! Call Jan Atchley
#1831 2 Bed-2 Bath! MLS#16011751 $45,500 • Victorian style home with wrap around porch! • Enjoy the ambient sunlight though the winows in living room & sun room! • Carport with small shop for hobbies! Call Sandra Thomas
• • • •
#2076 4 Bedrooms-2 Baths-1/2 Bath! MLS#17030443 $190,000 Short walk to the park! Living room has surround sound! Master bedroom has walk in closet that is a safe room with steel walls! Outside covered deck that over looks the meadow & year round creek! Call Bobbie Himel