All about Northwest Arkansas with Nicky Dou

I just returned from the Century 21 Awards banquet in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I think everyone that attended had a great time - especially my office, Century 21 Exclamation Realty! The energy was intense... The weekend consisted of... Friday night our office gathered in the lobby/bar at the Arlington for cocktails with Marcella and Jimmy Hagan (C21 Exclamation owners) and the 30 some agents that attended from our office. Then we headed to where our banquet was going to be held on Saturday to set up for our skit (Horse racing...) and practiced... Funny Stuff. Check out the photos from the practice run below.

After finishing that we danced the night away at the Arlington until the band finished then about 10 of us headed down the street to Capone's - a cool little bar just 100 yards from the Arlington.

FINALLY went to bed! Wake up call will be in just a few short hours! (OH NO!!!)

It's Saturday!!! Off to a special brunch for all of the Century 21 crew! Now for the SPIRIT COMPETITION... We got to go first! It was so great - real funny.... And a crowd pleaser for certain! Two other companies presented and then we listened to Paul Sweeney - the Regional Trainer for Century 21 Real Estate, LLC.

                          OFF TO THE HORSE RACES!!!!

Jerry and I won $.60 at the races - but had a great time... now time to get back for the BIG awards Banquet! Social time with all of the wonderful C21 Agents across Arkansas first (I got to meet a fellow ActiveRainer - Tinker! - she is such a sweetie!)...

Dinner TIME! - surf and turf style - only the best for C21 (we are "The GOLD Standard you know...)...

YEAH - Awards time... Century 21 Exclamation had 3 tables full and every time someone from our office got an award it was like the room went crazy - screaming, cheering - lots of excitement. We know how to have fun that's for sure!

The agents in our office (Century 21 Exclamation Realty) that received awards were:

2009 Rising Star Award - James Dray

2009 Topaz Award - Marvin Shepard, Clayton Eason & Deanna Storms

2009 Sapphire Award - Myra Bolton, Rod Hagan, Donna Smith, Katie Voldeng, Jose Esparza, Martha Wiliams & my favorite Realtor - Mr. Jerry Dou (my husband ;)

2009 Masters Diamond - Tim Salmonsen

2009 CENTURION - Nicky Dou 

Spirit Competition Winner for 2009 - CENTURY 21 Exclamation Realty (CAN YOU GIVE ME A WHOOP WHOOP)

& the Number 1 Agent for the State of Arkansas in 2009 - NICKY DOU!!!

Others in the top 21 in the state of Arkansas from Century 21 Exclamation Realty include: Tim Salmonsen, Martha Williams the one and only JERRY DOU!

After the awards Marcella and Jimmy had us up to their Parlor Suite for a celebration of their 40^th wedding anniversary. What a great time had by all - Hot Springs thanks for having us!

Thank you ALSO to Marcella, Deborah & LaVeta for being such awesome leaders!!! YOU TOO Jimmie! I feel fortunate to work for such an awesome company and I just don't understand why some other agents in Northwest Arkansas haven't figured out that C21 Exclamation is the best company to work at!

CENTURY 21 EXCLAMATION is the absolute BEST!

WHO IS NUMBER ONE?????     WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmest Regards - Your #1 Agent in the State of AR for C21

~Nicky Dou

1700 Oriole is a great deal and NOT a bank foreclosure or SHORT SALE!!! SO you can move in quick & still make that $8000 tax credit! Home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths - the master bath has an oversized whirlpool tub! Listed for sale for only $139,900 - THAT IS ONLY 72/sq.ft.!!!

• Large (.39/acre) corner lot
• Near schools
• Stainless appliances
• Oversized whirlpool tub in MB
• 3 BR/2BA + office
• Large 2-car garage
• Built in 1994

LOCATION:

View Larger Map

DONT FORGET TO VIEW THIS GREAT REAL ESTATE DEAL & OTHERS @ www.NWAFiresale.com

Are you looking for a home for sale in Bella Vista, Arkansas? Check out this newly listed - better than new home on large private lot with privacy fence and lots of character!

10 Sandridge in Bella Vista, AR! 1694 ht.sq.ft. 3BR/2BA with a 2-car garage. Hardwood Floors! Fireplace Large lot with garden area... Large covered deck with beautiful views! Bentonville Schools... Call or email me for more information about this beautiful home for sale in Bella Vista!

Watch my slideshow below for even more photos of this beautiful home for sale in Bella Vista located at 10 Sandridge.

A little information about Beautiful Bella Vista (to read more visit Bella Vista's Website).

