Great time to sell your Arkansas house!

Great news Arkansas home owners. Call 501.993.6448 to list with Amy Glover Bryant at Ausum Realty today.

Arkansas Realtors® experienced an increase in the number of homes sold statewide in October as reflected in a report distributed by the Arkansas Realtors® Association this morning. The number of homes sold in Arkansas in October rose by almost six percent over a year ago while the average price of those homes sold rose by over 7 percent. The average price of the homes sold in the 43 county area surveyed by the Association increased from $145,959 in October 2011 to $157,267 in October 2012. Statewide valuations in October rose by over 14 percent from last year.

Excel and pdf versions of the October report can be found on the Arkansas REALTORS® Association website at http://www.arkansasrealtors.com/news-events/housing-market-reports.

For information on national numbers from the National Association of REALTORS®, please visit http://www.realtor.org.

A False Housing Recovery or for Real This Time?

A False Housing Recovery or for Real This Time?
	A False Housing Recovery or for Real This Time? Source: realtormag.realtor.org Deutsche Bank says that there have been seven false recoveries with the housing market in the last six years. Will this one stick?

arlifeathome@gmail.com sent this using ShareThis. Please note that ShareThis does not verify the ownership of this email address.

What Do Home Buyers Want Today?

What Do Home Buyers Want Today?

May 2012 Housing Report for Arkansas

Thanks to the City Wire for the May housing report for Arkansas. Check it out at http://thecitywire.com/node/22579#.T__5YYl5mc0

L.I.H.E.A.P. Energy Assistance

The Central Arkansas Development Council will hold Mass Intake Days for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) July 9 - 12 in Pulaski, Clark, Hot Spring, Columbia, Union, Lonoke, Saline and Ouachita Counties. The program will accept both regular and crisis applications.

In Pulaski County, the mass intake will be held Monday, July 9th and Tuesday July 10, 9 am until 1 pm both days at the Arts and Crafts Building at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard Street in Little Rock. The first 600 customers  each day will be served. After that, applications will be accepted on the following schedule in Pulaski County:

·         Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16), 8 am until Noon at the Arkansas Workforce Center of Little Rock, 5401 South University. Call 501-603-0909 for more information.

·         Thursdays Only (beginning July 18), 8 am until Noon at the Arkansas Workforce Center of Jacksonville, #2 Crestview Plaza. Call 501-603-0909 for more information.

In Clark County, the mass intake will be held Monday, July 9th, 9 am until 1 pm at the Clark County Fairgrounds, Extension Homemakers Building, Hwy 67 South in Arkadelphia. After that, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16th), 1 - 4 pm at the CADC Arkadelphia Senior Activity Center, 1305 North 10th Street. Call 501-315-1121 for more information.

In Hot Spring County, the mass intake will be held Tuesday, July 10, 1 - 4 pm at the Malvern Community Center, 1800 W. Moline Drive in Malvern. After that, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16), 8 am until Noon at the Arkansas Workforce Center of Malvern, 1735 E. Sullenberger. Call 501-315-1121 for more information.

In Columbia County, the mass intake will be held Tuesday, July 10, 9 am until 1 pm at the Jimmie Red Jones Community Center, 231 S. Frederick in Magnolia. After that, applications will be accepted at the CADC Magnolia Office Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16), 8 am until Noon. Call 870-234-6444 for more information.

In Union County, the mass intake will be held Wednesday, July 11 , 8 am until Noon at the TAC House, 1101 North West Avenue in El Dorado. After that, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16), 8 am until Noon, at the CADC El Dorado Office, 1426 North West Avenue. Call 870-864-0067 for more information.

In Lonoke County, the mass intake will be held Wednesday, July 11, 9 am until 1 pm at the Lonoke Community Center, 1355 Front Street in Lonoke. After that, applications will be accepted Monday through Wednesday (beginning July 16), 8 am until Noon at the CADC Lonoke Office, 117 South East Front Street. Call 501-676-0019 for more information.

Also in Lonoke  County, applications will be accepted Thursdays (beginning July 18), 8:30 until Noon at the Ward Municipal Complex, 405 Hickory Street. Call 501-676-0019 for more information.

In Saline County, the mass intake will be held Thursday, July 12, 9 am until 1 pm at the CADC Benton Head Start cafeteria, 321 Edison Avenue in Benton. After that, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16) at the CADC Benton Head Start, 321 Edison Avenue. Call 501-778-1133 for more information.

