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James Dray
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Cell: (479) 381-0550
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Real Estate Agent
Barbara S. Duncan
By constantly working in the real estate market in Searcy AR and White County for over 35 years, I have become known as one of the most professional and knowledgeable brokers in the city and county.
Cell: (501) 278-6817
Office: (501) 268-1115
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All About Arkansas Real Estate

By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Clippings!! Note the dates....1953, 1955....a long time ago!!I discovered these tucked into my late hubby's graduation certificate.  It made me think of how we will probably have no more of these old treasures because newspapers are not prevalent like they were back then.  Moms always read the paper and clipped things that interested them and definitely anything about the kids was saved.  My husband, Rodger Duncan, apparently did well in sports in Searcy High School.The Searcy Citizen came regularly to the homes of most folks and sports news was included.  Looking back on these I can see they named him Dude Duncan in at least one article, spelled his last name Dunkin and always misspelled his first name.  But that didn't matter. He was in the news!!I have many, many clippings in my inve...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Found at Carport Sale!What are these things?  Seller responded they were tee markers.  I had never seen or heard of a "tee marker."  Question time!  I asked several folks about how they were used and I am still not sure but intrigued. But the interesting thing was their being from our popular golf course at River Oaks Subdivision in Searcy AR.  I remember the creation of that fabulous new subdivision around the 1990's and folks were so proud to get a golf course surrounded by beautiful homes.  It is all still lovely and there is a little restaurant called The Landing with it now.  BUT!  Evidently the tee markers don't work so well and are no longer used and these provide a good memory of The Course at River Oaks. I called up the operator of The Landing and asked him about them and he sa...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
So sad to see historic marker gone. Here's a picture of how it has looked in the past to welcome folks to Searcy and perhaps brag a little.  It dates back to at least the mid 1960s and held a Yarnell's Ice Cream sign and was probably put up by Yarnell's. I have tried to find an older picture of it but have not been successful. Don Thompson, Searcy native and blog super-sleuth, provided this one.  It is (or was) located near the airport at the corner of Booth Road and Main Street. I hope the city will let me try to repair it!  
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
History documents that people, especially tobacco chewing men, used to sit around in a group and needed to spit.  Thus, the solution was a thing to spit in, a spittoon.  They were built with a wide, funnel shaped top and heavy base so they would not tip over easily.  They were common in public places  like saloons, hotels, train stations, and many places during the 19th and early 20th centuries.I just met this one at a carport sale this weekend.  It is made of brass and is very old.  I googled it and found out these interesting things about them.  It seems to remind me of being a little girl and when I entered some stores for a candy bar some old gents would be sitting and hanging out in the store. They'd stare at me and sorta stop talking briefly.  I never noticed but I'll bet there wa...
Comments 1
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
 The house was built in 1969 in Searcy Arkansas and is now for sale. The actual date that this Sheila Parsons painting was done is not known.  But it is signed by Parsons and has been saved throughout the years.Who is Sheila Parsons?  A google search (https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/registry-rosters/arts-on-tour/sheila-parsons) says she is a Conway AR artist and has been a very active artist for years and years.  I have a painting that she did hanging on my wall at home and was so amazed to be active in real estate (and in the present owner's buying this house in 2004) and find this lovely landscape.  I am so glad that it has not been painted over through the years!  The house is located at 910 Sunnyhill Street in Searcy AR and is listed by RE/MAX Advantage of Sear...
Comments 4
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
I had to love this special meeting after having not seen Lora since the 1980's when I was doing art instruction and real estate! She is on the left in the pictures above and my real estate partner/daughter, Valerie, is on the right.Note my special shirt.  It is my "motorcycle jacket" and it takes a very special occasion for me to drag it out!  This one was!  I loved Lora then and still do.  She has not changed.  She and Valerie still look lovely!!Thanks for the meeting!
