Buying a Home in Carroll County, AR

When relocating to Carroll County, the homebuyer will find a veritable cornucopia of properties to choose from. Contemporary ranch-style homes are available in most areas of the county, both in-town and in the more rural areas. Golf afficionados may want to consider real estate in Holiday Island, with its many modern homes built "on the green". Holiday Island is also a good location for those interested in low maintenance condominiums and townhomes. If Victorian homes are your thing, you've most likely already discovered Eureka Springs. Fixer-uppers are sometimes available for moderate prices, while fully restored Victorians will fetch more. Remember that older homes can require extensive maintenance and be much less energy efficient, so even if you save money on the initial purchase of an older home, you may spend much more later on upgrades and general upkeep. Energy credit incentives are sometimes available at the state and federal level for those who need to improve the efficiency of a home's insulation, windows, and doors. Homebuyers may want to look into these programs when considering the purchase of an older home. Homes in Berryville and Green Forest are generally less expensive than their western district counterparts, and often come with the added advantage of a flatter yard.

When shopping for homes, pay particular attention to the construction of the home. Even if you are not a home building expert, there are still a number of basic things you will want to watch for in this area of the Ozarks. First, be sure that land doesn't slope towards the home. If it does, ensure that the home is elevated or that a French drain system is in place. Homes built of water-resistent materials such as stone, brick, concrete, and stucco will tend to withstand the humidity and elevated moisture levels of the Ozarks better than those of wood and other porous composites. One treatment of stone that was historically popular in the Ozarks is known as "giraffe". This application of orange and tan hued stone with gray mortar is rather charming, and is said to have originated in Italy. Houses built with this construction can be seen in all parts of the county. Masonite siding (almost like cardboard) has a particularly bad reputation in these parts. If exterior wood components are not pressure-treated, or made of a naturally rot-resistent species like redwood, cedar, or cypress, they will need to be stained or painted regularly. Log homes are also popular. Hewed logs are more traditional, and it is said that the exposed heartwood is more resistent to insects and decay. A log cabin will require routine chinking every so often to remain weather tight. With round logs, remember that pine logs rot from the outside in, and oak from the inside out. Bark that was left on can attract insects. Substantial overhangs and a stone or concrete foundation can help to keep moisture away from the walls of a home. Piers are another option that can encourage ventilation. Be certain that any wood siding or trim does not reach down to the ground, where it would be more likely to attract termites, and wick up moisture from the earth. Paying for a professional home inspection is always a wise investment, particularly in this part of the country where building codes haven't always been strictly enforced.