In Ouachita County, the mass intake will be held Thursday, July 12, 9 am until 1 pm at the Carnes Park Teen Town Building, 955 Adams Street in Camden. After that, applications will be accpeted Monday thru Wednesday (beginning July 16) at the CADC Camden Office, 313 Jefferson Street, 8 am until Noon. Call 870-836-3200 for more information.

In other counties, applications will also be accepted:

In Calhoun County, applications will be accepted July 12, 8:30 a.m. until noon at the CADC Calhoun County Office, 210 S. Lee St. Call 870-798-2457. Beginning July 16, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday from 8 am until Noon.

In Dallas County, applications will be accepted Monday thru Wednesday, beginning July 9, 8 a.m. until Noon at the CADC Dallas County Office, 410 East 4th Street in Fordyce. Call 870-352-8894 for more information.

In Montgomery County, applications will be accepted Wednesdays, beginning July 11, 8 a.m. until Noon at the CADC Mt. Ida SCAT Office, 112 Hwy 270 West, Suite 10 in Mt. Ida. For more information, call 870-867-0151.

In Pike County, applications will be accepted Mondays, beginning July 9, from 8 a.m. until Noon at the Murfreesboro Senior Activity Center, 120 E. Court, Suite A. Applications will also be accepted on Tuesdays, beginning July 10, 8 a.m. until Noon at the Glenwood Senior Activity Center, 229 Betty Street in Glenwood. Call 501-315-1121 for more information.

LIHEAP assists households with home energy and heating bills. Eligible households must meet income guidelines and furnish proof of all household income for the month prior to applying. For a household of 1, monthly countable income is $1,462. Countable income includes check stubs, child support, unemployment, housing utility assistance, SSI, SSA, TEA, VAS and retirement benefits.

To qualify for Crisis LIHEAP, persons must have a disconnect notice with a disconnect date within 7 days of application date.

All households receiving food stamps are potentially eligible to receive this assistance; however, the program is not limited to food stamp recipients. Persons, including elderly and disabled who previously received LIHEAP forms in the mail do not need to attend LIHEAP Mass Application Days. Applications should be returned to the CADC office completely filled.

To apply for assistance, the household should bring proof of income for all household members 18 years or older for the previous month, proof of child support, proof of unemployment for all household members age 18 and older, proof of social security, retirement, pensions, workman's comp or disability, proof of utility allowance and if no income, proof of how bills are being paid. Social security numbers and birthdates for all household members are required. Failure to provide verification requested may result in delay or denial of assistance. Allow agency 35 days to make payment. For more information, call your local CADC office.

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the "War on Poverty." The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please call 501-778-1133.

AR AG: What You Should Know About Landlord/Tenant Rights

The following from Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel will provide you with information on tenants' rights in Arkansas. This information applies only to privately owned rental units and not to government subsidized housing.

When you rent a house or apartment, you usually agree to take it "as is". This means that the landlord does not have to provide additional maintenance to the dwelling. There are, however, city building codes to protect your health and safety. If you have health or safety problems with your dwelling, contact the City Housing Inspector to find out if your landlord has violated housing codes.

The landlord may not have to make repairs to your dwelling unless there is an agreement to do so, either written or oral, that can be proven. Such agreements should be made in writing.

If a landlord does not live up to his end of the bargain or do what he says he will do, the tenant should still pay rent. Tenants may have some recourse such as going to small claims court, renegotiating the terms of your lease agreement, moving or seeking the advice of a private attorney.

Both oral and written lease agreements are binding. In most cases it is better to have a written agreement so there are no misunderstandings about each party’s responsibilities.

If you plan to move and have an oral lease agreement, you must give one rental period’s notice, before the next rent is due.

If you plan to move and have a written lease agreement, you must give notice according to the provisions of your lease.

If you plan to sublease your apartment or house, you must settle with the landlord, and obtain written directions from him or her stating the amount of rent that can be collected.

If a landlord is going to raise your rent, he must give you one rental period’s notice in writing or an oral lease agreement or abide by the terms of a written lease.

A security deposit law gives tenants added protection when leasing a residential dwelling. This law applies only to landlords who rent six or more dwellings and contains the following provisions:

If you are required to pay a security deposit, you cannot be charged in excess of two months rent. For example, if your rent is $200 a month, a landlord cannot require a security deposit of more than $400.
When you move, the landlord must return your security deposit within 60 days. The landlord may, however, deduct from the security deposit any damages made to the dwelling or any past due rent.
If the landlord deducts from your security deposit an amount to cover damages or unpaid rent, he must give you a written, itemized list of the charges withheld within 30 days of the time you vacate.
A landlord may withhold the entire amount of the security deposit for damages or unpaid rent. He must give you a written, itemized list of the charges withheld within thirty (30) days of the time you vacate.
In Arkansas, a landlord may give notice of termination for any reason. Even if you are a model tenant—quiet, paying your rent on time and keeping your apartment clean—your landlord can refuse to renew your lease. He must give you one rental period’s notice if you have an oral lease, or give notice according to the terms of the written lease if you have one. (The only exception is for non-payment of rent in which case eviction procedures may take place.)

