What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Updated January 2026 | By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty The national housing market may be tilting toward buyers in 2026 — but real estate is never one-size-fits-all . In Central Arkansas, market conditions can change dramatically by city, neighborhood, price point, and even school district . So is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market right now in Central Arkansas? The short answ

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & REALTOR® | Military Relocation Professional (MRP®) When selling a home in Central Arkansas, closing costs can catch sellers off guard if they’re not planned for early. While buyers often focus on their own expenses, sellers typically pay between 6% and 10% of the final sale price  in total selling costs — including real estate commissions, title fees, taxes, and negotiated concessions. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on location, lo

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Selling your home is a major decision — whether you’re relocating, downsizing, upsizing, or transitioning into a new chapter. While the process can feel overwhelming, selling successfully in Central Arkansas  doesn’t require guesswork — it requires strategy. From pricing and preparation to marketing and negotiation, this comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what sellers need to

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty A listing agreement is one of the most important documents you’ll sign when selling your home — and one of the most misunderstood. In Arkansas, a listing agreement is a legally binding contract  between a property owner and a licensed real estate broker that authorizes the broker to market, negotiate, and sell the property under specific terms. It establishes expectations, protects both

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important — and most strategic — decisions you’ll make as a seller. Price it too high, and your home can sit on the market, losing momentum and ultimately selling for less. Price it too low, and you risk leaving real money on the table. In Central Arkansas , where buyer behavior, new construction, and neighborhood-level differences play a ma

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty An open house is one of the most powerful tools a seller has to create momentum, visibility, and buyer interest — when it’s done correctly . In Central Arkansas, open houses serve multiple purposes. They allow buyers to experience the home in person, give agents valuable feedback, and often spark interest from buyers who may not have scheduled a private showing yet. Just as importantly,

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty When you’re preparing to sell your home, staging is often one of the biggest questions sellers ask — and one of the most misunderstood. Staging isn’t about decorating for style. It’s about positioning your home to appeal to the largest pool of buyers , help them emotionally connect, and ultimately support stronger offers. In Central Arkansas , staging can play a significant role in how q

A Central Arkansas Home Seller’s Guide By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Selling a home is not just about putting a sign in the yard. A skilled seller’s agent plays a critical role in pricing strategy, preparation, marketing, negotiation, and risk management  — all with the goal of protecting your equity and guiding the transaction from listing to closing. For sellers in Central Arkansas, working with a truly local selle

A 2026 Seller Guide By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas Realtor Selling a home involves far more than putting a sign in the yard. From early planning to closing day, having a clear timeline helps sellers stay organized, reduce stress, and avoid costly missteps. While every sale is unique, most Central Arkansas home sales follow a predictable sequence. This guide breaks down the key stages of selling a home , so you know what to expect — and when — from st

A 2026 Seller’s GuideBy Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas Realtor As the Central Arkansas real estate market continues to normalize after several volatile years, many sellers are paying closer attention to how their homes are priced — and how pricing decisions hold up once buyers, lenders, and appraisers get involved. One question I hear often from sellers before listing is: “Should I get an appraisal before we put the house on the market?” The short answe

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker & Central Arkansas REALTOR® When selling a home, most sellers expect the buyer to order a home inspection — but fewer sellers consider completing an inspection before  their home ever hits the market. In today’s Central Arkansas real estate market, a pre-listing home inspection  can be a powerful strategic tool for sellers who want fewer surprises, stronger negotiations, and smoother closings. While a pre-listing inspection isn’t required

January – April 2026 Winter may be quieter in Arkansas, but January through April  quietly delivers some of the best festivals, cultural events, outdoor adventures, and spring celebrations  in the state. Whether you’re a local or considering a move to Central Arkansas, this guide highlights annual events buyers and residents plan around every year  — a huge win that makes it easy to find fun. 🗓️ JANUARY 2026: Winter Culture & Indoor Events January in Arkansas focuses on arts

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | Central Arkansas REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Arkansas continues to attract buyers from Texas, California, Illinois, Colorado, and other high-cost states who are drawn to affordability, space, and quality of life. But many out-of-state buyers make the same mistake: They assume Arkansas real estate works the same way as the market they’re coming from. It doesn’t. Arkansas is one of the most hyper-local real estate markets in the coun

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Introduction For many buyers and sellers, the appraisal is the most nerve-wracking part of a real estate transaction. And despite what many people believe, appraisal gaps are not just a big-city or coastal-market issue . They happen in Arkansas — especially in strong school districts, fast-growing suburbs, and new construction-heavy areas . When an appraisal comes i

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Introduction One of the most confusing moments for buyers — and one of the most frustrating realities for sellers — happens when two homes on the same street  sell for very different prices . To the average consumer, this feels unfair or illogical. “They’re basically the same house.” “How did that one sell for $30,000 more?” “Why didn’t ours get the same attention?”

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Introduction Interest rates dominate real estate headlines. They’re discussed on the news, debated online, and often used as the sole reason buyers delay a purchase or sellers hesitate to list. While interest rates absolutely influence affordability and buyer behavior in the short term, they are not  the strongest or most reliable driver of long-term home values in

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Choosing where to live in Central Arkansas isn’t just about price — it’s about lifestyle, commute, schools, space, and long-term value . This comparison hub breaks down the most common city vs city decisions  buyers make when relocating, moving up, or buying their first home in Central Arkansas. If you’re asking “Which area is better for me?”  — you’re in the right

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Buyers looking for affordable, small-town living in Central Arkansas  often compare Wooster  and Bigelow . While both offer quiet surroundings and rural appeal, they differ in location, commute, growth potential, and lifestyle fit . This guide breaks down the real differences so you can decide which area best fits your goals. 📍 Location & Commute Wooster Located in

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Buyers comparing Jacksonville  and Cabot  are typically deciding between value + convenience  and suburban lifestyle + amenities . While both are strong Central Arkansas markets, they serve different buyer priorities . This guide breaks down the key differences  so you can choose the one that best fits your goals. 📍 Location & Commute Jacksonville Northeast of Litt

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP Keller Williams Realty Central Arkansas Market Strategist Buyers relocating to Central Arkansas often compare Austin & Ward  with Cabot . While all three are in Lonoke County, they offer very different lifestyles, price points, and growth patterns . This guide breaks down the real differences  so you can decide which area best fits your goals. 📍 Location & Commute Austin & Ward Northeast of Little Rock Just north of Cabot