Come home to Beautiful Bella Vista! Bella Vista was, for over 40 years, a planned recreational community created by visionary John Cooper. Bella Vista as a residential community was started in 1965. 41 years later, on November 7, 2006, the resident voters turned the unincorporated village of Bella Vista, Arkansas into the Town of Bella Vista, Arkansas, complete with a Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, Attorney, and a 5 member Council. So now that we are the Town of Bella Vista, and no longer the retirement planned recreational community that was started in 1965, what does this mean? Only Time Will Tell....We will still remain an association and the monthly association dues of 24.00 improved lots and 16.00 unimproved lots will no longer be needed to upkeep the police and fire departments and other municipal departments. It will now be able to go directly to keeping the amenities (lakes, golf courses, etc) up to quality, and add new amenities to Bella Vista. Because of it's lovely golf courses, terrific lake recreation opportunities, and active lifestyle, Bella Vista Arkansas has long been a favorite destination for retirees young at heart. However, the unprecedented growth of Northwest Arkansas in recent years, thanks in great part to it's close proximity to Bentonville (home of Wal-Mart), Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville Arkansas, the demographics of Bella Vista have changed. Younger families are discovering that Bella Vista is also a wonderful community for anyone wanting a lovely home and active lifestyle, young or old! We have best of both worlds...a laid back atmosphere with larger city conveniences! Bella Vista is tucked into the Northwest Arkansas Ozark hills, affording many spectacular views. Extensive hardwood forests (primarily Oak/Hickory) weave through the neighborhoods as common ground, providing space and privacy to homeowners as well as shelter to large populations of wild deer, turkey, squirrels, birds, and other native animal species. A drive around Bella Vista displays the careful consideration the natural environment and geography has been given in the planning and implementation of this lovely community. Housing in Bella Vista is primarily single family residential. You won't find many carbon copy homes in this town. The unique geographic location of Bella Vista has given rise to a large assortment of architecturally unique homes in all price ranges, most surrounded by trees on nice size lots! Bella Vista has character rarely found in planned developments. Besides single family resident housing, attractive townhouses dot the landscapes, especially around the golf courses, where maintenance free living can leave residents free to enjoy the many recreational opportunities to be found in and around Bella Vista.

TO SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN BELLA VISTA & ALL OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS VIA YOUR PHONE TEXT DOU to 87778...

Pinnacle Country Club is one of the most beautiful gated neighborhoods in all of Northwest Arkansas. Current homes for sale in Pinnacle range from $350,000 to over 2.5 Million. 

Memberships at Pinnacle:

Golf - $5,000 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to all Amenities, Age 40-69 
Senior Golf - $4,000 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to all Amenities, Age 70+
Intermediate Golf - $3,500 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to all Amenities, Age 35-39
Junior Golf - $2,000 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to all Amenities, Under 35

Tennis - $1,700 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to Tennis, Pool, Clubhouse, Age 35-69
Junior Tennis - $1,500 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to Tennis, Pool, Clubhouse, Under 35
Junior Traveling Tennis - $500 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to Tennis and ability to travel with the team, Age 18 and under

Dining and Social - $250 Initiation Fee
    Privileges to Clubhouse and Pool

• 46 Buckingham (JUST LISTED)
• 5066 ht.sq.ft. featuring 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, half an acre, large open rooms, gourmet kitchen and luxurious amenities throughout. Listed for sale @ $830,825

6 Shetland (UNDER CONTRACT)

19 Oxford  5334 ht.sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 and a half baths on half an acre, stunning master bedroom & bath - great curb appeal.

12 Shetland 4106 ht.sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half baths, awesome backyard with deck (.68/acre) Large open kitchen/Living Area... This home was made for entertaining! Just gorgeous YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!

Pinnacle's Website

Recent Blog Post by Nicky Dou about Pinnacle

If you would like a list of homes for sale in the Pinnacle Area - please send me an email including what price range you are interested in and I will send you the most recent available listings. I can do this for any subdivision in Northwest Arkansas. I am here to help you with all of your real estate needs in Northwest Arkansas! ~ Nicky Dou

P. 479.236.3457 E. nicky@nickydou.com

My Blog | My Website | Connect with me...

