About Pulaski County, AR

Advice: BUY NOW or Possibly SUFFER! Personally I'm tired of all the negativity on the news about how bad the real estate market is from all the narrow-minded so-called experts that have never been in the real estate business or sold a house as an licensed Realtor. Where do these pencil pushing, computer model analysis people get off saying this is not a good time to buy? Do they do ANY research on the history of home ownership cost and the effects of interest rates? Let's put things in proper perspective. Fact 1: When I entered the business in 1974 interest rates were 9% and rising Fact 2: Interest rates rose for the next 8 years from 1974 to 1982 to a high of 14 3/4% Fact 3: Interest rates remained above 9% until 1991, another 9 years later Fact 4: That means interest rates were at or above 9% for 17 years Current interest rates are in the 6.5% range. Below is a chart of estimated PITI payments (including the taxes and insurance estimates in my area) on a $200,000 FHA loan at the interest rates of 6.5%, 9%, 12% and 14%. With the market uncertainty in the banking system and interest rates, isn't it just as likely to repeat the mid 80's rate of 9% or more? Take a look at the interest you'd pay IN ONLY THE FIRST 15 YEARS OF A LOAN at the various rates. Do YOU want to "wait" and get caught with no choice but a 9% rate or even 14% rate for 15 years and pay $404,497 in interest versis only $172,663 now? What expert is going to guarantee you that rates will not hover 9% over the next 15 years?

Based on a $200,000 FHA Home Loan using my area taxes & insurance Interest Estimated Interest Paid Rate PITI Payment in 15 Years 6% $1,620 $172,663 9% $2,070 $248,325 12% $2,645 $341,712 14% $3,050 $404,497

Here is the latest 2008 Calendar of Events for the Colony West Homeowners Association. This is an excellent association run by Wiley Greenbaum who is dedicated to providing entertainment and activities for our elderly residents as well as the kids. The association has been large sums of money over the last 3 years fixing up the park and has more work planned.

The Nick Sumbles Blog Hi. My name is Nick Sumbles. I am 16 years old and attend Episcopal Collegiate. I may not be a Realtor but I am certainly a member of The Sumbles Team. If you are interested in putting your child in a private school, then I recommend the Little Rock Episcopal Collegiate School. I began to attend the school this year and have enjoyed every minute of it. The school has a special community in which being made fun of simply does not exist. The staff treats the students equally and tries their best to help each student achieve their goal to success. The most enjoyable aspect that the school has to offer, is the amazing academic programs. They have over 30 AP classes and over 50 extra Curiccular activities. Each student even has the right to create their own club, held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I am creating a programming club for the technology group in the school next year. I also enjoy the brilliant way they remind the student of homework and notifies the student about his/her grade fast and efficiently. When you join the school, they give you username and a password to a website called powerschool.com. There, you can see every single grade, tardy, and special events in one private student folder. It is easy to acess and guide around. Instead of having to wait impatiently for a test grade, you can simply check powerschool. It is updated at least 2 times a week. The school is an Episcopal college preparatory school for boys and girls in grades 6 through 12. Their strong college prep courses, nationally recognized teachers, community service, extracurricular activities, honor system, plus parent support and involvement are key elements of the Episcopal academic experience, which aims to educate the whole student "mind, body and spirit," a hallmark of an Episcopal education. To their prospective families, their academic excellence is emphasized primarily through core courses of science, mathematics, social studies, and English. In addition to that core program, Episcopal offers studies in foreign languages, health and physical education, religion, technology, and visual and performing arts. Electives, honors, and Advanced Placement classes (AP) are available in many subject areas. Extracurricular activities such as student organizations and special events, as well as a multidimensional athletic program and chapel contribute to the social and spiritual development of the Episcopal student. The Admission section provides a wealth of information for your review and consideration. However, nothing can replace an actual visit to the beautiful 31-acre Jackson T. Stephens Campus, which houses the Middle and Upper schools, a multi-use student complex, and athletic fields. Their facilities, located just two miles west from the heart of thriving downtown Little Rock, provide students with a state-of-the-art learning environment complete with technology, amenities, and equipment. To parents of current students, Their website keeps you aware of the recent school news and activities so you may stay informed. I encourage you to visit often to stay abreast of the latest information about the school. The Parent section not only offers a variety of means to show your support of the School, but provides an opportunity to communicate and build rapport with other Episcopal families in a password protected manner. Should you have questions, or desire information about admission, please call 501-372-1194 or email ahoneywell@episcopalcollegiate.org.

The Colony West Subdivision contains approximately 470 homes basically boarded by Rodney Parham Road on the south, Clapboard Hill on the east and I-430 on the west and about midway on Millbrook on the north. They have a very active and excellent Property Owners Association with a website located at http://www.colonywesthomes.org/ There are probably more large 4 bedroom homes in this subdivision than any other place in the city that are very affordable. It is a very nice quiet neighborhood with a minimum number of children and they have an excellent park and pool facility.