Buyers • September 10, 2023

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage to Start the Process

Hey there, future homeowner! 🏡 Are you ready to embark on the thrilling adventure of house hunting? It’s an exhilarating journey, but before you start envisioning your dream home and picturing cozy evenings by the fireplace, there’s a crucial first step you need to take: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Let’s dive into why and when you should get this essential pre-hunt task done.

Why Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?

Imagine this: You stumble upon your dream home, and it’s love at first sight. You rush to make an offer, but there’s a problem—you don’t know how much you can afford. This is where pre-approval swoops in as your knight in shining armor. Here’s why it’s your house hunting BFF:

1. Know Your Budget: Getting pre-approved helps you determine your budget with laser precision. Lenders review your financials—credit score, income, and debts—to calculate how much they’re willing to lend you. This number sets the stage for your house hunting adventure, ensuring you don’t waste time on homes that are way out of your price range.

2. Seller’s Confidence: When sellers see that you’re pre-approved, it tells them you’re a serious buyer who can secure financing. In a competitive market, this can make your offer shine brighter than others. It might even help you negotiate a better deal.

3. Smooth Sailing: Pre-approval streamlines the mortgage application process once you find your dream home. You’ve already done much of the legwork, so you can move swiftly to secure financing and close the deal faster.

When Should You Get Pre-Approved?

Now that you’re sold on the idea of pre-approval, let’s talk timing. When should you kickstart this process?

1. Before You Start House Hunting: Ideally, you should seek pre-approval before you set foot in that first open house. It’s your financial compass, helping you navigate the real estate market with confidence. Plus, you won’t risk falling head over heels for a house that’s way above your budget.

2. When You’re Serious: If you’re at the point where you’re seriously considering buying a home, that’s the perfect time to get pre-approved. It’s a firm commitment that shows you’re ready to take the plunge into homeownership.

In conclusion, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is like putting on your armor before a quest—it prepares you for the adventure ahead. So, don’t wait! Take that first step, know your budget, and let your house hunting journey begin with confidence. Happy hunting, future homeowner! 🏡🔑 #HouseHunting #MortgageMagic

Contact me for more tips and help with your house hunting journey.

Housing Market • February 26, 2023

Jonesboro Housing Market Continues to Grow

Considering a move to Arkansas? The Jonesboro housing market continues to grow steadily year over year, with the city seeing an increase in demand for homes from both local buyers and out-of-state buyers. Our market has remained strong, with affordable interest rates and a growing economy making it an attractive destination. This is appealing for those looking to invest in real estate for both personal and business opportunities in Jonesboro and the surrounding towns, such as Brookland, Paragould, and Walnut Ridge.

Market Value Growth Jonesboro Arkansas

Market Value Growth

According to Zillow, the median home value in Jonesboro is currently around $200,000, which is a 8.2% increase from the previous year. The average home goes pending in approximately 41 days. The market is competitive, with homes selling quickly and multiple offers are being made on desirable properties. I can you help maneuver our real estate market with ease.

111 Eva Lane New Construction

Employment Demands Housing

One of the reasons for the strong demand for homes in Jonesboro is the city’s growing economy. The area is home to several large employers, including Arkansas State University, NEA Baptist Hospital, and Riceland Foods. This has created a strong job market, which has in turn attracted a growing population of young professionals and families. With more employment comes the need for more housing. I personally work with a builder that specializes in new construction of single-family residence. We will have no problem finding what you need from the existing homes on the market and the new constructions coming on.

Low Cost of Living Jonesboro Arkansas

Cost of Living

Another factor driving the housing market in Jonesboro is the city’s attractive cost of living. The area has a lower cost of living than many other cities in the region. Consequently, this makes it an affordable place to live for many people. This has contributed to an increase in demand for homes, as buyers are able to get more for their money in Jonesboro than in other nearby cities. Even with the recent rise in material and labor costs, our average median home price remains approximately 56% of the national average of $359,000, according to NAR. I can help you “Count Your Pennies” because even the smallest of details matter and add up.

Moving to Jonesboro Arkansas

Buying Strategy

Accordingly, the Jonesboro housing market continues to be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic of the past couple of years. The pandemic led many people to reassess their living situations. Some have chosen to move to smaller, more affordable cities like Jonesboro. This has increased demand for homes in the area, as more people are looking to buy homes outside of larger, more expensive cities. I have helped clients from East coast to West coast take advantage of our growing housing market so they can move here. Come experience our ease of living and Southern hospitality.

Shaking Hands Jonesboro Arkansas

Conclusion

Overall, the housing market in Jonesboro, Arkansas is strong. We do not show no signs of slowing down. With a growing economy, affordable cost of living, and a high quality of life, it is an attractive destination for both local and out-of-state buyers looking to invest in real estate. If you are considering buying a home in Jonesboro, now is a great time to do so. Please reach out by email, text, or a phone call. I would love to help work through your real estate needs.

Local Industries • February 26, 2023

Strong Job Market in Jonesboro’s Restaurant Industry

Jonesboro, Arkansas, has a strong job market in the restaurant industry, offering a variety of job opportunities in different types of restaurants and locations. This blog will highlight some of the businesses contributing to this strong job market, the types of food they serve, and their locations.

