Uncorked: July 2026 Dispatch

by Bethany Stephens

Happy summer!

I hope you have been doing all the things, from boating and sunning to grilling and relaxing.

Our latest adventure (after a fiercely competitive round of pickleball) was biking down to the Gear Garden at Blowing Springs Park to cool our jets with wine, beer & Sunday night jazz. The entire area - surrounded by food trucks featuring coffee, Taiwanese food, adult beverages and ice cream - sits in a hollow featuring a natural spring that spouts cold water and pushes out cool air, taking the temperature down significantly for a pleasant change. Join us for live music and a drink from 4p - 7p on Saturdays (country/folk) and Sundays (jazz). Kids can check out toy boats from the mini "marina" and tromp around in the creek, and the people-watching and vibes are excellent.

01. Top Notes:

Trends & Market Data

Luxury home sales are thriving. As I recently posted, the median luxury sale price is currently hovering just under $1.4M, and pending luxury sales jumped 4.3% year over year. Even more intriguing: luxury properties are appreciating at 2x the rate of non-luxury homes.

Yes, prices are climbing, but... despite a competitive (or "balanced") housing market where neither buyers or sellers hold a strong current advantage, projections still point to steady overall price growth - primarily because inventory remains limited. Non-luxury pending sales also rose 4%, and NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun noted home sales are expected to increase - albeit modestly, but steadily.

NWA JUNE MARKET TRENDS

REQUEST PROPERTY VALUE

WHAT BUYERS WANT IN 2026

02. Wine Events & Happenings

Sip, sip, hooray! A few things I think you should know...

Wine Wednesdays at Ryn started in June (every Wednesday 5p - 8p)

There are pizza nights, tastings & live music at Sassafras Springs all summer.

Muselet Champagne Bar has unlimited pours of Veuve Clicquot, smashburgers and oysters on July 19 (reserve ahead).

The Walton Arts Center Art of Wine event falls on July 24 (International Wine & Cheese Day)... you should join us!

Gather to Scatter hosts Time To Wine Down on October 21 at River Grille.

Need a new spot to sip? Check out my latest list: Vintage No. 01: Best NWA Wine Bars

03. Notable Listings

Lake life loading.

The Mermaid's Tail: Lot 1 Hinchingbrooke Lane ($350,000) boasts 5 acres in a small, gated subdivision on the very best (I'm a bit biased) end of Beaver Lake. Just two lots remain in this exclusive neighborhood in the quiet, secluded Lost Bridge Village area. It's the perfect spot for a dream home with the best of lake + woods. Custom home plans or build are options for this lot through the seller (a nearby neighbor and contractor) if desired. Slip in community dock.

The Dream Home Site: Lot 9 Hinchingbrooke Lane ($329,000) is a 3 acre +/- home site located at the highest site in the same secluded neighborhood as Lot 1. Gated access to a lighted stone entry and a classic wrought iron mailbox greet you as you turn off on the paved road to this home site. Views of the large island and Rocky Branch Marina in an exclusive neighborhood plus access across the road to a boat slip (and locker) in the community dock.

The Vantage Point: Lot 10 Hillcrest Road ($130,000) is a bit smaller and more approachable 0.74 acre site for a dream home offering sweeping, panoramic views of all five fingers of Beaver Lake on the Eureka Springs side. With a small neighborhood closer to the Dam Site and Starkey Marina, you'll find deep, cool water and more quiet coves than on the more popular boating and fishing sections of Beaver Lake. It's the perfect place to start living the lake life.

04. Base Notes

What I'd Buy: the best house I've shown recently is this absolutely immaculate home in Big Sky at 3611 Bitterroot Cove ($919,000) listed by my friend Jared Smith. Huge, private lot tucked in the back of a cul-de-sac, and every inch feels like it truly belongs in Big Sky country - from the gorgeous live-edge desk to the big, open living area with stellar wood and stone details. Primary suite with walk through shower & soaking tub steps from a heated, saltwater pool. Tons of upgrades - one of the best homes I've seen!

05. Post Script

Thinking of selling? Start here. I've got a seller questionnaire to help you clarify your timeline and goals, and you can request a property value estimate (for your own property or one you're coveting).

Thinking of buying? Start here. You'll find my free buyer's guide, my buyer questionnaire to help you collect your thoughts and focus your priorities as well as resources if you want me to refer you to an excellent lender or send you a curated list of properties so you can start (literally) window shopping.

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Bethany Stephens

Advisor | License ID: SA00096366

+1(479) 936-0253

Uncorked: July 2026 Dispatch

by Bethany Stephens

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