Recent Stats of Homes for sale in Pinnacle as of February 27, 2010:

• Average List Price - 164/ht.sq.ft.
• Lowest Price $363,000
• Highest Price $2.4 million

AND SO MUCH MORE! Active Rain has always amazed me but Rain Camp was honestly the best seminar/class I have ever attended. It could be because I LOVE Social Networking and technology or maybe it was because Ben Kinney is so darn funny. Whatever it was - I HIGHLY suggest you make one of these Raincamps! You will learn SO much. If you just take a few things from Rain Camp - you will be doing good. Luckily I took good notes and have gone through them and chosen my favorites like: creating fan pages on Facebook and google alerts to all sorts of really cool websites that are "FREE"... I forgot who said this but I really liked it "They used to say you have to pay to play - now you have to play to play." - Brilliant! I have barely slept since I have been home from Dallas! I also feel like dominating my market like never before... LET IT RAIN!!! LET IT RAIN!!! See what others say about RainCamp.

Fayetteville Arkansas is a beautiful place to call HOME! The Historic District is one of the most sought after places for buyers in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. Property values have always remained some of the highest in Fayetteville... in fact in 2009 there were a few homes that sold for over $200/ht.sq.ft. Two of those homes that sold were projects of Mark Zweig's (an amazing architect among other things...) They both were sold before he had even finished his renovations. One went for 226/sq.ft. & the other was at 218/sq.ft. - New homes in new subdivisions can not come close to prices like these. Another home sale, on Walnut Ave. also sold for 218/sq.ft. and was not a Zweig home.

The areas that make up what is known as "The Historic District" in Fayettevile are shown in the map below. To get a current list of homes for sale in this area - email me and I can set you up to receive new listings when they become available. Some homes are even sold before they go to market and I try to stay on top of those as well so be sure to contact me if you are interested in these areas & check out our latest listing at the bottom of this blog post - it is a "relo" and a "great deal". It is located at 414 Walnut Ave. (MARKER A on Map below shows the location of this new listing).

Below is an amazing shot of the Washington-Willow Historic District, circa 1890 - photographer is unknown. Click on photo to learn more about the History of Fayetteville.

I have compiled Statistics for your review on Real Estate (homes and condos) for sale and those that have sold in the Historic District in Fayetteville below. These include both homes and condo sales in the Historical Area in Fayetteville. Condos have sold for even more than the homes. The average list price currently is at 175/ht.sq.ft. and the average sold price for the past year as of today (2/19/2010) was 174/ht.sq.ft.

FOR SALE - (our new listing in the Historic District) is @ 414 Walnut Ave. in Fayetteville, AR.

Home is just under 2500 ht.sq.ft. and is listed at $315,000.

• Four bedrooms
• Three baths
• updated
• hardwood flooring
• two fireplaces
• tall ceilings
• Great kitchen with metal and granite countertops
• storage shed
• awesome deck on back
• large & private back yard

& LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!!!! HURRY - this one WILL go quick at this price. This is a relocation property and buyer must be preapproved. Call or email with any questions or to set up appointment.

Jerry Dou @ 479.236.0362 | jerry@jerrydou.com

Nicky Dou @ 479.236.3457 | nicky@nickydou.com

As many of you already know some key Real Estate Companies here in Northwest Arkansas have "merged" - Griffin Company Realtors (who has been in the business 31 years) merged with Weichert Clark Long and Associates (in the business 6 years)  in December of 2009 to make up Weichert Griffin Company Realtors. They will have a combined total of 112 agents. Although I have never worked at either of these companies I have a LOT of respect for all of the owners and it has always been a pleasure working with agents within these companies. CONGRATS! (Read more about the Griffin/Weichert Merger here.

The most recent Merger in Northwest Arkansas came out a couple of weeks ago and will be made final in the coming month. Coldwell Banker Faucette (Faucette joined Coldwell Banker in 1986) and Harris McHaney Realtors has been in Northwest Arkansas since 1976. WOW! That is A LOT of experience and time in this market!!! It is quite a shocker to me that these two companies are combining forces. I am very happy for them. (Read more about the Coldwell/HarrisMcHaney merger here). 

