It's a common expectation that when you leave a large city to relocate to a small town, you leave behind the "Land of Opportunity". You anticipate giving up A LOT of things in exchange for a few new, unique experiences, with the hope that somehow the quality of these new experiences will greatly outweigh the value of what you left behind. I must say, I assumed the same would be true when we relocated from Austin, Texas to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Boy, was I in for a surprise.At that time, Austin held the distinct honor of having the greatest number of restaurants per capita of any city in the country. Let me be clear here – that's out of every single city in this huge country of ours! That's a lot of restaurants! That's a lot of potential for eating out! My husband and I arrived here in 19... 12/10/2007

First Baptist Church, Fort Smith, Arkansas is celebrating its 150th anniversry this year.  After a fun filled reunion Sunday early last month, our 150th Anniversary celebration continues with two important dates remaining in December.  Mark your calendar for these special Sundays:  Anniversary Sunday, December 2:  Dr. Paige Patterson, President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will preach in both morning services, and our evening service will feature a "Gaither Homecoming-Style" music celebration.  Missions Sunday, December 9:  Dr. Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board, will preach in both morning services, and our annual International Missions March for Lottie Moon Offering & White Christmas for Local Missions Outreach will be held in oth morning servic... 11/10/2007

 Come on out and have a great time!  The Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair returns to Ft. Smith Sept. 21-29 at Kay Rodgers Park.  The event promises to be fun for the entire family.Oh yes, we will have awesome rides!  Don't forget the Earth moving Monster Trucks!!  The Demolition Derby promises go off with a bang, and so much more!  I can taste the Funnel Cakes now!  Bring your family and friends out to this great event to have some good old FUN!  Tickets are already on sale so you can call at 479-783-2393 or 800-364-1080.  If you are ever looking to buy or sell property in the Fort Smith, Arkansas/River Valley Area; there's on thing you should remember, "To Buy or Sell'um, Call Ray Nellum!"  479-414-1894. 09/09/2007

You can become one of the first to be a "Ft. Smith Airhead!"  Sound great right!  Well the Ft. Smith Regional Airport along with the Young Emerging Leaders (YEL) of Ft. Smith, are presenting The Great Airfair on August 18, 2007 at the Ft. Smith Regional Airport from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event is sponsored to bring more attention to the great airport that we have here in our area.This is a huge family event and will be an enjoyment to all that attend.  Event includes BMX stunt demonstrations, live music, hypnotist, rock climbing wall and various inflatable and carnival games for children of all ages. Food vendors on site. Free for YEL members and families; $5 for non-YEL members; 12 and under free.Time and Location:11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Airport 6700 McKennon Blvd. Fort Smi... 08/17/2007

There are a couple things that this Realtor knows: I know Houses, and I know Food!  Whether you live in Ft. Smith, or you are visiting.  You've got to treat yourself to a visit to Bella Italia.Bella Italia serves authentic Italian cuisine, and the quality of food and ingredients is their top priority.  I recently ate there and the food along with the service was amazingly great!  Bella Italia is located in Ft. Smith's Historical District of Belle Grove.  The restaurant is a beautifully restored Victorian Home that was built in 1901.  It has a sectioned bar and pianist which adds to a very relaxed atmosphere.  It's a great place to get away for that romantic evening or just out with the family.  It's a 5 Star Restaurant that has received several State and National Awards.  Bella Italia i... 07/31/2007

There are times when you blog about things that are on your mind, and there are times that you blog about things that are on your heart.  This is one of those heart blogs.The Children's Emergency Shelter Presents "Rockin In The Fort" with Cross Canadian Ragweed and Micky and the Motorcars July 28th at Harry E. Kelley Park in Downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas Saturday, July 28, 2007.  The tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the concert.  The gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the Rockin starts at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased at Ticketbound.com or you can call at 800.737.4040.Please remember the Childern's Emergency Shelter is located at 3015 S 14th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 and there number is (479) 783-0018.  They are always in need of additional assistance.  Your assistance co... 07/18/2007

 I wanted to add that if you can copy and paste this post to ANY other blog sites/your personnel sites/your real estate companies site(only with your Principal Brokers PERMISSION) It would be GREATLY appreciated. Let's show what REAL ESTATE AGENTS from across this country can DO !!! Send to all your email contacts!! OK, it has been on my mind for the last several weeks, something just keeps tugging at me, DO SOMETHING, SAY something, ASK and it will be given to you. A young man in the Real Estate world needs YOUR help and he needs it now. This is the FIRST time I have ever tried raising money for anyone, so please bare with me.I posted this a couple of months back:While Shawn was new to the Real Estate business, he took the bull by the horns and was awarded the 2006 "ROOKIE" of the year... 05/24/2007

