You can buy your log cabin or traditional home in cash. Most buyers have to finance a home purchase and there are arrays of options. But it basically boils down to two kinds; fixed rate and adjustable. once the home is constructed, the loan is automatically rolled into a typical mortgage payment. remember that the right choice of lender can save you thousands, not only in closing fees, but over the life of the loan.

When you call lenders that have advertised really eye-catching interest rates, you may find out they no longer offer that rate. That was "yesterday" or, you have to pay "x" amount of "points" (a percentage of your loan amount) to earn them.

It's simply based on your income and expenses. You can probably get a pre-qualification letter which you can use as leverage when shopping for your home. It's helpful to have a plan in mind so you can make realistic comparisons.

Remember that to choose what is right for you, you will have to analyze your priorities. Do you need a mortgage interest deduction on your taxes? Is this home a permanent residence or vacation home? Do you want to pay it off quickly or over the long term?

Just to recap; look at all the financing options; watch your closing cost; have a plan; know the builder. The choices you make will inevitably shape your experience with your new home, making new memories. Hopefully, they will be wonderful!

Home buying 101
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. You've committed to buying a second vacation home. You know the site, size, and style of home you want. Choosing the builder for your traditional or log cabin home becomes the most important determination you will make. Here are your options.

You can hire a professional. The easiest option means hiring a pro. I like the idea of being involved in the planning and design, but the turn it over to the builder. I like being handed the keys and a garage door opener when it's completed.
If you want to be the general contractor (GC), meet with all the subcontractors and prepare all the specs for each trade, establish legal contracts with all parties, get all the insurance and brush up on local building codes, get building permits, do construction schedules, order materials and run the job site, good luck. It can be done, but as someone who has been there, done that, trust me, you would rather eat glass.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and like R I S K, (think bungee jumping off a bridge) this is your shortcut to a heart attack. You will be responsible for everything else by yourself. This is by far the most tricky choice. Sure, you can save 12-15 percent, but there are no guarantees. If you are investing your life savings here, just stop reading and go on to the next paragraph.

Builder or GC? The builder does the construction of the home, including the foundation, framing, roofing and walls. Most builders don't handle the mechanical aspects like heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing. A GC manages all the subs, gets all the permits, monitors the construction and pays everyone. He's like the big-picture guy.

There are many reasons to make the important decision to build or buy a vacation home. After all, the lure of a safe, beautiful family getaway to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in this country, is supposed to make you feel great. When you make up your mind as to what path to take, the sooner you will make your dream home a reality and get on with the business of making great memories for the family.

South Florida and North Carolina Real Estate Market
As uncertainty prevails throughout the South Florida real estate community, many savvy homeowners and investors are turning towards the clean, blue mountain air of North Carolina where property taxes and insurance rates are below the national average. Construction cost are among the lowest in the nation. And the educational system is one of the best.

We, in South Florida, know all too well the tool that windstorm insurance and property taxes have taken on all of us especially middle income residents over the last three and four years, not to mention Hurricane Andrew in 1992. What has happened as a result, has provoked an exodus of family, friends and neighbors to points north; to the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee among others. The summer heat and the recent and projected hurricane seasons has had an adverse affect on all of us. For young families with children, education is priority. Many Floridians are tired of Florida consistently ranked 49 out of 50 in the US in education since the 1970's. Since 1996, North Carolina has emphasized and accountability initiative called ABCs of Public Education, which was widely touted by a former-governor in partnership with school officials and parents. A great resource for parents and students is the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's website at www.dpi.state.nc.us You will see that an ongoing, intense effort and partnership with the educational community is the first commitment for North Carolinas.

The future is rather "ify" for us in Florida. Despite the commitment of our governor, things could get better, but many of us think it could go the other way. South Florida has borne the scars of great hardships over the years, and we inevitably bounce back. But, like aging, the mind is willing, but physically it's a little harder each time.

Small town charm has drawn lots of Floridians who used to look at the area for a second home. Now many are looking at the region as their primary residence. For those of us in our 40s, 50s and 60s that want to go back to college, fees for North Carolina residents age 65 and older, are waived for most credit-and non-credit courses across 59 campuses of the state's community college system. And, if you want to have a working retirement, employment opportunities abound.

There has recently been an ongoing development of condos, rental apartments and single family homes priced for middle income families throughout North Carolina. Whatever your reason for looking at a second home, or primary residence, North Carolina warrants a closer look. You will find that North Carolina inspires creativity, serenity and rejuvenation, something all South Floridians can use. People in the Carolinas are fierce to protect the area's integrity.