Failure to pay rent or to pay rent on time, for any reason, is grounds for eviction.
There are two types of eviction procedures a landlord can use to get you to move: "unlawful detainer" ( a civil eviction) and "failure to vacate" (a criminal eviction).

If a landlord uses the "unlawful detainer" method of eviction, he must give you three (3) days written notice to vacate. If you do not leave, the landlord can sue by filing a complaint against you in court. After you receive a summons to appear in court, you have five (5) days to object in writing to the eviction. If you do not file an objection you can be removed from the dwelling by the Sheriff. If you do object, a hearing will be scheduled to determine your right to possession of the property.

If a landlord uses the "failure to vacate" method of eviction, he must give you ten (10) days written notice. This method of eviction applies only to non-payment of rent. If you do not leave the premises within ten (10) days, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. You would then be required to appear in court where you could be fined up to $25 for each day you remained in the dwelling after being given the ten (10) day notice to vacate.

A landlord is not permitted to change the locks on your doors, move your furniture out, turn off your utilities or use any other "self-help" method of eviction or harassment to get you to move.

Additionally, Arkansas landlord/tenant law states that upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of any lease agreement, all property left in the dwelling by the tenant will be considered abandoned, and may be disposed of by the landlord as the landlord sees fit and without recourse by the tenant. All property left on the premises by the tenant is subjected to a lien in favor of the landlord for the payment of all sums agreed to be paid by the tenant.

Discrimination is another issue that Arkansas tenants may experience. A new federal housing law protects tenants from some acts of discrimination at apartments. In September 1988, amendments to the Fair Housing Act were enacted into law to take effect March 20, 1989, (Pub. L. No. 100-430, 102 Stat. 1619). The Act prohibits discrimination in any residential real estate-related transaction. The new law includes the following provisions:

Bans residential discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, handicap, familial status or national origin;
Bars advertisements and publications that indicate or intends any preference, limitation, or discrimination (e.g., adults only in a particular complex or section);
Prohibits discrimination in the terms or conditions of the sale or rent of a dwelling;
Bans discriminating against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, marital status or national origin in the use of facilities associated with the dwelling;
Forbids discriminatory assignment of a person to a particular section of a complex or development or to a particular floor of a building
Always read a lease agreement before signing and keep a copy for your files. If you have questions about your rights under Arkansas landlord/tenant laws, seek legal advice.

For more information contact:
Consumer Protection Division
501-682-2341
800-482-8982 (statewide)
501-682-8118 (fax)
consumer@arkansasag.gov

Best Places for Retiring in Arkansas

SmartMoney.com released a report unveiling the four places in Arkansas that offer retirees "low living costs, high returns."


Click here for full story.

An Unusual Secret Weapon? Boost a Home Price by $7k

An Unusual Secret Weapon? Boost a Home Price by $7k

NAR: Fewer House, Higher Prices.

Sounds like the law of supply and demand may be coming in to play in terms of housing.  That's a good thing for folks thinking about selling their home.  Perhaps we are moving from a buyer's market to a seller's??  Let's hope so 'cause I for one am wanting to sell.

According to a news release from the National Association of Realtors, limited supplies of housing inventory held back existing-home sales in May, but sales maintained a strong lead over year-ago levels and home prices are on a sustained uptrend in all regions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.55 million in May from 4.62 million in April, but are 9.6 percent above the 4.15 million-unit pace in May 2011.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said inventory shortages in certain areas have been building all year. "The slight pullback in monthly home sales is more likely due to supply constraints rather than softening demand. The normal seasonal upturn in inventory did not occur this spring," he said. "Even with the monthly decline, home sales have moved markedly higher with 11 consecutive months of gains over the same month a year earlier."

There are broad-based shortages of inventory in the lower price ranges in much of the country except the Northeast, and in the West supply is extremely tight in all price ranges except for the upper end. "Realtors® in Western states have been calling for an expedited process to get additional foreclosed properties onto the market because they have more buyers than available property," Yun added. Widespread inventory shortages also are found in much of Florida.