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By Ebonie Beaco 312-392-0664 HomeLoansNetwork.com, Mortgage Strategist & Loan Officer
(Home Loans Network Powered By Loan Factory)
Fast Funding for Value Add and Transitional Deals If you are investing in Arkansas and need short term capital to secure, renovate, or stabilize a property, bridge financing can help you move quickly and execute your strategy without waiting on traditional bank timelines. Bridge loans are designed to provide short term financing while you improve the property and prepare for long term refinance or sale. Program Highlights • Funding available up to $20,000,000• No prepayment penalties• Flexible interest only payment options• Foreign national borrowers welcome• Short term structures typically 6 to 36 months• Asset based underwriting focused on property value and exit strategy• Faster closings for time sensitive acquisitions Ideal for Arkansas Investors • Value add multifamily properties•...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
                Very special Santa ClausHe is tall, beautifully painted, and could fit in my house  all during the year.  He would not be sent upstairs with the other decorations waiting till next December.The painter was able to order the ceramic items and finish the item in her own style.  Look at the finish work on Santa.  Makes me wonder how much she would have been able to do.  (Research work required here.)  She, Janell Payne, lived in a small country home in McRae, AR with land, chickens and a special addition to the house for her art work which she was able to practice until her 90's.  She taught the craft also. Perhaps someone can tell us more about the craft and the artist.  Help us out, Searcy Sleuths.  McRae is just a few short miles from Searcy!
Comments 7
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
 They stare at me!They want attention again, I think. This big old storm day keeps us all home.......no getting away from the old painting of two dolls that used to be SO loved and SO played with.  The artist was not a trained artist but liked trying.   But it was a long time ago and I can't remember their names.  I think the one on the left was Mary and a lot taller than this shows.And I think the one on the right was one whose hair grew and was so advertised that all little girls wanted one. The one I bought it for wanted one so badly that she made a bargain with me.  If she could have one, she'd stop sucking her thumb....... and SHE DID!!!  So who were  the dolls?  You may have figured this out by now.  My daughter can't remember the dolls names right now but perhaps some of you Sleu...
Comments 4
By Ebonie Beaco 312-392-0664 HomeLoansNetwork.com, Mortgage Strategist & Loan Officer
(Home Loans Network Powered By Loan Factory)
Speed, certainty, and cashflow matter more than ever for real estate investors. Rising interest rates, tighter underwriting standards, and increased competition have forced investors to rethink how they finance rental properties. Traditional mortgage approvals that rely on personal income, tax returns, and debt to income ratios often slow transactions down or eliminate opportunities entirely. This shift has pushed many investors toward DSCR loans, also known as Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans, as a more efficient way to acquire income producing real estate.A DSCR loan is designed specifically for real estate investors. Rather than qualifying the borrower based on W2 income or tax returns, DSCR financing evaluates whether the rental property itself can support the monthly mortgage paym...
Comments 1
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
A Saloon!  In Searcy AR, dry county?This is a newly found photograph labeled with Matthews Saloon 1906 that is being shared with us for this blog.  The lender found it in her parent's collection and knows nothing about it and hopes the Searcy Sleuths can provide more information.  A super Super Sleuth has done some searching and has come up with the following interesting information.  Here is what he has supplied and has written his own blog and let me share it.  I have shortened his summary somewhat with his permission.This is written by Don Thompson, super Searcy Sleuth.  A photo of this framed print owned by a Searcy, Arkansas resident was taken by Barbara Duncan. She asked me to comment on it.The prohibition movement gained momentum in the first decade of the twentieth century as Ar...
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
 Wider Streets, Smaller Vehicles?Which is it?  This old view of West Arch in Searcy AR towntown is very interesting.  Folks will remember the businesses, and definitely the one with the Pianos sign.  The history is that Mr. Pope could load a piano by himself, no help needed! Wonder if the man on the street was him!Just a few days ago I put up a blog showing parking meters downtown but I see none here and there is no date on the card but perhaps Searcy Sleuths can tell what year the cars were and determine date.  Perhaps they can read the writing on the white car near the man on the sidewalk.  The picture definitely makes the street look wider than it seems to be today.  But I guess vehicles have just grown!!
Comments 6
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Old look. 401 W. Woodruff. Searcy AR. Built 1930.  This is an old picture of what is now called the Jack Price house.  So who was Jack Price?  Some of my friends say he was once sheriff of White County and lived there for a long time.  That was sometime back in the 1960s.  Searcy Sleuths, if you know more, share it!  Meantime, here's the way it looks right now!  It is being restored!  I am glad it is not being torn down!!
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Look hard.  Parking meters!And look at those favorite businesses, some that remain today.  Quattlebaum Music, Stotts!  According to this old picture showing the car on the right, the parking here must have been at an angle.My memory about how they worked was you'd park and go to the parking meter and put in change like pennies, nickels or dimes and buy your parking for a set amount of time, maybe an hour, and the meter would show if you had time reserved.  Parking attendants from the city walked around checking and giving tickets for overparking your time.The penalty was not so bad in small towns but I had a son who overparked in California while going to college at UCLA and the price was high!Do you still miss parking meters?
