Are you planning on buying a home in Northwest Arkansas? Whether you’re relocating from another state or upgrading your lifestyle in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, or Springdale—there are several key things you need to know to avoid costly mistakes.
Hi, I’m Anthony Mosley, a licensed real estate broker based in Bentonville, Arkansas, and I help people like you relocate with confidence to Northwest Arkansas—one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.
If you’re ready to make a move to the Natural State, this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and make your transition as smooth as possible.
1. Start With Proof of Funds or a Mortgage Pre-Approval
Before scheduling showings or visiting open houses, be sure to get either:
- A proof of funds letter (if paying cash)
- A pre-approval letter from a lender (if financing)
Our local real estate market moves quickly. Without proof of financial readiness, sellers—and real estate brokers like myself—will hesitate to work with you. Don’t lose out on the perfect home by waiting too long to get your finances in order.
2. Get Clear on What You Want in a Home
One of the most common mistakes I see is buyers arriving in town without a clear vision for what they want. While you don’t need every detail sorted out, you should know basics like:
- Your ideal home size or style
- Whether you want to buy land, a single-family home, or a rental
- Preferred location (city center, suburbs, rural)
Knowing what you’re looking for helps us move faster in a competitive market and avoids wasting valuable time.
3. Be Realistic With Your Budget and Expectations
Yes, Arkansas is one of the most affordable states to live in—but Northwest Arkansas real estate is competitive.
We regularly see homes selling for 97–98% of list price. Lowball offers won’t fly here, especially in desirable areas like Bentonville and Fayetteville. Make sure your expectations align with what the market actually offers.
💡 Pro Tip: Dream homes like modern farmhouses on 3+ acres in top school districts often exceed $800,000+. Have realistic conversations with your agent early.
4. Understand the Risks of Contingent Offers
If you’re buying a home in Arkansas while trying to sell another property out of state, this is considered a contingent offer. These are only taken seriously when your current home is:
- Already under contract
- Past inspection and/or appraisal
- Nearing closing
Unprepared contingencies often fall through—and canceling contracts last-minute is stressful for everyone. Let’s talk about your timeline before we submit any offers.
5. Don’t Submit Multiple Offers on Different Homes
In some states, it’s common for buyers to submit offers on multiple homes and walk away from whichever one they like least. In Arkansas real estate, that’s not considered ethical.
As your broker, I won’t represent you on multiple offers at the same time. Instead, we’ll:
- Focus on one property at a time
- Use our inspection period to fully vet the home
- Present competitive, responsible offers
This approach shows sellers you’re serious—and increases your chances of securing the deal.
6. Be Cautious With Out-of-State Lenders
Yes, you can work with an out-of-state lender—but it often creates unnecessary hurdles.
Here’s why:
- They may be licensed in Arkansas but unfamiliar with local contracts or deadlines
- Miscommunication can lead to delayed closings or lost deals
- They may not understand regional title company practices
When possible, I recommend working with a local Arkansas lender who regularly handles Northwest Arkansas real estate deals.
7. Plan Ahead for Wire Transfers Before Closing
This one trips up a lot of buyers: Your bank may not have a branch in Arkansas.
Some financial institutions require you to initiate wire transfers in person. I’ve had clients drive 2–3 hours (to Kansas City or Tulsa!) just to complete their closing wire. Avoid this nightmare by:
- Confirming your bank’s wire process early
- Working with a local credit union or bank if needed
- Allowing extra time for final fund transfers
Ready to Make Your Move to Northwest Arkansas?
Relocating to Arkansas can be a life-changing opportunity—but only if you plan ahead and work with someone who knows the market inside and out.
📥 Download my FREE Northwest Arkansas Relocation Guide
📞 Let’s Connect
Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and timeline so we can make your move a smooth and successful one. Whether you’re headed to Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’m here to help.
Have questions or thinking about making a move to Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas?
Reach out anytime—or watch the full video for visuals and charts on my YouTube Channel.
— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas