The Vista Blog

How Big Should I Build My Own House?

Posted by Shelly Salomon on December 20, 2024

Have you ever dreamed of living in a big house? For many Americans, owning a home represents the pinnacle of the American Dream — a symbol of success, stability, and personal achievement. But when you build a house, deciding on the right house size is more than just chasing a dream. It’s about finding a balance between practicality and personal preference.

While the average house size in America has grown significantly over the years, bigger isn’t always better. Ultimately, the ideal home size should align with your lifestyle, family needs, and long-term goals. 

Let’s explore the key considerations that can help you determine how big you should build your custom home.

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Tags: Building Tips & Info, Advice on Buying

Building a House Vs. Buying a House—Pros & Cons

Posted by Shelly Salomon on August 28, 2024

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.

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Tags: Advice on Buying

Before House Hunting, Do Your Neighborhood Research

Posted by Shelly Salomon on February 22, 2024

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.

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Tags: Advice on Buying

5 Tips On Construction Loans & New Build Financing

Posted by Shelly Salomon on January 25, 2024

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.

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Tags: Building Tips & Info, Advice on Buying

Is Now a Good Time to Buy A House?

Posted by Shelly Salomon on December 20, 2023

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. 

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Tags: Advice on Buying

Your Complete Moving Out of State Checklist

Posted by Rachel Allain on November 30, 2023

Moving to a new home is never easy, and it can become ten times more difficult when you have to cross state lines. When completing a move like this, you need a guide to navigate through the various decisions that come with changing your residence. From the size and layout of your new home to the amenities in the surrounding community, each aspect requires careful consideration to guarantee a smooth transition and a fresh start that’s emotionally fulfilling.

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Tags: Life in Western NC, Advice on Buying

Is a Gated Community Right for You?

Posted by Rachel Allain on November 03, 2023

Gated communities have become increasingly popular in many parts of the world, especially in the United States, in recent decades. But are they worth the investment? And what does living in one entail for you and your family?

In this blog, we'll take an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community and answer all the other questions you could possibly have about them. By the end, we hope you’ll have a firmer understanding of what you’re looking for in a community.

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Tags: Advice on Buying

What Drives the Value of My Home? 8 Key Factors

Posted by Shelly Salomon on September 19, 2023

Are you a homeowner looking to sell your property? Or are you in the market for a new home? While sellers and buyers may approach the market differently, they share an interest in the elements influencing a property's value. A mix of factors determines how much a home is worth. Some objective factors, like the location and market conditions, play a big role and are pretty reasonable. Nevertheless, subjective value judgments also matter. 

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Tags: Advice on Buying, Advice on Selling

3 Top Tips for Home-buying During a Pandemic

Posted by Danielle McKelley on February 15, 2021

As bars, restaurants, churches and arenas were forced to shutter and people were ordered to stay at home during the emergence of COVID-19 last year, the doors on the housing market burst wide open fueled by historic low mortgage rates.

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Tags: Advice on Buying

What You Need to Know if You’re a First Time Home Buyer

Posted by Ryan Potvin on August 15, 2019

Home buying is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Being aware of the various factors and concerns regarding home buying is incredibly important, so we put together a list to help. Here is what you need to know if you’re a first time home buyer:

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Tags: Advice on Buying