The Northwest Arkansas real estate market has been nothing short of crazy over the last 18 months.

• The nitty gritty: Between March 2020 and March 2021, the price of residential real estate across Benton and Washington counties rose by 11.82% and 23.56% respectively. A steady increase in demand coupled with a shortage of inventory has tipped the market almost fully in the sellers' favor.
• Silver lining: Despite the shortage in housing and subsequent increase in prices, Cave Springs has been named the best place to buy a house in the U.S. for 2021. The quiet bedroom community is also ranked No.1 in Arkansas for living and raising a family.

You can find more about NWA's housing market and market trends HERE.

HarkNWA is giving underrepresented communities in the region a voice. The nonprofit is part of Excellerate Foundation and aims to help people gain access to financial stability in times of trouble.

• Across the board: HarkNWA positions itself to listen to underrepresented members of the community to "help create a Northwest Arkansas where all people thrive." Many of the people they help are seeking aid in housing, health matters, or social matters.
• The right direction: The nonprofit specifically aims to help families above the poverty line but living "on the edge of financial instability." HarkNWA created a catalyst fund to help NWA residents gain financial stability in times of transition or emergencies.

Find out more about how HarkNWA is beginning to listen and make a difference HERE.

Walmart closed out its annual made in America Open Call event, inviting over 900 potential suppliers to pitch their products to the NWA-headquartered retail company.

• Remembering their roots: Walmart has been bringing small businesses into mass retail for years. This initiative supports Walmart's commitment to spend an additional $350B on items "made, grown, or assembled in the US."
• Success story: A former Chicago police officer turned applesauce producer, a partnership from Michigan making wigs and extensions, and a veteran-owned coffee roaster are just a few of the 167 products Walmart chose.

Find out more about how Walmart is encouraging entrepreneurship and American jobs through Open Call HERE.

Here's an interesting job that was posted to our community Job Board recently:

• Arkansas Razorbacks: The University of Arkansas Athletic Department is looking for an Assistant Director of Database Marketing & Management*

If you're interested, check out the description and apply HERE.

*content is sponsored

Last week, the NCAA announced new rules concerning college athletes' abilities to market their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

• A new era: With newly accepted guidelines, student-athletes are now permitted to earn revenue "based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades."
• PetSmart and beyond: Trey Knox received an endorsement deal with PetSmart, and he's not the only Razorback entertaining deals like this. Jaylin Williams and Davonte Davis have also expressed their interest in deals like Knox's, and they have new logos to show for it!

Read and learn more about the NIL rule and its impact on college athletics HERE.

NWA is in need of more healthcare professionals and, as a result, UAMS Northwest and Washington Regional Medical Center are increasing available residency slots for medical students in Arkansas.

• Staying In-State: The Arkansas Legislative Council approved nearly $12.5mm to expand NWA's medical capabilities, specifically through increased physician residencies and fellowships in the region.
• On the clock: These additions are long overdue, as Arkansas ranked 47th in the nation in active physicians per 100k people in 2018. The 92 new residency positions will be available in 2023.

You can learn more about how the NWA medical community is meeting the area's medical needs HERE.