The "B" Word
Let's see...how many words can you think of that start with "B" and strike terror in your heart?
What price range are you prepared to consider? Before you begin this awesome journey, you need a realistic "budget". There, I said it. Budget, budget, budget, budget. Now that the shock value has worn off, let's get serious.
Here's how you estimate what you are about to spend realizing your dream vacation home. As you start shopping builders, tell your dream vacation home. As you start shopping builders, tell them what your budget is, in the ball park. You can't keep this a secret, nor will it get you a lower price.

What is your mortgage limit? Use 2.5 x total household income here. Your equity - what do you expect to receive if you are selling your existing property? How about your savings? Are you using savings accounts, liquidation form stocks, CDS? If you still owe money on the land, put in this amount as a negative.

If you are self-employed, get at least three years of tax returns to verify all income sources. Your personal debt like car loans, credit cards will all be part of what will be considered how much you can actually borrow. Try to settle on a budget a little less than the maximum calculated. Holding 10%-20% as a contingency give you a little space for unexpected, unplanned for surprises (and there are always surprises!)

Log or timber (traditional) are not necessarily expensive homes. It's just all the bells and whistles that you add. As a rule, a 1,200 square foot log cabin home can cost three times that of a 2,500 square foot home more modestly designed and equipped. Mortgage lenders will tell you that you, the average buyer, generally allows 40% of their budget for a log home package; 35% infrastructure and site work, and 25% for interior amenities.

So there you have it. You're starting down the path, and you are even enjoying the process. Waynesville and Maggie Valley in Haywood Country are great communities in the region and have attracted responsible development. The region is served by local airports and a major central region facility in Asheville. Great interstates and modern four-lane highways are located in the most rural areas, and nationally recognized medical centers in Greenville and Ashville are winning high praise from the Medical community in North Carolina.

Whether you love ocean breezes, golf course vistas, pick a view. Snow skiing, white water rafting, hundreds of trails to hike, spectacular preserves, just being here relaxes and renews the spirit. Not a bad way to live.

Trout fishing Extraordinaire!
Many trout-fishing enthusiasts experience as much excitement as the Lewis & Clark expedition did when they reached the Pacific Ocean. Merewether Lewis wrote, "Oh, the joy!"
Cherokee, North Carolina, has over 30 miles of clear trout streams and three easily accessed ponds. The waters are stocked twice a week with rainbow, brook and brown trout. A quarter of a million trout are stocked annually, including thousands of trophy size trout. The trout are grown in the Cherokee Tribal Hatchery located on Straight Fork in the Big Cove Community and the Hatchery is open daily Monday through Friday.

Trout fishing goes way back to Cherokee time. It is on of the most popular activities in the Smokies. Serious trout fishermen come to the Smokes from across the continent, seeking the ultimate fishing experience in the beautiful pristine Smokies. To the real fisherman, trout fishing is an art. To professional, the right flick of the wrist and the right tension on the line requires intrinsic talent.

For kids and us non-professionals who just drop a baited line into a stocked trout pond and the campground, pulling out a trout just minutes later, is an equally joyous experience, particularly for the kids. The annual Cherokee Talking Trees Children's Trout Derby brings out about 1,700 kids to enjoy a full day of fishing that brings together the whole family and for parents to share this wonderful experience with their kids.

Just about all outdoor activities here in North Carolina are family oriented. There is something about just being in the Carolinas that brings out inter-generational events that people can enjoy together, wherter it is trout fishing, skiing, hiking, going to art festivals. There is where they coined the phrase, "Family Values." It's all here at your fingertips!

Ultimate Skiing: Chattahoochee Means Serious Family Fun
As your winter playground brings together snow-loving families, Chattahoochee Ski area shares its southern hospitality on the slopes. This family winter destination is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. At Chattahoochee, everyone in the family, skiers and snowboarders, from novice to veteran, can carve a place of their own.
Did you ever hear of snowmaking? At the Chattahoochee Ski area, they are committed to making your skiing or snowboarding experience the best it can be by using the most advanced snowmaking system in the Southeast. And as a member of the National Ski Areas Association's Sustainable Slopes program, they are dedicated to lightening their footprint on the earth by protecting and conserving natural resources.

When the temperatures drop below freezing, their snowmaking team goes to work creating a blizzard that rivals Mother Nature's best efforts. With the automated snowmaking system, sensors placed on the mountain provide temperature and humidity level readings every few minutes so snow machines can be calibrated to maximize capacity. For the visitor, this means consistent, dependable conditions from the first day of the season to the last.

Riding the chairlift has never been better. Gentle slops like Easy Way and Rabbit Hill, gives novices the elbowroom they need to learn the basics and practice their skills. Intermediate skiers find Rock Island Run and Lower Omigosh full of challenges and seasoned veterans can face the steepness found on Upper Omigosh. For ultimate skiers and snowboarders looking for a thrill, Cat Cage Terrain Park delivers with ramps, rails and boxes.