Total housing inventory at the end of May slipped 0.4 percent to 2.49 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 6.6-month supply² at the current sales pace; there was a 6.5-month supply in April. Listed inventory is 20.4 percent below a year ago when there was a 9.1-month supply. Unsold inventory has trended down from a record 4.04 million in July 2007; supplies reached a cyclical peak of 12.1 months in July 2010.

"The recovery is occurring despite excessively tight credit conditions and higher downpayment requirements, which are negating the impact of record high affordability conditions," Yun said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage declined to a record low 3.80 percent in May from 3.91 percent in April; the rate was 4.64 percent in May 2011; recordkeeping began in 1971.

The national median existing-home price³ for all housing types rose 7.9 percent to $182,600 in May from a year ago, the third consecutive month of year over year price gains. The last time there were three back-to-back price increases from the same month a year earlier was from March to May of 2006. "Some of the price gain results from a shrinking share distressed homes in the sales mix," Yun explained.

Distressed homes⁴ - foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts - accounted for 25 percent of May sales (15 percent were foreclosures and 10 percent were short sales), down from 28 percent in April and 31 percent in May 2011. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 19 percent below market value in May, while short sales were discounted 14 percent.

NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, offers advice to buyers in markets with limited supply. "We are hearing a lot about multiple bidding and quick sales in areas with tight supply, with competition between first-time buyers and cash investors, who have a significant advantage," he said.
"It's extremely important to listen to the advice of your agent and perform all the due diligence that you would normally do in a more balanced market, such as making offers contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection," Veissi said.

First-time buyers accounted for 34 percent of purchasers in May, compared with 35 percent in April and 36 percent in May 2011.

All-cash sales slipped to 28 percent of transactions in May from 29 percent in April; they were 30 percent in May 2011. Investors, who account for the bulk of cash sales, purchased 17 percent of homes in May, down from 20 percent in April and 19 percent in May 2011. "These figures reflect a modest increase in traditional repeat home buyers in May," Yun said.

Single-family home sales slipped 1.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.05 million in May from 4.09 million in April, but are 10.4 percent above the 3.67 million-unit level in May 2011. The median existing single-family home price was $182,900 in May, up 7.7 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales fell 5.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 500,000 in May from 530,000 in April, but are 4.2 percent higher than the 480,000-unit pace one year ago. The median existing condo price was $180,000 in May, which is 8.8 percent above May 2011.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 4.8 percent to an annual level of 590,000 in May but are 7.3 percent higher than May 2011. The median price in the Northeast was $250,700, up 3.8 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 1.0 percent in May to a pace of 1.04 million and are 19.5 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $147,700, up 6.4 percent from May 2011.

In the South, existing-home sales slipped 0.6 percent to an annual level of 1.78 million in May but are 9.2 percent higher May 2011. The median price in the South was $159,700, up 7.8 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West declined 3.4 percent to an annual pace of 1.14 million in May but are 3.6 percent above a year ago. The median price in the West was $233,900, up 13.4 percent from May 2011. "The sharp price increase in the West results largely from more sales at the upper end of the market," Yun explained.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. 

Mom to Mom: Tips for Safely Enjoying Fourth of July Fireworks

As brilliant colors blanket the sky and the sound of fireworks echo in neighborhoods this fourth -of-July, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers fireworks safety tips to help prevent injuries during this traditional holiday.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 21,692 people were treated for injuries related to fireworks in 2011.

"Many people view these mini explosives as harmless, when in fact they can be very dangerous to people of all ages," said orthopaedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson William Obremskey, MD. "Take it from one who picked up a "dud" as a kid and suffered minor burns. You can also lose a finger, damage your eyes or worse. To avoid injury, people should not use fireworks at home, but instead find a park or outdoor location that showcases fireworks."

There are plenty of ways for you to enjoy fireworks this summer without putting yourself or your family at risk. In an effort to reduce the number and severity of firework-related injuries, the Academy offers some safety guidelines for adults who do choose to use fireworks:

• Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks can be discharged legally in your area.  If so, determine which types are legal.
• Never buy or use illegal fireworks.  Their quality cannot be assured. 
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Never hold lighted fireworks with your hand or place them near the body.
• Always have water handy in case of a fire. For example, a hose hooked to a faucet or a bucket of water. 
• Read the caution label on packaging before igniting.
• Wear safety eyewear when using fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before discarding.
• Never try to relight a firework.
• If you are injured using fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.
• Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks, including sparklers. They
  seem harmless but sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
• Never handle fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.   

House to House: Now is good time for homeowners to inspect decks

Considering that my deck is nearing the age of 10 years, I was glad to receive a news release reminding me to check my deck for safety concerns that could lead to accidents and injuries. It’s a thought that never occurred to me and probably wouldn’t have until the damage was done. It’s also a great time to do it since we are heading into prime deck-using season and we’ll be serving more meals out there in the months to come.


