"Socialism is a philosophy of failure,   the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,   its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery...”   -- Winston Churchill Evil men will triumph only when good men Remain silent Unknown Train, retrain educate or die Unknown These are a few things I have got through emails or hearing it and I thought it was worth passing on. Think about it have a good day.     07/13/2011

                                        (This is too funny not to share)                                                    A married couple are traveling by car from Victoria to Prince George.                           Being  Seniors, after almost eleven hours on the road, they were too tired to                           continue, and decided to take a room. But, they only planned to sleep for                           four hours and then get back on the road. When they checked out four hours                           later, the desk clerk handed them a bill for $350.00.                                                    The man explodes and demands to know why the charge is so high.  He told                           the  clerk although it's a nice hotel; the rooms certainly aren't wo... 07/07/2011

  Vaseline   A man doing market research for the Vaseline Company, knocked at the door and was greeted by a young woman with three small children running around at her feet. "I'm doing some research for Vaseline. Have you ever used the product?" She said, "Yes. My husband and I use it all the time." "If you don't mind my asking," he said, "what do you use it for?" "We use it when we have sex," she said. The researcher was a little taken aback. "Usually people lie to me and say they use it on a child's bicycle chain or to help with a gate hinge. But, in fact, I know that most people do use it for sex. I admire you for your honesty. Since you've been so frank so far, can you tell me exactly HOW you use it for sex?" The woman said, "I don't mind telling you at all. My husband and I put it ... 07/03/2011

Working in our industry means working everyday with people that are in the currents of change. In terms of experience some are Olympic quality swimmers, some are barely able to dog paddle. Some move as if they are falling without a parachute, some are highly trained skydivers by comparison. But they are in it and Realtors are leading the way through! Some buyers and sellers are timid and shy, some are bold and brash. We see it all. Realtors quickly recognize their stlye, and needs. Every once in a while we meet a person who has big dreams or immediate needs of change yet they stand precariously on the edge of change, gripping with their toes while peering into the chance of a better future. They see the possibilities that lay ahead, but fear can be crippling. How will it all unfold? The... 06/27/2011

  An Old Guy An old guy (sort of like you and me, not in the best of shape) was working out in the gym when he spotted a sweet young thing... He asked the trainer that was near by "What machine in here should I use to impress that sweet thing over there?" The trainer looked him up and down and said "I would try the ATM in the lobby"..... 06/23/2011

WWDD? What Would Dad Do? Happy Father's Day friends. I cannot let the day pass without paying tribute to my Dad. Thank you Dad, for being just the person I needed you to be. Dad is a person that has devoted his life to improving the lives of others. He chose long ago to live by the tenets of his faith in God. Those tenets have defined him, not confined him. His faith has often been tried and tested and I can tell you it is unwavering. He loves and cares for the people around him. He is much more concerned with the heart of a person than anything else in this life. He has been a great Father, husband to my Mom, Pastor, friend and colleague, inspiration to countless people. His word has always been his promise and he never shied away from hard work, ever. If he knew of a need he would do ... 06/19/2011

When it is time to list a property there is one thing I make clear to sellers. NO MIXED MESSAGES! It sounds simple but somehow it is not always. Does everything about your plan say YES! I REALLY want to sell in a reasonable number of days. Yes I said days, not months and certainly not years! Selling takes a real life, carefully planned strategy. Have you done the proper maintenance inside and out? Is your home looking SHARP all over. Don't forget the check list: the yard and the garage, fresh paint, clean carpets, no trace of pet damage or odor, etc. Have you priced your property according to the current market  conditions, the size of your home and the condition of your property? The local numbers do not lie! Do not be taken in by promises of unreasonable gain in a down market. Have yo... 06/16/2011

