The Vista Blog

Spec Home vs Custom Home: Which is Better?

Posted by Rachel Allain on September 28, 2023

Spec home vs custom home - that is the question. What makes these two types of builds different and how do I know which one is best for me?

The short and simple answer: Custom homes are homes that are made from entirely scratch - using unique blueprints that are designed by a home builder. You get to customize to the "T". Spec homes, on the other hand, are a neat little term for a house that is pre-designed and pre-built, ready for a potential buyer to move in.

But there is more to this than this watered down response. How can you know which fit would be best for you? Let's dig into the specifics of specs and custom builds.

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Tags: Building Tips & Info, Floor Plans

Open Floor Plan or Formal Dining Room? Pick Your Dining Style

Posted by Shelly Salomon on August 29, 2023

Open or closed off? That's the question many homeowners face when deciding between an open concept kitchen or a formal dining room. The choice may seem like a mere arrangement of walls and furniture, but it embodies a profound shift in how we envision and experience our living/dining/cooking spaces. 

A glance at your friends' home designs or a quick online search will reveal that neither design philosophy holds absolute superiority over the other. In fact, the ONLY determining factors are your personal style and unique needs. 

In this regard, this post lays out the differences between open concept floor plans and formal dining rooms, including the pros and cons of each design alternative.

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Tags: Building Tips & Info, Floor Plans

Featured Custom Home Design: The Dogwood

Posted by Rachel Allain on January 26, 2023

Located near the beautiful Lake Lure, Bill’s Mountain is a Vista community with 800 acres of spectacular views of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains.

With convenient access to all of Western North Carolina’s treasures, this quiet mountain property was developed for those who appreciate the best that life has to offer.

So what makes this place the best? Besides the mountains, it’s your personalized home design, of course!

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Tags: Floor Plans

5 Ideas for Making the Most of an Open Floor Plan

Posted by Danielle McKelley on April 06, 2021

Having an open floor plan continues to be the desired layout for people shopping for homes in the housing market. Not only does an open-floor concept feel open and airy, but it gives the illusion of more square footage.

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Tags: Floor Plans

Featured Home Design: The Kimberly

Posted by Danielle McKelley on October 31, 2019

Only minutes from historic downtown Hendersonville and just a short drive from Lake Lure, you'll find our community Vista at Blacksmith Run — an exclusive Western North Carolina mountain property designed for residential development.

We are breaking down each floor plan that is offered in Blacksmith Run each month. 

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Tags: Floor Plans

Featured Home Design: The Oak

Posted by Ryan Potvin on March 21, 2019

Minutes from historic downtown Hendersonville and only a short drive from Lake Lure is Vista at Blacksmith Run—an exclusive Western North Carolina mountain property designed for residential development.

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Tags: Floor Plans

One-Story vs. Two-Story Homes — Which One Suits Your Family?

Posted by Danielle McKelley on August 31, 2018

When you are searching for a new home, there are many questions that you need to ask yourself. What neighborhood do you want to live in? Do you want to build a custom home or buy a move-in ready home? Do you want a single story or two-story home?

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Tags: Floor Plans

Featured Home Design: The Blackberry

Posted by Danielle McKelley on January 19, 2018

Only minutes from historic downtown Hendersonville and just a short drive from Lake Lure, you'll find our community Vista at Blacksmith Run — an exclusive Western North Carolina mountain property designed for residential development.

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Tags: Floor Plans

Featured Home Design: The Fontana

Posted by Danielle McKelley on December 21, 2017

Only minutes from historic downtown Hendersonville and just a short drive from Lake Lure, you'll find our community Vista at Blacksmith Run — an exclusive Western North Carolina mountain property designed for residential development.

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Tags: Floor Plans

Featured Home Design: The Nantahala

Posted by Danielle McKelley on November 30, 2017

Only minutes from historic downtown Hendersonville and just a short drive from Lake Lure, you'll find our community Vista at Blacksmith Run — an exclusive Western North Carolina mountain property designed for residential development.

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Tags: Floor Plans