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So, you're thinking of building a home in the mountains of Western North Carolina? That is a super fun concept! We built a home here in 2004, but I'm ready to do it again!
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If you are moving here from outside the area, here are 5 things you should consider when deciding WHERE in the mountains to live. (On a side note, IF you have to sell before you buy and you don't have a realtor where you are, I can help you find one in your area.)
First, RESEARCH. And then research some more. Look at all the smaller towns near Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, etc., and then come visit! (Call me first and I can tell you great places to stay and eat! And send you a relocation guide!) While you're here, drive through the small towns and neighborhoods and you'll start to get a feel for the two or three that you like best. Then go home and research some more. In a couple months, come back again and do the same thing. Each time you visit, you'll notice that you are being drawn more to certain areas than others. During this phase, be thinking about how far or close to town you'd like to be.
Next, consider whether you'd like to be in a subdivision or not. If yes, take that a step further and ask yourself : "Just how close do I want to be to my neighbors?" Some subdivisions have HOA fees; others don't. Some subdivisions have large lots and others have smaller ones. Do you want a gated community for security? One with amenities? Think about the kind of lifestyle you'd like to live here.
If your water source and sewer systems are important factors to you, they will also play into choosing a location. Some folks prefer well water, while others insist on having city water. The steeper the land or the further from town, the more likely it is you will have to drill a well. Additionally, if you cannot connect to the city sewer due to the property's physical characteristics or distance from town, you'll need to use a septic system. These may not be high on your priority list, but they are factors that play into building a house and should be considered in the beginning of your buying process.
Lastly, do you need high speed internet? This is a big deal for many, especially if you work from home. If so, it's worth contacting internet companies to see if they service the areas your considering, and how much it would cost to get it there if it isn't already. (This is more applicable when you've narrowed down to a specific piece of property, and/or if you're looking at land further from town.) This article offers the top 8 speed check apps.
These 5 things are a starting point to get you thinking about the factors that go into choosing where you want to build a home in the mountains of NC. The most important thing to do in the beginning is visit the area - if not in person, at least via facetime or zoom with an agent in the area. Your agent can send you neighborhood videos and help you narrow your focus based on your needs and wants. In the next post, I'll cover 4 things to do before making an offer on a piece of land!