The Vista Blog

North Carolina consistently ranks among the top 5 (and sometimes even the top 3) most popular destinations to move to in the U.S. Its appealing weather and lower cost of living have attracted many people, mainly from colder and more expensive regions throughout the country.

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant, if not the largest, investments in a person’s life. At this point, prospective homeowners are often divided into two groups. The first group consists of those who believe such a substantial investment should result in a home that fulfills all their dreams, leading them to consider building a custom home from the ground up. The second group includes those looking to buy an existing home, with their priorities often most influenced by time constraints and budget considerations.

Deciding whether to build or buy a house is a significant consideration for those exploring home ownership, and it's not a decision to be taken lightly. While both options have their merits, today we'll explore the compelling advantages of building a custom home from the ground up.

Most obviously, building a home gives you the chance to make your dream home a reality. If that's not a good enough reason, remember that most homes on the market today have been previously owned, and they often come with time-consuming challenges such as repair, remodeling, and upfront maintenance costs.

Craftsman-style homes make their occupants feel special and connected to their living space. The use of natural materials, the inviting green-view porch, the spacious open floor plan, the charming interiors, and the decorative finishes – all contribute to the undeniable aesthetic appeal of these homes. This combination of elements explains why craftsman style has remained beloved for over a century and continues to be one of the most popular home designs in the United States.

North Carolina has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and trout fishing. Western North Carolina (WNC) is home to over 3,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams that are open to the public for trout fishing. Every year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission closes 1,000 miles of the streams and restocks them with trout, making WNC a popular trout fishing hub.

If you've been planning your next trip to cast a line, we've got you covered! Grab your tackle box, rods, and cooler, and head to one of these fishing spots in Western North Carolina.

One thing we love about Western North Carolina is that there are so many opportunities for adventure, no matter what your outdoor interests are. If your family loves to hike, you already know that Western North Carolina will give you just the intensity you are looking for, but if you need a break from hiking, it might be time to give kayaking a try! 

Spring is already here! This isn’t only evident in the latest Groundhog Day results but also in the vibrant blossom that colors the highways and streets. With the weather warming up and a moderate sun’s intensity, it’s an ideal time to start planning romantic date nights in Western NC, discovering some good cafes, or exploring some day trips in the area.

That said, let’s not forget about preparing the house for the new season. This means laying the proper foundation to help make your yard look stunning throughout spring and into summer.

How to choose the right neighborhood is the first question to ask yourself when buying a new house. This goes beyond the job of simply house hunting. Not only is it going to determine your living experience, but it’s also the number one factor affecting the value of a house. Therefore, performing thorough neighborhood research is an unavoidable, foundational step in the house-buying process.

When buying a house, most people are very familiar with the process of applying for a mortgage, purchasing, and moving into a home that is already built. However, the situation is slightly different when building a new home from the ground up.

For most of us, buying a house is the largest purchase of our lives, and the process is far from simple. If you are a first-time home buyer, you should know that the question of when to buy a new house is among the essential things to consider when embarking on this journey.