From the busy corridor of Northwest Arkansas to the capital in the middle of the state, Arkansas offers a wide range of price points and lifestyles. If you are planning a purchase in 2027, this guide covers Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Conway, the loan types we can help you compare, and the state housing agency that may be worth a look. Shay Yates and the True North Yates Group team are a small, Springfield, Missouri based team licensed to lend in Arkansas, and we answer the phone. You can also read our Arkansas page for a quick overview.
Where buyers are looking in Arkansas
Here is a quick tour of places we hear about often. This is not a ranking and not advice about where anyone should live. It is simply a starting point for your own search.
Bentonville
Home base for a large national retailer and the center of a busy Northwest Arkansas job market. Newer neighborhoods keep growing, and price points here run higher than much of the state.
Rogers
Next door to Bentonville with a mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction. A natural place to look if you want to be close to Northwest Arkansas employers.
Fayetteville
A university town with a lively downtown and one of the more active resale markets in Northwest Arkansas, from older homes near the center to newer builds on the edges.
Little Rock
The capital and the biggest sales volume in the state, with a broad range of price points. Little Rock Air Force Base is nearby in Jacksonville, so Veteran and military buyers are part of the market.
Conway
A growing city in Faulkner County within commuting distance of Little Rock, with new construction and established neighborhoods side by side.
Loan programs to know in Arkansas
Most Arkansas buyers end up choosing among a handful of loan types. We compare them side by side for your situation, with no pressure.
- Conventional loans. A flexible choice for buyers with solid credit, and often a good fit for larger purchases or second homes.
- FHA loans. Government insured loans designed with flexible credit and smaller down payments in mind, a common route for first-time buyers.
- VA loans. A benefit for eligible Veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses. Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville is the state's best known military installation, and VA buyers are common in central Arkansas.
- USDA loans. Beyond Northwest Arkansas and the Little Rock area, many Arkansas towns and rural areas may be USDA eligible. Check the address, and we can walk through how that loan works.
- First-time buyer programs. Help from ADFA, covered below.
First-time buyer help from ADFA
Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is the state agency behind homebuyer programs in Arkansas. ADFA offers the StartSmart First-Time Homebuyer Program, which can be paired with its down payment assistance. First-time status can be waived for buyers in certain targeted counties and for Veterans with the right paperwork. Loans go through ADFA approved lenders, so ask us whether you may qualify.
Program details, limits, and which lenders take part are set by the agency and can change, so please check the agency's own site, ADFA, for the latest. We do not want to promise anything the agency has not. What we can do is look at your situation and tell you honestly what to ask about.
A local thing worth asking about
ADFA's StartSmart program lists a set of federally targeted counties where the first-time buyer requirement does not apply. If you are buying in one of them, or you are a Veteran, ask us how that could change your options.
How we work with Arkansas buyers
The path is the same wherever you are buying. First comes a no pressure conversation about your goals and your budget. Next we look at loan options and, if it makes sense, get you pre-approved so your offer stands out. Once you are under contract, we keep you posted at every step, from the appraisal to the closing table, and we explain each document in plain English. If a question comes up at 9 at night, send a text.
Next steps
Not sure where to start? Start with a simple conversation. We will listen first, then map out a plan that fits your timeline. You can see where we lend on our states we serve page, read the Arkansas page, send us a note on the contact page, or start your application. Shay and the team are just a text away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shay licensed to help with a home loan in Arkansas?
Yes. Shay Yates (NMLS 2172921) is licensed through Southwest Funding to originate loans in Arkansas. Licensing details are on our Arkansas page, and you can verify any loan officer at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use an Arkansas program?
Usually that is the rule, but ADFA's StartSmart program waives it in certain federally targeted counties and for Veterans with proper documentation. Details change, so check with ADFA and ask us whether you may qualify.
Is Northwest Arkansas the only fast growing area?
No. Growth is also showing up in the Little Rock and Conway area. We are happy to talk through what you are seeing wherever you plan to buy.
Do I need to live in Missouri to work with you?
No. Our team works with buyers in Arkansas and other states by phone, text, and secure online tools, so you can apply and move through the process from home. Reach us any time on the contact page.
This post is general information, not financial advice or a commitment to lend. Programs and eligibility vary and are subject to credit and property approval. Talk with a loan officer about your situation.