A few days ago I posted a blog Coming Home...A Visitor's Look at Fort Smith about a recent trip to the State of Arkansas. More specifically, the city of Fort Smith in Sebastian County North Western Arkansas at the Arkansas River separating the state from Oklahoma. During our visit I shared the experiences of the downtown historical area. This blog is a follow-up of a few more of the interesting sites of the city.Fort Smith is home to the 21 acre National Cemetery, dating back to the Civil War era. This land was originally designated as a site for a military cemetery in the early planning stages of Fort Smith. It was granted National Status in the mid-1800's.  We were told that soldiers of both the North and the South are buried at this location. Since then this site (at Garland and Sout... 04/26/2007

On a recent trip to Northern Arkansas I visited the town of Fort Smith located at the Arkansas River which separates this state from Oklahoma.  Our trip was memorable for me in many ways. Fort Smith is my birthplace and home to my Mother's family for years.  My family left Arkansas for California over 50 years ago, so my only memory is a couple of visits to family members and hearing the many stories of family.  My trip was shared with wonderful friends.  I'm sharing some of the sights we experienced.  Ft. Smith was the gateway to the West and the Oklahoma Territory.  Our first stop was downtown Ft. Smith, the site of the original fort, the area is now a National Historical Park. Several buildings still remain today.  The site is also home to one of the areas infamous citizens, Federal ... 04/22/2007

10700 EdgewaterOnly a block from the Arkansas River, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2325 square foot home features a large and open floorplan ready for your summertime parties, completely remodeled kitchen with attractive upholstered walls, spacious and tastefully decorated bathrooms, and a bonus room off the kitchen suitable for a home office or playroom or the dog's room.  Call Elizabeth today at 479-650-5299 for more information on this fantastic home in Village Harbor! 03/28/2007

The most important decision you will make in the sale of your home is the REALTOR® you choose. Be sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel you can ask questions or go to your REALTOR®, you have the wrong person. Your REALTOR® should show you research to back up any recommendations. This includes information about recent sales, current listings, and recently expired listings in your neighborhood. Choose a local REALTOR®. He or she will know your area better than an outsider, will be seen as a source for people looking to relocate in your neighborhood, and will get better co-operation from other agents. It is likely that any amount you might save by having a friend or relative from outside the area serve as your REALTOR® will be lost in their lack of knowledge abo... 03/28/2007

Improve Your Chances With inventory diminishing daily and multiple offers being extremely common, it is of great importance that you position yourself to have the best chance to get your offer accepted.  Enhance your chance of getting the home of your choice by doing the following:*First, get pre-approved for the purchase. This takes very little time and is of great value. At this time, identify the price range for which you qualify and which fits your lifestyle. *Submit a strong competitive offer. Submit the offer as if there will be multiple offers. Include substantial earnest money deposit. Acceptance of an offer is sometimes determined by the amount of the deposit. A larger amount may signify a bigger commitment to the seller. *Minimize or eliminate contingencies; the fewer continge... 03/28/2007

Make a good first impressionIn today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. Make a small investment in time, money and effort to give your home a solid advantage over competing properties.  Pay attention to detail now because first impressions count with buyers. You only have one chance and it starts with what often referred to as "curb appeal".  Some tips to create a better curb appeal are:  Create A Buying Mood.  Turn on lights. Turn on air conditioner/heater. Open the drapes. Light the fireplace. Exterior Appearance Keep lawns cut. Trim hedges and shrubs. Weed and edge gardens. Clear driveway and clean up oil spills. Clean out garage. Touch up paint. Make repairs where needed Create Space. Clear halls and stairs of clutter. Store surplus furniture. Clear kitchen c... 03/28/2007

Let me be the first to tell you that Fort Smith is a great town. I have lived here my whole life and would never consider moving. From the peacefulness of country living to the fast pace of city life you have so many choices without the hassle of a big city. Click on the links below to find out more on our wonderful city. And remember..... "Life's Worth Living In Fort Smith, Arkansas"- Mayor Ray Baker www.fortsmithpd.orgwww.fortsmithchamber.orgwww.greatschools.netwww.kingrealtygroup.netwww.sellingfortsmith.com   03/27/2007