Those reading my post may be wondering - "Why is Nicky writing about these mergers when she doesn't work for any of these companies?" - Well the honest answer is that I have had many of my clients (and other agents within these companies) call me to get my opinion on this. I have actually had the opportunity to work for both Harris McHaney and Coldwell Banker Faucette over the years and all I can say is that they are both terrific companies. Some agents get a little frantic when change is forced upon them and want to explore options. I understand - I have had my fair share of "change" - I say to those agents - "Embrace Change" - The real estate market is ever changing and the quicker you adapt the better off you will be! I began my real estate career in 2001 with Harris McHaney Realtors - I worked in the Springdale/Fayetteville office and it really had a "family feel" and truly was hard to leave. I left only to start my own company - Element Realty Group - in 2005. I loved every minute of it as it helped me grow as a Realtor and Broker and allowed me to understand a different aspect of the business as an owner. What I learned most is that I LOVE doing my OWN thing - not managing others. My real passion is marketing properties and helping buyers and sellers.  I had the opportunity to merge with Coldwell Banker Faucette. I have the utmost respect for George Faucette. I also learned that having a large "Brand" as your logo doesn't hurt anything, either! I appreciate all that both Pat Harris and George Faucette did to help me grow as an agent. If you are reading this - THANK YOU! I am now with Century 21 Exclamation Realty - Marcella Hagan is the owner of the company & I feel her and I have a similar "vision" and although hers is to help other agents succeed - she allows me to succeed in my own way (which I tend to have some more untraditional ways of doing real estate - I strive on "being different"). So - moral of this LONG post - to agents in Northwest Arkansas - Find the best company for YOU. It is not about how large the company is or how much production a company does - it is about YOU and where you fit in the best. Does it help to have a national brand behind you, probably (but I never lost business when I didn't). I have always believed it is the agent, not the company that people (buyers and sellers) work with. Be the best agent you can be where ever you feel most comfortable. FOR buyers and sellers - Do your research on the agent you choose - not only the company... ask questions and feel comfortable with that agent (OR JUST CHOOSE NICKY DOU... sorry had to add that plug... :) You can email me here...

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square hole. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Apple Computer Inc.

Visit my website @ www.NickyDou.com

Download my free phone app. to search all homes in Northwest Arkansas Click here...

& for all of the Best Deals throughout Northwest Arkansas check out www.NWAFiresale.com

In every town, a few agents outsell all the others. Who is negotiating on your behalf in Northwest Arkansas? Any agent, or the agent that outsells others?

Don't be fooled. Other sites list any real estate agent. Only Top Selling Agents^TM can be a NUMBER1EXPERT^TM.

The average NUMBER1EXPERT^TM  outsells the typical real estate agent 8 to 1.

Your home is one of the biggest negotiations of your life. Mistakes can be extremely costly. How good is the agent representing YOU at the negotiating table?

Top selling real estate agents...

• Negotiate the best deals for their clients
• List the best homes for sale
• Sell homes quicker
• Sell homes for a higher percentage of the asking price
• Have the biggest network of buyers looking for homes
• Market properties more effectively, both on the web and off

...that's why buyers and sellers insist on them. Shouldn't you? 

Number1Experts 8th annual survey reports the average NUMBER1EXPERT^TM...

• Based on an average of about 53.7 transactions per year, a NUMBER1EXPERT^TM helps someone buy or sell a home every 6.8 days. That's 1 per week.
• Sells $11.9 million per year in homes and properties.
• Has an average of 11.3 years experience. About 1 in 4 have 20 or more years in the real estate business. 50% have 10 years of more.
• Employs a team of 1.7 or more skilled assistants dedicated to helping people buy and sell homes. 4 in 10 have 2 or more. 1 in 4 have 3 or more. 1 in 10 have 5 or more assistants. 3% have 10 or more.

...why trust anyone other than a NUMBER1EXPERT^TM to represent you? In Northwest Arkansas be sure to contact me - YOUR NUMBER 1 EXPERT & NUMBER 1 CENTURY 21 AGENT IN ARKANSAS TO REPRESENT YOU!!! 

Verify your agent (click here) (To verify me, type in my last name DOU and Arkansas)

Nicky Dou |  Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Nicky Dou is America's NUMBER1EXPERT in Northwest Arkansas. Nicky services Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Bella Vista, Beaver Lake, and surrounding areas in Northwest Arkansas. She continues to be at the top of sales in Arkansas and is a native to the area. Nicky is anything but ordinary when it comes to marketing a property. She is an out-of-the-box thinker and utilizes technology and creativity in everything she does. Nicky is in the top 1% of all Realtors in Northwest Arkansas and is the #1 Century 21 Agent in Arkansas! Nicky offers the highest level of service and dedication - Let Nicky make YOU her Number 1 Client in Arkansas!