Comments 5
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
1888 Advertisement for Coca-Cola!  Look at this interesting advertisement for Coca-Cola.  My blog buddy, Don Thompson, from way back sent it to me after he read the blog I wrote about the Coca-Cola Mailbox holder.  Read it if you'd like.   Click this.  https://activerain.com/droplet/JFgK     Then go to google and search the history of Coke. The history says this Mr. Pemberton died in 1888 and sold all his interest in Coca-Cola and from then on it gradually became the national treasure as it is now.This ad makes me remember my going to a tiny movie house and seeing western movies with the traveling salesman coming through a town and pushing a miracle drink as this one sounds like it was.I think you will enjoy reading some of the history.  Than you for sharing, Don!
Comments 3
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Does Siri paint for you?I can't remember where I got this pretty  still-life painting but I thought it was nicely done.  I can't forget the signature on it, however. Siri has become a part of our lives in the past few years.  And is Siri a she or a he?So I am wondering what all she/he can do!  So can she paint a picture??  And how would she do it?  This picture looks like an original but may be a print.  Can you help me with this picture?
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Here's a neat old post card showing a very historic Harding College, now University, building.  It was built in 1949 and was a re-purposed WWll airplane hangar!  Google told me that.  Next is the address side of the card.It is rather hard to read but says that it had facilities for many sports including roller skating, seating space for 800 spectators and the playing floor was large enough for 3 basketball games to be played at once.  It was named for the late B. F. Rhodes, Professor Emeritus of History.  The name is now Rhodes-Reaves Field House and below is the way it looks now!Wasn't that a good history lesson!
Comments 1
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Strange! Weighs almost 2 pounds! Don't be under the tree when it falls! The tree is shown below.  The sign is calling it the Tree of Month in Searcy AR and is located right behind Mayfair Hotel which has just been sold to new owners.  The third picture shows parts of my car parked amidst the dropped fruit and shows how big the fruit is and some that has been crushed by traffic.  I picked up one and brought it home with me.Here is what City of Searcy facebook entry says about the tree.'"This month, the Searcy Tree Board is proud to recognize the Osage Orange, a uniquely American tree with a fascinating history. Also called bodark or hedge apple, it is instantly recognizable by its large, wrinkled green fruit often found scattered beneath its branches in the fall.Key Features:Fruit: The t...
Comments 7
By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
A long ago pictureAll of the real estate agents in Searcy AR loved Lorene.  She was one of the first lady REALTORS in this town.  I began real estate in 1979 and she was already a successful agent in the business.  She was among the first women to serve in the profession in Searcy AR and helped pave the way for other women to be in the profession.  In the above picture she worked for POWELL REALTY and is pictured with several other agents, including me!   I neglected givng a date when I saved the picture but it was good while ago.  Her obituary is found here. https://www.powellfuneralhome.net/obituaries/lorene-smith-9/#!/TributeWallShe helped start all of us female agents in a great direction and we all loved and respected her.  We thank her for her great guidance and will miss her!
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Ok.  I admit it.I have a white vehicle.My husband had a white truck.Most of my friends and his friends have white vehicles.  Seeing a bright yellow or baby blue or red vehicle will make you blink several times from surprise.So, what happened to cars like these in this old picture above of our beloved North Spring St. in Searcy AR?  And what happened to parking meters?  Did double-color cars cost more?  And notice the lack of pickup trucks above?  The vehicles above are attractive, aren't they?  I'd kinda like seeing them again.Now, here's the way parking lots look today!
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By Barbara S. Duncan, GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
(RE/MAX Advantage)
Lovely new shop at 814 Holmes Rd, Searcy AR.  Just head out Hwy 16 North and turn left on Holmes RD, just hehind Sonic, and there you are!  Here's the yard sign.Now I know you have a question.  That's a strange name. Here's a closeup of the sign on the front of the building.So I agree.  That's a different name.....tell us about it. Molly answered me and I quote her.Molly answered me and I quote her. "The meaning behind out sign, Ivory & Oak Design, is more than a name.  It is a reflection of our vision and who we are.  The Oak represents strength, dependability and sustainability-----qualities  we bring to every piece of furniture and design.  The Ivory symbolizes warmth, grace, and the joy of meaningful gifts, much like those chosen to celebrate life's most cherished moments together. ...
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