Busy day today, following up on the customers who came to our open house at 1 Hedges in Bella Vista, AR.  Tried to contact an expired listing but couldn't dig up the phone number so I settled for an letter of introduction.  I will have to cruise the area in a couple of days to see if I can make contact. Mary had floor duty today and was contacted by a young couple that needs to rent something in the Bentonville area.  They told her they had already talked to several realtors who didn't want to help them.  Commission on a rental under $1000 per month is between $50 to $100 split that with your broker and now we are talking big bucks. Mary told them to stop by the office and she see what she could find them.   They arrived at our office and spent 20 minutes or so going over the MLS to com... 06/06/2011

I spent the day Saturday looking at 12 homes with a couple of very savvy potential buyers. It was a PLEASURE! We communicated by phone and email before meeting in person Saturday. The buyers knew their price range, they knew their list of 'must haves'. They knew for certain where they wanted to be, based on proximity to work. Perhaps most importantly they had studied the inventory thoroughly, comparing specific amenities. Their priorities were clear, location, condition, age, amenities, price. Sounds perfect right? Well almost. Even after doing that much homework, questions still remain for home buyers. Questions about how to keep your home search in balance in light of the possibility of future resale. When choosing a home we do so with a forward looking plan. We have to because on ave... 06/06/2011

                                                    Check out these big, bold and beautiful Moon Vines, yes they are from my yard. These babies only bloom after sunset. I think you'll agree that they put on quite a show. The blossoms are amazingly delicate and the crispest of white. Are you moving to Bentonville, AR ? Got a green thumb and anticpating what to put in your yard? The map of Plant Hardiness Zones below will tell you what you can expect. You'll find that northwest Arkansas is a plant lovers paradise. USNA - USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: South-Midwest US Oct 6, 2003 ... Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana,. Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, ... USDA Hardiness Zones and Average Annual Minimum Temperature Range ... Fairbanks, Alaska; Resolute, Northwest Territori... 06/02/2011

  Any slow learners in the crowd? This little tidbit was sent to me in an email recently and I when I read it I thought to myself WOW, 'This is one case where you'd get the lesson quickly!' I hope all my friends are enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend.  Two of the greatest virtues in life are:   1.)    Patience2.)    Wisdom    05/30/2011

Habitat For Humanity is alive and well in northwest Arkansas. Most are familiar with this great organization championed by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn. With a goal of making home ownership available to those with extenuating circumstances, volunteers identify the needs and build houses! The National Association of REALTORS has partnered with Habitat for Humanity on several occasions. We are so fortunate to have a Habitat for Humanity (Re)Store here in Bentonville, AR . The location is 908 SE 21st St. and is stocked with donated building materials from brads, nails and screws to windows. You'll also find doors and shingles, lighting fixtures and bathroom fixtures, blinds and flooring. The donated items are passed on to customers at a very reasonable price. I've been th... 05/22/2011

Today in Bentonville, AR lots of folks, including yours truly, gathered on the town square for the kick off of the seasonal Farmer's Market.  Add to that the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new and improved WalMart Visitor's Center complete with short speeches by Alice Walton and her brother Jim Walton, and other local dignitaries. Add live music. WOW it was FUN! The dedication of the Visitor's Center is the culmination of long months of work refurbishing the historic Terry Building on the square. That's a huge deal. I think all local citizens will agree the Bentonville Square shines like never before. It was a great time, even the SUN showed up for the festivities. The Farmer's Market is awesome and you can buy organically grown beef and lamb, fresh local honey, veggies, fruit and... 05/21/2011

 The link below will take you to Bentonville's Historic Peel Mansion, circa 1875. Originally the home of Col. Sam Peel, the Mansion is now a beautiful showcase of local history. The Peel Mansion features beautiful grounds in a once rural setting that has become the heart of town as Bentonville has grown over the decades. The Peel Mansion is a fantastic setting for weddings, anniversaries and gatherings large or small. Come and discover the beginnings of Bentonville, a thriving and vibrant place to be.  Home | The Peel Mansion The Peel Mansionand Historic Gardens in Bentonvile serve as a living display of ... of the history, heritage, and natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas." - The Peel Compton ... www.peelcompton.org/peel 05/16/2011