 Visit Nicky's Web Site > Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville Arkansas Real Estate Information
 See Nicky's Listings > Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville Arkansas Homes for Sale
 Top Rated School Reports > Arkansas Schools Information - Public & Private
 What Others Say > Home Buyers & Sellers Talk About Nicky

  Nicky Dou - Top Realtor in Northwest Arkansas with Century 21 Exclamation Realty  -  Find Great Information on Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and all surrounding areas of Northwest Arkansas Real Estate!
  Jerry Dou with Century 21 Exclamation Realty | Short Sale & "Good Deal" Specialist  -  Search for your dream home at www.JerryDou.com Most comprehensive mls search tools, save your results, virtual tours, and much more!
  Northwest Arkansas Real Estate BLOG with top Realtor, Nicky Dou  -  Looking for the best neighborhoods or want to know where the best place to eat is in Northwest Arkansas? Nicky Dou enjoys blogging about topics that you will enjoy reading about!
  Looking for a great deal in Northwest Arkansas? Bank Repo's, short sales, REO's, Foreclosures, etc. LOOK NO FURTHER!  -  WWW.NWAFIRESALE.COM is your source for the best deals in Northwest Arkansas including Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Lowell and all surrounding NWA towns. Check in daily for updated properties handpicked by a TOP NWA REALTOR! You won't have to search through thousands of listings to find the great deals. Includes bank repo's, relocation "good deals", short-sales and more.
  Nicky Dou's quick mls search for homes in all of Northwest Arkansas  -  The easiest search for all listings in Northwest Arkansas - Search the MLS in Northwest Arkansas direct right here! For homes in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, Bella Vista, Lowell, Farmington, Beaver Lake and all other towns within Arkansas and part of Missouri.

I am saddened to hear about the latest Wal-Mart layoffs in Northwest Arkansas. I understand that companies have to do this but the impact of those 300 most recent layoffs is devastating to those families. My heart goes out to you.

Read About the layoffs from Northwest Arkansas News Source, NWAOnline.com, here.

In February 2009, Wal-Mart let go 700 to 800 people at its headquarters and I witnessed first hand what it did to a few families. My husband, Jerry Dou, helps people that own homes that have come into difficult times sell their homes. Many people are unaware that there is help for them if they become unable to "afford" their home payments anymore after losing a job. Even if they get another job - in these economic times it is not always as high of paying job as what they were used to and it doesn't cover their expenses of living that they had become accustomed to. Last year both Jerry and I helped a few familes "short sell" their homes. I assisted in the marketing of these homes as many were higher end homes that usually do not fall into the category of "distressed properties". When many hear "distressed properties", or "firesales" or Short Sales - they think something may be wrong with the home. That is NOT the case... Many times it just so happens these sellers have had an unfortunate event occur. The sooner they get help the sooner they can move on and start over...

If you are reading this and you know someone that we can help - if it is to discuss options of selling their home in a traditional manner or via short-sale - please pass along our contact info. to them.

Jerry Dou - "Short Sale Specialist" in Northwest Arkansas | 479.236.0362 | jerry@jerrydou.com | www.NWAFiresale.com | Sr. Vice President w/ Century 21 Exclamation Realty

Nicky Dou - "Luxury Home Specialist", Home Staging Specialist, ePRO, ecoBroker in NWA | 479.236.3457 | nicky@nickydou.com | www.NickyDou.com | Sr.Vice President & Executive Broker w/Century 21 Exclamation Realty

Read a past BLOG post about Short Sales here.

Pinnacle Country Club located in Rogers, Arkansas is one of the best gated communities in all of Northwest Arkansas. Click here to view my previous BLOG post about Pinnacle. JUST IN... These great homes for sale in Pinnacle have been drastically reduced and are sure to sell quickly. Not to worry - Builder is NOT in trouble - just motivated... Still come with One Year Builders Warranty and these homes have top notch quality throughout. Still time to choose flooring in many of the rooms, too. Call me today (479-236-3457) for more information or click on links below for direct link to home on www.nickydou.com.

12 Shetland - 4106 ht.sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a 3-car garage... .68/acre private lot... only $673,300 reduced from $729,500...as of 2/3/10 | www.NickyDou.com/12shetland

6 Shetland - 5300 ht.sq.ft. with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a 3-car garage... .57/acre lot... only $869,200 reduced from $948,700... as of 2/3/10 | www.NickyDou.com/6shetland

19 Oxford - 5334 ht.sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a 3-car garage... .50/acre lot... BIGGEST PRICE REDUCTION of all!!! Only $874,700 REDUCED FROM 1 MILLION... as of 2/3/10!!! | www.NickyDou.com/19Oxford

Great financing options available on these homes. 5% on a Jumbo Loan - contact me for more info. Only available on THESE homes... BIG SAVINGS!!!

These 3 homes are in the Bentonville School District - but some homes are in the Rogers School District - want to find out for sure?... FOR SCHOOL INFORMATION visit:

Bentonville (click here)

Rogers (click here)

2 comments • Nicky Dou | Century 21 Exclamation Realty • February 03 2010 03:18PM