The Best Homebuying Tips by Siloam Springs Realtor Robert Smiley

Moving to Siloam Springs?

Do you need a Siloam Springs Realtor? I got ya! As a McGraw REALTOR who lives and works in Siloam, I know the area well! Here are some things you should know, see, and do in Siloam Springs…

Siloam Springs is a city located in Benton County, Arkansas, on the western edge of the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 17,287.

The community, known for the believed healing properties of the spring water that flows into Sager Creek, was established in 1882.

Why move to Siloam Springs?

• The city is known for its low crime rate, excellent public schools, and tight-knit community. Housing expenses typically fall below the national average.
• Siloam Springs offers a small-town atmosphere with a slower pace of life with a friendly, close-knit community feel.
• Siloam has the perfect balance of city and nature.

Ready to buy a home in Siloam Springs? Here are some tips from your Siloam Springs REALTOR, Robert Smiley.

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Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 1: Watch Your Credit

#1 Pay Your Bills On Time

By paying your bills on time, you are taking a proactive step towards improving your credit history. Timely payments show lenders that you are responsible and reliable when it comes to managing your finances. This can lead to better opportunities for obtaining credit in the future (like a loan for a new home!)

#2 Credit Utilization

Credit utilization refers to the percentage of your total available credit that you are currently using. It’s a measurement of how much credit you have access to (credit limit) compared to how much you’re actually borrowing. It’s often expressed as a percentage.

Credit utilization is a big factor in determining your credit score. Generally, a lower credit utilization ratio is better. It shows lenders that you are responsible with credit and not overextending yourself. Keeping your credit utilization below 30% is ideal.

#3 Collections

When you miss payments on a loan, credit card, medical bill, or other obligation, the creditor (the person or company you owe money to) may eventually sell your debt to a collection agency. The collection agency will then attempt to collect the debt from you, typically with phone calls, letters, and other communication.

Collections can have a significant negative impact on your credit score.

Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 2: Find A Realtor

A Realtor brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and connections to the table, making the process smoother and potentially saving you money in the long run. Let your agent do all the hard work while you sit back and enjoy the house-hunting process!

Your Siloam Springs REALTOR: Robert Smiley

If you are moving to NWA or Oklahoma, I can do the leg work for you!

Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 3: Get Pre-Approval

Preapproval is like a conditional commitment from a lender saying they’re likely to approve you for a home loan up to a certain amount. Get with a lender for pre-approval (your real estate agent can give you some tips).

For you: Preapproval clarifies how much you can comfortably afford, keeping your home search focused on realistic options.

For sellers: A preapproval letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer with the financial backing to complete the purchase. This can strengthen your offer, especially in competitive markets.

Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 4: Know Your Needs

Understand what is essential to you in a house. Prioritizing needs over wants can help you manage costs effectively.

If this is your first home, keep in mind that this is likely not your forever home. Prioritize what you need now in a house.

Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 5: Find Your Home!

Let your real estate agent get to work for you and find the house that fits your needs. Once he finds some options, then it’s time for the fun part: Go look at houses! Once you decide on a house, let your real estate agent take care of all of the negotiating and paperwork.

Siloam Springs Realtor Tip 6: Enjoy Siloam Springs

Here are some of my Siloam Springs favorites!

3 Places to Eat

Park House Kitchen + Bar

The Park House Kitchen + Bar in Siloam Springs is a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and coffee. They also have outdoor seating, live music events, takeout, table service, and walk-ins are welcome. The Park House Kitchen + Bar is located in a gorgeous historical property loaded with tons of character.

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Callahan’s Steak House

Callahan’s Steak House is a well-established local business that is family-owned and operated since 1993. Callahan’s prides itself on serving high-quality steaks, butchered in-house and cooked over mesquite for a smoky flavor.

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Doomsday Coffee and Roasterie

Doomsday is a veteran-owned coffee shop with locations in Siloam Springs and Fayetteville, Arkansas. It has become a top morning spot for me to relax and enjoy a delightful breakfast while watching Bob Ross paint on the TV.

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3 Things to Do

Dogwood Festival

The annual Dogwood Festival takes place in the streets of downtown Siloam Springs, over the last full weekend in April. The festival draws an estimated 35,000 people and is free to attend.

There are over 200 booths showcasing arts and crafts, handmade items, gifts, and vintage finds from vendors across the United States. There is also live music and entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.

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Siloam Springs Farmer’s Market

The Siloam Springs Farmers Market is an outdoor market that runs from April to October, coinciding with the spring and fall harvest seasons. You can find a variety of locally grown and produced items at the market, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, grass-fed meats and eggs, and hand-crafted items.

The market is held every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. at Memorial Park (205 E. Jefferson)

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Dogwood Springs Walking Trail

If you’re looking for a place to walk, hike, or bike in Siloam Springs, the Dogwood Springs Trail is a great option. It’s a beautiful and easy trail that offers something for everyone. The trail meanders through the city for about 1.8 miles, with sections along Sager Creek, around John Brown University, and through a riparian woodland.

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3 Places to See

Siloam Springs City Lake

Siloam Springs Lake is situated about 3 miles north of central Siloam Springs. It is a 165-acre lake fed by Flint Creek and eventually flows into the Illinois River. The lake and surrounding area offers walking, biking, hiking, fishing, paddling, birding, and relaxation.

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Siloam Springs Parks

With multiple parks in Siloam, finding a place to relax and take in the beauty of the town isn’t hard. You have the options of Memorial Park (home to the KIA Veteran’s Memorial and the Chautauqua Amphitheater), Bob Henry Park, and Twin Springs Park.

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Family Aquatic Center

The Siloam Springs Family Aquatic Center is a seasonal outdoor water park facility.

The aquatic center offers a variety of water features, including two 130-foot water slides, Two drop slides, a diving board, a zero-depth entry pool, a six-lane competition pool, and a children’s activity pool.

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3 Activities to Try

Hiking (unpaved trails)

For a short peaceful hike, check out the “Enchanted Forest” trail at Siloam Springs City Lake.

If you are willing to travel just a short distance outside of town, you can find the Twin Knobs hiking trail and Lake Wedington hiking trail for a longer, more immersive hike in the area. Or head just outside of town, into Oklahoma, to visit Natural Falls State Park for 4 great hiking trails.

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Biking

At the main parking area of Siloam Springs City Lake is a skills course and pump track. Here, mountain bikers can easily access the beginner loop for the more advanced trails, offering more challenging elevations and access to directional flow trails.

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Kayaking

There are a few kayaking options near Siloam Springs. City Lake is a great place to explore by kayak and enjoy a sunset. For more adventure, the Illinois River is the go-to. The Siloam Springs Kayak Park and WOKA offer kayaking options.

To kayak down the Illinois River, there are a few access points in Arkansas and many on the Oklahoma side.

All Illinois River Access Points

Kayaking the Illinois River in Arkansas

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