 "A Symbol of Your Success!"  This is an exceptionally well remodeled home that has over 2,000 sq. ft.  All of the the perks of a great location and a sound home.The Living Room offers space with the wood burning fireplace, and it opens into the Formal Dining Room.  The Kitchen has been upgraded with New Appliances, New Tile flooring, New Counter-tops and Back-splash, and plenty of cabinet space for the active cook.There are 3 Bedrooms and 2 Baths, but there is a Bonus Room that could easily be a 4th Bedroom or Game Room.  The Bonus Room has several built ins and a large closet. Yes, there is more.  Looking to entertain?  Entertaining is not a problem with a spacious Family Room that measures 24 X 16.  You'll be able to enjoy life in comfort and style with all of the benefits in this ho... 03/15/2007

This is a Newly renovated 4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom home that has 2,113 sq. ft. of comfortable space.  The Master Bedroom is very spacious with double doors leading to the deck outside.  The Master Bath has a breath taking Cedar "Sauna", oh yes, and a Double Shower (just in case you like company), as well as his and her sinks.  Additional features include:  21 New Double Payne WindowsNew Paint throughout the homeNew Vinyl SidingTile through LR, Kitchen, Dining Area, & hallways4th Bedroom could be a game-roomWood Burning Fireplace in Living RoomDouble Doors in Living with Blinds inside WindowDouble Doors in Master Bedroom with Blinds inside WindowGreat Cul de sac locationNew Garage DoorPrivacy Fence BackyardDeckClose shopping, parks, and river$1,500 Carpet Allowance with Acceptable Offers.1 a... 03/02/2007

Ft. Smith is one of the best places to live in Arkansas.  The city offers a great amount of growth new businesses joining the community.  The city has recently focused a lot of attention on reviving the business of Downtown Ft. Smith by giving businesses additional incentives.Education is taken very seriously in Ft. Smith.  In addition, the public schools offer several Developmentally appropriate and Challenging programs throughout the school system.  We also take great pride in our public schools Athletic Departments.  If you are looking for higher education, then we've got you covered there as well with the University of Arkansas, Ft. Smith.  Go Lions!  U of A Ft. Smith is the Fifth largest institution of higher education in the state.  U of A Ft. Smith covers some 120 Acres of beauty... 02/04/2007

 Smilie Died performed at 91st Street and was more than alive and kicking.  With temperatures in Ft. Smith being well below freezing.  Smilie Died made 91st Street HOT!!!  The sultry vocals of Matt Burris had the crowd cheering for more!  Oh yeah, the crowd went wild when "Makes Me Sweat" started coming through the speakers.  Now I'll be the first to tell you that I am not the "Rock N Roll" type, but this band made that Rock Roll on this night.Ft. Smith has found it's New shining and rising star, but he's not alive because, SMILIE DIED!  When it comes to local entertainment; it doesn't get much better than this.  I give Smilie Died a 9 with a Bullet.  Yeah, that's a bullet going straight to the top!!!If you are looking to buy or sell a home; I won't leave a stone unturned!   Remember, "... 02/03/2007

Sebastian County is considered the Heart Beat of the River Valley.  The county has several New Construction Subdivisions throughout the area.  Previously owned homes sales are still very consistent with the current market.  Below are the Fourth Quarter Sales for a few cities in Sebastian County.  The median price of homes sold in Sebastian County the Fourth Quarter of 2006 was $125,274.  The average days on market was 74 days, with and estimate of 98% to list price. Avg. $ HomeAvg. DOM% of List PriceFt. Smith$128,2927798Greenwood$127,3746797Lavaca$100,1499495   For more information regarding the Sebastian County Market, please feel free to contact me at 479-414-1894 or email me at Ray@RayNellum.com .  Ray Nellum, GRLA*The information herein is deemed accurate, but not guaranteed.  The s... 01/28/2007

The Home Inspector you choose to do your home inspection is very important.  Your Realtor®, Lender, Appraiser, and Home Inspector are vital components in a success real estate transaction.  Too often, people try to save money by choosing not to have a home inspection, DON'T.  According to the National Association of Realtors® and American Society of Home Inspectors 2001 survey, 84% of home buyers requested a home inspection as part of their contract.  It's essential for you to learn as much as you can about your home. *PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT EACH STATE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS. I have outlined 10 things you should:1.  You have the right to choose your home inspector.2.  is your home inspector licensed.  Check to see if your state requires home inspectors to have a license.  If so... 01/26/2007