Guaranteed when your kids and grandchildren come up to your vacation home in the winter, you will never be more popular. My kids love it, and when the grandchildren are old enough to stand on skis or snowboard, you'll be hard pressed to get them off the slopes.

Vegas Thrills in North Carolina - Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel
You won't ever get tired of looking at the most beautiful scenery in the country when you come up to the Maggie Valley, Waynesville area of North Carolina. But, if it's a rainy day, and you can't go hiking, rafting, skiing, you may want to go to Harrah's Casino in Cherokee. You'll feel like you are in Vegas!

You are invited to see western North Carolina's biggest attraction, within 80,000 square feet of 24-hour casino action. Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel features over 3,500 video gaming machines, five great restaurants, live entertainment, two gift shops, an arcade and friendly first class service. Love Native American jewelry? Check out Kanati's and the Jackpot Gift Shop where you can buy locally made Native American crafts, Designer hand bags, Black Hills Gold and Turquoise jewelry.

Imagine seeing Willie Nelson or Big & Rich in an intimate 1,500 seat pavilion with a state-of-the-art sound system. Comedy, music, performances - Harah's has it all, from Martina McBride to Bill Cosby and Kenny Rogers.

With 3,300 of your favorite games including Lock n'Roll, games like Double Diamond 2,000, Five Times Pay and Wild Cherry all featuring a second spin to win!

There is also Live Digital Blackjack, Video Poker, Baccarito and the World Series of Poker video poker games. Play our Raffle Reel games like "Wheel of Fortune TM", Spellmaster TM, and you will automatically receive entries into the bi-monthly raffle with winnings totaling $100,000.

Besides the two beautiful 15-story towers you have, there are:576 premium rooms including 21 luxurious suites
Four great restaurants
A convenient retail shop
A state of the art fitness center with enclosed pool and jacuzzi
A 650 space parking garage
Choose from a 10,000 sq.ft. casino meeting/banquet area
Plus, the largest collection of contemporary Easter Cherokee art on display throughout the hotel.

More appropriate for the grandkids is the $3.5 million dollar project, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, which tells the story of the Cherokee and their ancestors from twelve thousand years ago to the present. Exhibits and Collections include:
Trails of Tears
Paleo Period
Archaic Period
Mississippian Period

If you are afraid they'll be bored, let me share a quote from Van Romans, head of Walt Disney Imagineering in California. He said: "The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is revolutionary in its ability to tell stories and should be a model to other museums that are struggling to engage their audience in their message."

If you don't think the youngsters won't love the tour, wait until you see their faces afterward. More to come on these "must visit" attractions.

White Water Rafting In North Carolina
Forty five minutes from Waynesville and Maggie Valley, lies and experience so thrilling, that it's been rated "Number 1 Vacation with a Splash", by National Geographic Adventures and Good Morning America. With 35 years of rafting leadership, the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is staple of the culture of white water rafting. From the beginning NOC has set the industry standard for river safety and personal service.

Who knew there were five classes of rivers? Class I is gentaly flowing water; Class II is playful waves; Class III is moderate whitewaters; Class IV is intense whitewater; Class V is thrill-seekers only! Besides NOC, there are some other excellent rafting sites like Smoky Mountain Outdoors' rafting trips www.smokymountainrafting.com, Blue Ridge Outing www.raftwithkids.com www.rapiddescentcom closer to Ashville, and whitewater rafting in Cherokee (located in the Saunooke Village) floating down the Oconaluftee River to Cherokee Island Park with a gift shop, supplies, and a shuttle back to your vehicle.

The majority of whitewater rafting venues have a very good track record, and the sport itself makes for a great family outing for people of all ages. Most offer varying raft sizes and inflatable kayaks, and most trips are guide assisted. The kids, this is the ultimate adventure rafting through a scenic mountain gorge, splashing, playing having age-appropriate fun.

When was the last time you were able to give your kids the confidence to take on a new adventure that you could share with them and not sacrifice safety goals? Whitewater rafting has gained a groundswell of fans around the country. Why? Because it teaches kids and young teens teamwork, self-reliance, coolness under pressure, and really great life skills they can apply to daily living. I dare you to look at any photos of people riding the rapids that are not smiling!

And for you veterans, the Upper Pigeon features Class II-IV whitewater mixed with calm stretches making it the perfect introduction to bigger rapids for families with kids as young as 8. The Upper Pigeon is close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The calm stretches offer the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Smokies. It's been said that the Upper Pigeon (and the Lower section just downstream) are "Mom-approved and Kid-tested!"

The world-renowned Ocoee River is pure, classic whitewater action. Go for the gold by taking the Upper Ocoee Olympic course as made famous in the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom races. A whole, new world awaits you. Enjoy!