by Jessica Wright on July 2, 2009
Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club has the distinction of being named one of “America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities.” The coveted designation from Where To Retire magazine is the result of a lengthy selection process. In her congratulatory letter to Cummings Cove, Publisher Karen Northridge said: “During a nine month selection process, our editors reviewed several hundred candidates across the country. Your community is among an elite group of developments that offer today’s retirees a well-rounded, active lifestyle.”
The list of “America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities” appears in the July/August 2009 issue of Where To Retire magazine with photos and details on each community. The only community in Western North Carolina accorded this honor, Cummings Cove is one of ten selected in North Carolina. Although most selected communities are in the “sunbelt,” 29 states are represented from Maine to California. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on July 2, 2009
When it comes to buying your dream home, nothing will turn it into a nightmare faster than waking up one day and realizing you can no longer afford the roof over your head. Here are some essential financial questions you may not have already considered:
7. How much can you afford to spend?
It goes without saying that price is one of the most important questions anyone has to decide on before buying any home. But it’s worth noting none the less.
For one thing, if you’re purchasing a home for retirement, but you don’t plan to make the move permanent for several more years, make sure to keep not only your current budget in mind, but also that which you’re likely to have during retirement.
Another scenario to consider, if you’re thinking of purchasing a vacation home and renting it out when you’re not using it to help make ends meet, make sure to account for times when the home will be vacant, and consider carefully the minimum number of weeks per year you will have to rent it out to meet your goals. Peak vacation seasons vary in length from one location to the next, and if the number of days you’ll need to rent out your home seems even the slightest bit unrealistic for the area you’ve chosen, chances are you could end up stretching yourself thin. [ read more… ]
by Jessica Wright on June 30, 2009
The Preserve at Rising Fawn is situated on more than 3,000 acres just 30 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN on the back side of famed Lookout Mountain. Blending with the natural beauty of the mountain range, this community features well‐stocked lakes for fishing and spectacular hill and mountainside home sites as well as a world‐class equestrian arena, The Luke Dobson Circle D Arena & Equestrian Center.
The Preserve was the vision of Tommy Dobson, son Joshua Dobson and son‐in‐law Travis Shields. After constructing several cabin‐style homes, the Dobson family and Southern Group, LLC decided to refocus the development of The Preserve to expand its appeal and attract more diverse development growth potential. In February 2009, they partnered with CW Craig Associates and The Preserve at Rising Fawn became Wild Moon Ranch & Resort. This fresh, new brand signifies a change in the underlying business model that better reflects the lifestyle of a resort experience versus its former second home community status. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on June 26, 2009
When it comes to buying your dream home sometimes decisions regarding family involve more than just those living under the same roof with you. Here are a few more questions to ask keep in considerations as you search for your ideal dream home.
How far do you want to be from extended family?
In many ways, this is the $64,000 question. If you’re picturing your new home as a frequent gathering place for children, grandchildren and friends, figure out just how far they’re likely to travel for regular get-togethers. Typically people perceive a travel window greater than three or four hours as onerous, unless they’re visiting for a week or more. You don’t want to set up a special place to share with relatives and friends – only to find that they limit visits to long holidays or full-blown vacations. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on June 24, 2009
On Saturday, June 20th, excited residents of St. James Plantation welcomed Mary McCormack, star of the hit USA Network series “In Plain Sight,” to The Members Club for a relaxed meet and greet. Proud St. James Plantation resident, and father, Bill McCormack, was her sidekick for the afternoon, helping to hand out t-shirts and autographed pictures. Mary took time to answer questions and say hello to all who attended the two-hour event. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on June 18, 2009
If you’re just starting your dream home search, chances are you’re already realizing there are a number of decisions you’ll have to make along the way. But with careful thought and planning, you’ll soon find yourself moving into the home of your dreams in no time!
Here are the first of 12 questions to ask yourself as you begin the process. More to follow next week!
What kind of weather do you want?
Do you simply want to escape the tyranny of the snow shovel, yet still enjoy four distinct seasons? Or would you prefer mild weather all year long, as in Florida? The farther south you move, the milder and shorter winters are likely to be. The average temperature in Williamsburg, Va., in January is 39 degrees, while the January average in Jacksonville, Fla., is 53 degrees. But make sure you’re being realistic about the weather you want and how important that factor is to you. A significant number of Florida transplants find that they do miss the seasons after all – and need to be closer to loved ones up North – so they move partway back, often to the Carolinas. Dubbed “halfbacks,” these fugitives from Florida now account for more new North and South Carolina residents than New York does. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on June 15, 2009
Southport, NC – In today’s economy, it’s challenging for any real estate community to stand out in the crowd. But, St. James Plantation has managed to do just that. AOL recently released its list of Top Searched Retirement Communities on AOL Search, placing St. James Plantation’s at the top at #8 nationally.
St. James Plantation is the only community in the Carolinas to make AOL’s top 10. It joins five Florida locations on the list, as well as communities in Arizona, Alabama and New Jersey.
Having also been recently named a 100 Best Master-Planned Community by Where to Retire magazine, such recognitions reinforce St. James Plantation’s position as one of the most recognized communities in the country. [ read more… ]
by Jeff Wood on June 13, 2009
Bright’s Creek, a Mill Spring, NC private mountain community, was recently honored by Mountain Homes magazine with a “Best Amenities” award in the publication’s 2009 Best of the Mountains awards. The following excerpt is from the magazine’s Spring issue.
“Whatever your pleasure, Bright’s Creek has a diverse array of amenities to supply it. The golfer, the swimmer, the fisherman and kayaker can enjoy their passion anytime. There’s a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a swim and tennis center, access to Green River, an equestrian center and even hiking trails.”
For more information, visit Bright’s Creek’s community profile.
by Jeff Wood on June 12, 2009
According to a recent national survey by Coldwell Banker®, 53 percent of real estate professionals in popular retirement locations report increases in retirees age 60 and younger purchasing homes. Further, 43 percent of sales associates and brokers surveyed believe market and economic conditions may cause an increase in demand for retirement homes in their areas throughout the next year.
“Over the past couple of years, home prices have declined significantly in the majority of markets with traditional appeal to retirees,” says Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Younger retirees are taking advantage of these desirable prices and turning the economic downturn into an opportunity.” (Read more about the Coldwell Banker survey)
Add to this picture rising mortgage loan rates that have once again topped 5% and surges in pending home sales unseen since 2001, and it’s clear the time to buy the retirement home of your dreams at the price of a lifetime could be running out. Let us help you find your Mountain or Coastal dream home today!
by Jessica Wright on June 11, 2009
Camp Wild Moon at Wild Moon Ranch & Resort in Rising Fawn, GA is featuring a Summer Riding Camp for 10-17 year old boys and girls who love horses and are interested in an environment that allows fun and learning as well as challenge and adventure. The certified, ranked and experienced trainers will guide campers through hands-on riding experiences and demonstrations. This program is designed to teach basic equestrian skills and enhance the skills of more advanced riders.
This co‐ed residence camp still has openings and is offering five weekly sessions from Saturday to Sunday beginning the first week of July 2009 from $950 per week. Wild Moon provides a safe, fun and non-competitive camp environment featuring Western saddle and offering both a General Equestrian session as well as Specialty Skills sessions in Roping and Barrel Racing. Campers will also have an opportunity to “horse around” with fishing, canoeing, hiking and exploring the community’s 3,000 acres, and complete their camp experience with cookouts, campfires and friendships. [ read more… ]