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House to House: Bird watchers can take steps to protect songbirds from hawks

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 


For the last two weeks, my co-workers and I have been enjoying the flirtations and frequent visitations of a family of cardinals outside our office windows. They often perch on the small ledges outside as if to ask if we, like the 6,000-plus Realtors in Arkansas, could help them find a home. 


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House to House: Tips help readers get bats out of belfry, other areas of home

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 

I don’t know if it is the warm weather, but there seems to be a lot more news about bats in Arkansas lately. Just last week I was reading about a bat with rabies being found near the Old Mill in North Little Rock.

The good news is that bats are one of the best insect controls there is, eating up to 600 mosquitoes each in an hour. We love this aspect of bats so much that my husband and I are considering building a bat house. We are getting our plans from the Organization for Bat Conservation website atwww.batconservation.org/drupal/free_plans.

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House to House: Cockroaches produce allergens, create health risk in homes

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 


For 23 million Americans — including me — spring showers (and those Bradford pear trees) bring more than rejuvenation. They bring sniffles, sneezes and wheezing that could only mean allergy season is here. But before you and I run for cover indoors this spring, we apparently need to take heed: One of the most dangerous allergens (please say it isn’t so!) may be crawling inside our homes.


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House to House: Home Resolutions Can Save Money, Grief

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 


While you are busy making the typical New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, lose weight or quit smoking, why not make a few New Year’s resolutions for your home? Doing so might not just help you increase the value of your home and/or help you sell it, those resolutions might just save you a few frustrating moments in 2012.


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House to House: ARA, ASPCA offer tips to keep pets safe around holiday decor

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. The photo is by www.ARSportsPhoto.com.  

The staff at the Arkansas Realtors Association has been busy decorating our offices and our homes for the holidays.

We’ve been shopping for the “best deals” on indoor and outdoor lights, discussing how the recent rains might be impacting our outdoor lighting displays and growing more and more excited about spending the holidays with family and friends.

Like many people, this is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. I’ve always thought home never felt more like home than it does during the holidays. Maybe it’s the fire in the fireplace, the lights of the tree or the anticipation of young family members waiting for the day when all those presents can be popped open.

The one thing I’ve always missed because I have a house full of pets is surrounding my tree and my house with bright, big poinsettia plants. I always heard they were deadly to animals. Not so says the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. Yes, eating them will make your dog or cat feel pretty awful — mouth and stomach irritations and vomiting — but the ASPCA says its toxicity is overrated.

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House to House: HouseLogic offers tips to avoid common holiday mishaps

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette  and numerous papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 

This week’s column is co-written by Emma Gillaspy, an eighth grader at Bob Courtway Middle School in Conway.

At the holidays I am always reminded of how blessed I am with family. When I say “blessed,” I mean Thanksgiving with 40 to 60 of my closest relatives — cousins, aunts, new babies and lots of great stories about days gone by and our ancestors. Then there are the food “must haves” like the requisite hot sausage tradition started by my great-grandfather, and my grandmother Maxine’s chocolate cake, without which my wing of the family would probably not make it through the door.

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House to House: CDC tips help protect residents, rescue crews after disaster

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and papers throughout Arkansas is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 

Knock on wood, I’ve never really had to deal with flooding or damage from tornadoes.

However, I keep in my thoughts the countless Americans who are still dealing with the wind damage and flooding that resulted from Hurricane Irene and the spring 2011 tornadoes. Lately, if you’ve seen me on any given weekend I am most likely wearing my “Willdabeast” shirt. The shirt memorializes the Joplin, Mo., teenager, Will Norton, who died in the May 22 tornado on his way home from his high school graduation. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales go to Joplin disaster relief.

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House to House: Apologies to Pepe le Pew — DIY deterrents may repel skunks from property

The following article printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is the sole product and property of the Arkansas Realtors Association. 

Dear Pepe le Pew: Your kind has returned to my neck of the woods and, as much as I enjoyed watching you on cartoons as a child, the thrill is gone.

Actually, in all fairness Pepe, it’s not you — it’s the reality show version of you. Unlike the song you once crooned to me, I am not in the mood for love. The cold hard truth is that you and your Arkansas cousins stink, and your cousins’ stink lingers far too long after they’ve left. Eau de Skunk is not a scent I enjoy. Not early in the morning as I sit on my deck or late in the evenings as I sit on my porch. Nor do I enjoy the anxiety of having my dogs smelling of skunk upon re-entering my home.

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