     If you live in the Bentonville, AR area and need a helping hand, Helping Hands, Inc is here to help you. Hungry? Often area churches are present at Helping Hands with hot soup and fresh sandwiches, yours for the taking. Need to round out the household? This amazing not for profit, volunteer operated facility is full of great items from kitchen utensils to gently used clothing and used CD's and books. Yes, I shop there occasionally too as their way of doing things suits my, 'reduce, reuse, recycle' lifestyle.  Whenever I leave Helping Hands I marvel at the power of people helping people....just right! Helping Hands, Inc. helpinghandsnwa.org · Official site Helping Hands, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to helping ones in need. Our Services About Donations Recent News / E... 05/15/2011

  Just sold by Charles Edwards of Century 21 Exclamation Realty. This lovely home is located in Kensington, one of Bentonville's premier communities. Kensington is well located near I540 and WalMart corporate headquarters. Kensington is convenient to all the terrific amenities that northwest Arkansas has to offer. Ready to buy or sell? When you need a Realtor in Bentonville, Rogers or Eureka Springs, Arkansas please call me, I am here to help you!               Listed by Lisa Beebe of Portfolio Luxury Real Estate Redefined 05/14/2011

A 6.5 acre park in Bentonville, AR was the vision of a local physician. Take a few minute and read about the lasting legacy of Dr. Neil Compton. He was one man that understood the necessity and long term benefits of preserving nature. Arkansas is also the home of the first federally protected river, The Buffalo National River, again thanks in large part to Dr. Compton. The Conference Centre at Compton Gardens312 N. Main St. 479-254-3870www.comptongardens.orgGifted to the Peel House Foundation in 2002, Compton Gardens showcases 6.5 acre garden and home of Dr. Neil Compton, a physician, author, photographer and naturalist. This natural woodlands garden unites plants, wildlife, and people. The garden is dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of gardening, horticulture and conservat... 05/13/2011

The Bentonville/Bella Vista, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce is a FANTASTIC resource, stop by or click to check out all that's going on. You may log on by way of the link below. The Chamber of commerce site offers you the inside scoop on upcoming events and much much more. Talk about user friendly and sharp as a tack, this site is both! New in town? You'll really benefit from the Newcomers Guide, the Economic Development section and the Calendar of Events. Take a good look sort of 'under the hood' of a dynamic area to live in. Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce Bentonville and Bella Vista are two unique northwest Arkansas communities that have a lot to offer for visitors, residents, retirees, business and industry. www.bbv.bbvchamber.com.bbv When it's time to find your place in Be... 05/09/2011

Happy Mother's day one and all. Your mother called and said she wants you to buy a house! My Mom was one of the great women of her day, but you already knew that didn't you? Smile, if you too have ( or had) a great Mom, and I know you did. My Mom was a Vermont farmer's daughter, the oldest of three siblings and the only girl born to Clayton Rose and Edna Eastman Rose back in December of 1931. She was Joyce Elaine Rose. You know by that date that she spent her early years in the grip of the Great Depression in the cold. That'll shape your psyche, and cement your world view.  She graduated from North Concord, VT High School in 1949 and rejected a few full ride scholarships to do what many of her peers did. Get married. Just over the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in southern Maine she ... 05/08/2011

I discovered this beauty today while working in my yard in Bentonville, Arkansas. Yes! My bargain cottage has a fantastic, huge and well planted mature yard. This was quite a sight. This iris is about 3.5 feet tall and growing up inside a shrub I have not identified yet. If I may gloat just a little (oh please let me..please!). There are 4 lilacs in my yard, three are purple and one is white. There is a huge ancient looking redbud tree, there are about a dozen large peonies, a pink dogwood, a white dogwood, irises and lilies galore. Add to that a few plants we cannot yet identify. I'll just consider this a GIANT HELLO TO MAY! Life is good!                      cedwards@ersells.com 04/30/2011