Chick-fil-A Jonesboro Arkansas

Fast Food

Firstly, let’s talk about the fast-food chains in Jonesboro. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and Subway are among the most popular fast-food chains in the city. These chains offer job opportunities in areas such as food preparation, customer service, and management positions. They are located in various parts of the city, including the downtown area and shopping centers.

Cheddar Scratch Kitchen Jonesboro Arkansas

Casual Dining

For those looking for something more casual, Jonesboro has a variety of chain restaurants that offer sit-down service. Examples include Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chili’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings. These restaurants serve American-style cuisine, such as burgers, steaks, wings, and salads. They offer a range of job opportunities in areas such as cooking, serving, bartending, and management positions. These restaurants are mostly located in the shopping and entertainment areas of the city.

Colton's Steakhouse Jonesboro Arkansas

Steakhouses

Outback Steakhouse, located in the Southwest shopping center, is a chain restaurant that serves Australian-inspired cuisine, including steak, chicken, and seafood dishes. The restaurant provides employment opportunities in various areas, such as cooking, serving, and management positions.

We also have Colton’s Steak House & Grill located on Parker Road. This is a family-owned chain that offers a variety of dishes, including steak, chicken, and burgers. The restaurant provides job opportunities in cooking, serving, bartending, and management positions.

Skinny J's Jonesboro Arkansas

Local Favorites

Jonesboro also has a thriving local restaurant scene, with a range of independent restaurants offering unique and diverse cuisine. For example, the Brickhouse Grill offers a variety of dishes, including steaks, seafood, and pasta. The restaurant is located in the historic downtown area of the city.

Also located in the downtown area are two local favorites of Omar’s Uptown and Skinny J’s. Both independent restaurant that has contributed to the strong job market in Jonesboro. Omar’s Uptown restaurant offers a select fine dining menu from the premiere chef, Omar, himself. Skinny J’s, which features Southern comfort food from burgers with fries to seared salmon with veggies.

Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar Jonesboro Arkansas

Ethnic Flavor

Jonesboro also has a variety of ethnic restaurants, including Chinese, Japanese, and Mexican. Examples include Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, and Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet and so many more. We have a strong diversity of foods from around the world to satisfy your taste buds.

Omar's Uptown Jonesboro Arkansas

Conclusion

In summary, Jonesboro, Arkansas, has a strong job market in the restaurant industry, with a range of job opportunities in different types of restaurants and locations. From fast-food chains to independent restaurants to ethnic cuisine, there is something for everyone in the city’s thriving restaurant scene. Businesses such as McDonald’s, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Brickhouse Grill, and El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant have contributed to this strong job market and provide job opportunities in a range of roles. Come visit our town and we just might make you want to move here.

Local Industries • February 24, 2023

Thriving Job Market is Worth Moving To Jonesboro

Welcome to Jonesboro, Arkansas! A city that has a lot to offer to those who are looking to move here for work. Not only is it a friendly and welcoming community, but it also has a thriving job market. This is particularly evident in the education, health, and manufacturing industries. In this blog, we will explore why moving to Jonesboro is a great idea. I will provide examples of companies that are contributing to the growth of these industries.

Arkansas State University

Education

Jonesboro is home to several schools and universities, including Arkansas State University (ASU). ASU is a four-year, public university that offers over 150 different degree programs, including programs in engineering, nursing, business, and education. The university also employs over 1,400 faculty and staff members, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.

Other educational institutions in Jonesboro include the Jonesboro School District, which is one of the largest school districts in the state of Arkansas, as well as the Valley View School District. Both these institutions and several others provide a range of job opportunities, from teaching positions to administrative roles.

Healthcare

Jonesboro is also home to several healthcare organizations that provide a wide range of services to residents in the area. For example, St. Bernards Healthcare is a regional healthcare system that includes a 438-bed hospital, a cancer center, a heart center, and multiple clinics and outpatient facilities. The organization employs over 3,000 people. This makes it one of the largest employers in Northeast Arkansas.

Another healthcare organization in Jonesboro is NEA Baptist. This not-for-profit healthcare system, includes a 228-bed hospital, a cancer center, and several clinics and outpatient facilities. NEA Baptist employs over 1,800 people. They are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to patients in the area.

Manufacturing

Jonesboro is also a hub for manufacturing, with several companies operating in the area. Nestle, for example, operates a manufacturing facility in Jonesboro that produces a variety of frozen foods, including pizzas and entrees. The facility employs over 800 people, which provide a strong presence in the local and surrounding area.

Other manufacturing companies in Jonesboro include Hytrol Conveyor Company, which planted roots in the area in 1962 and produces conveyor systems for a range of industries, and Frito-Lay, which produces snacks and other food products. These companies and many others provide a range of job opportunities, from production line positions to management roles.

Conclusion

In summary, moving to this area of Arkansas, is a great idea for anyone looking for a welcoming community with a thriving Jonesboro job market. With a range of opportunities in education, healthcare, and manufacturing, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. From Arkansas State University to St. Bernards Healthcare and Nestle, there are plenty of companies that are contributing to the growth of these industries and providing job opportunities to those who call Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas home.