by Sarah Thorn | Mar 22, 2024 | Communities, Upstate South Carolina
Discover the allure of seven distinct resort communities, each offering its unique charm and attractions. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina and North Carolina, these communities provide an escape into nature’s grandeur.Three of these communities are situated on the shimmering shores of Lake Keowee, a stone’s throw away from Clemson. They offer tranquil lakefront living, where the water sparkles under the sun and the days are filled with serene beauty. Venture a little higher, and you’ll find three more communities high up in the cool, refreshing mountain air, near the bustling city of Greenville, South Carolina. Here, the mountain breeze whispers through the trees, and the panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking. Just a short drive away, the Southern gem of Asheville, North Carolina, is home to the seventh community. This charming city, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, adds a touch of urban sophistication to our collection of communities.
The Cliffs Communities are more than just homes; they are havens for those seeking a blend of mountain and lake living. They offer championship golf courses for the sports enthusiasts, cultural opportunities for the art and history lovers, a comprehensive wellness program, and top-notch dining experiences for the culinary adventurers. From scenic mountain views to a plethora of activities, these communities offer a lifestyle that’s as diverse and vibrant as the landscapes surrounding them. Experience the best of both worlds – the tranquility of nature and the comfort of modern amenities, all in one place.
Read More
by Sarah Thorn | Mar 22, 2024 | Communities, Greater Asheville and WNC, Where We Build
The Ramble Biltmore Forest is a gated community in Asheville, North Carolina, sculpted into the woodlands of Ducker Mountain and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Ramble has been carefully planned by Biltmore Farms to provide an active and welcoming environment, complete with a wellness center, parks and trails, and community activities. As a master-planned community, The Ramble offers abundant preserved open spaces connected by an extensive network of trails that invite residents to take the opportunity to themselves ramble in the mountains.
Read More
by Sarah Thorn | Mar 19, 2024 | Communities, Upstate South Carolina, Where We Build
The Cliffs at Mountain Park is an adventurous and rustic retreat nestled within 2,000 acres of misty hilltops in Marietta, South Carolina. A river winds through a green valley, housing a distinguished golf course. Positioned at the core of The Cliffs communities, it provides easy access to seven clubs and the quaint neighboring towns of Greenville and Travelers Rest.
Read More
by Sarah Thorn | Mar 18, 2024 | Construction & Design, Postings
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Financial Smarts - Part 2 What Loan Is Right For Me? Once you’ve been approved to receive a new loan to build your custom home, the next step is to determine the best loan for your needs. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240314152617/Elk.png" alt="owner financing homes for sale" title_text="owner financing homes for sale" _builder_version="4.24.3" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.3" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Choose the right loan for your custom home so as not to build beyond your means.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.3" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Construction-Permanent Loans There are a variety of loans to choose from, each with their own set of rules and terms. Your loan officer can walk you through all of the options and help you choose the right one. If you’re building a custom home, you’ll want to consider a “Construction-Permanent” loan. A Construction-Permanent (or Construction-Perm) loan has two phases: the construction phase and the permanent phase. The construction portion of the loan funds the construction activities during the building phase of your home. In this phase, you will make monthly payments based on how much money is drawn from the lender. As construction progresses, more money will be drawn from the loan. If you’d like to know just how much money is due and when, your mortgage lender can print out a spreadsheet detailing a fairly accurate estimate. With a Construction-Permanent loan, there is one set of closing costs that are paid at the front end. During the construction phase, builders will typically receive a deposit when the contract is signed and then will draw from the loan monthly. The borrower would only pay interest on payments based on the draws taken by the builder. I find borrowers are very relieved to hear this as the payments are lower during the construction. An independent inspector hired by the lender will come out to the construction site at each of these stages and check on the home’s progress so the lender can release more money to your builder. Keep in mind, they will not check for quality only to see if the builder is on schedule to receive payment. The borrower should always ask if there are any penalties if construction goes longer than 12 months. This is very important for a custom build, as the timeframe for the build is longer than speculative. Transitioning from Construction to Permanent When construction is complete and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the loan modifies from a Construction-Permanent loan to a permanent loan. At this time, monies for homeowner’s insurance and property taxes are due into an escrow account. This usually ranges from 1.5 to 2 percent of your loan amount. Your lender will draw up the final papers that confirm the construction phase of the loan has ended and the permanent phase of the loan is beginning. The final check is made out to you and your builder for you to sign and hand over to the builder. However, you don’t have to sign that check over until you are completely satisfied with your builder’s work. Consider Builder Financing For Your Home Loan There are typically no additional closing fees with the permanent loan. Another option to consider for a loan is using your builder’s financing source. Some builders offer special financing packages. Be sure to ask your builder if you qualify for that option. Using a builder’s financing can be just as effective as using a bank loan. Generally speaking, it’s easiest and fastest to go with your builder’s financing source if they are competitive in the market. But what if you’re not building a custom home? What if your builder has a home that’s already done and you’d like to buy it and move in immediately? This is the most common situation for homeowners. You will need an end loan. You can still determine whether you want to have a fixed, adjustable, or interest-only rate with an end loan. Be sure to talk with your mortgage lender about your expectations. Conclusion Determine the best loan for your financial needs after discussing the options with your loan officer. With so many programs and options available, choose the one that is right for you. Be sure to read Financial Smart - Part 1 here. -Sean Sullivan [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px"
Read More
by Sarah Thorn | Mar 14, 2024 | Construction & Design, Postings
Should you peruse the Sunday papers looking for the best deal or stop by your neighborhood bank to see their rates? Do you need a mortgage lender or a mortgage broker? When it comes to finding the right home financing plan, it’s really all about dollars and sense.
Read More
