Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for land to build on, or investing in a commercial property, navigating the Arkansas real estate market comes with important questions—and sometimes conc

Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for land to build on, or investing in a commercial property, navigating the Arkansas real estate market comes with important questions—and sometimes concerns. As a licensed Executive Broker with Real Broker NWA and years of experience serving buyers across our beautiful state, I’ve had the privilege of walking many clients through these exact situations.

Here are the top concerns I hear from buyers in today’s Arkansas market, broken down by property type:

🏡 Top Buyer Concerns: Residential Real Estate

1. Property Condition & Repairs
Buyers often worry about costly repairs—especially with older homes. Concerns include aging HVAC systems, roofs, foundations, and signs of water or pest damage. Home inspections are critical, and buyers want to know the home's true condition before making an offer.

2. Affordability & Interest Rates
Rising mortgage rates have impacted buyer budgets. Many are asking how to get pre-approved, lock in rates, and stay within their comfort zone financially while still finding a quality home.

3. School Districts
Families want to be in the right district. Schools in Pottsville, Russellville, Bentonville, and Fayetteville are often in high demand, and that can affect both prices and inventory availability.

4. Flood Zones & Insurance
Floodplain disclosures and required insurance can be a surprise to some buyers. Properties near rivers or low-lying areas are closely examined for risk and cost.

5. Internet & Utilities in Rural Areas
For buyers interested in the peace of rural life, reliable internet and access to rural water or natural gas are increasingly non-negotiable—especially for remote workers.

🌲 Top Buyer Concerns: Land & Acreage

1. Perc Testing & Soil Quality
Before building, buyers want assurance the land will support a septic system. A passed perc test is a major plus.

2. Access & Easements
Clear, legal access is a must. Buyers want to know if roads are maintained, and whether there are shared driveways or hidden easements.

3. Zoning & Land Use Restrictions
Can the property be used for hunting, farming, or placing a mobile home? These are frequent questions, and zoning regulations vary widely by county.

4. Timber & Mineral Rights
Buyers want clarity on what rights convey with the property. In Arkansas, it’s common for timber or mineral rights to be excluded—sometimes without the buyer realizing.

5. Survey Accuracy
An up-to-date survey gives peace of mind, especially when fencing, driveways, or structures are near property lines.

🏢 Top Buyer Concerns: Commercial Properties

1. Zoning & Permitting
Buyers want to make sure their business type is permitted in the area. Rezoning or variances can be time-consuming, so properties with proper zoning are preferred.

2. Traffic Exposure & Visibility
Location matters—especially for retail or service-based businesses. Buyers are asking for traffic counts, signage visibility, and nearby growth potential.

3. Environmental Risk
Past use of the property can raise red flags. Buyers are cautious of old fuel stations, farms, or industrial uses that may have contaminated the site.

4. Tenant History & Income
Investor buyers want to see rent rolls, lease agreements, and vacancy history. A strong income track record makes a property far more attractive.

5. Parking & Accessibility
Adequate customer or employee parking and ADA compliance can make or break a deal—especially in urban or high-traffic areas.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your clients’ concerns is the first step in helping them make confident, informed decisions. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or looking for your next piece of land, knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your real estate journey—or simply have questions about a property—I'm here to help.

📞 Contact Tonya Moles, Executive Broker with Real Broker NWA 479-857-3633
Let’s find the perfect property, together.