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Monthly Archives: February 2019

Custom Build Your Own Home at The Retreat in West Virginia

If you are in the market for a new home in West Virginia but are overwhelmed by the options you have, then custom building a home at The Retreat might just be the one for you.

Custom building a home isn’t just about getting everything you want, the way you want it. It is more about being efficient and getting yourself a home that fits your lifestyle.

To custom build or not?

As you shop for a home, you may realize that you actually have quite a lot of options to choose from—from spec homes to homes in development to condos. The options sometimes tend to get too overwhelming that choosing the one that will work best for you becomes harder than ever.

This is basically the reason why many homeowners nowadays prefer custom building their homes over buying an existing home. While there are several advantages that come with buying an existing home, this choice also has its own share of unique shortcomings. Here are some of them:

  • They were not built to suit your particular taste.
  • There’s a risk of finding out too late that the house actually has a long list of repair and maintenance issues.
  • Unlike custom-built homes, existing homes do not come under warranty.

What are the benefits of having a custom-built home?

Finding yourself leaning more towards custom building your home is a good sign that you’re starting to believe in your power to customize literally every aspect of your future home. Custom builders are just there to help advise you on some of your choices if you ask, but ultimately, the finished product is something that is totally yours.

Imagine being able to decide what your dream home will look like, from the flooring options to the color of its exterior. The benefit of having a home that is completely your style is something you cannot find anywhere else but in a custom home.

Take a look at the following benefits of having a custom home:

1.       Lower maintenance costs

Buying an existing home is like gambling. When you buy a move in-ready home, expect maintenance pitfalls that will not present themselves until months or years after you have completed the purchase.

When you opt for a custom home, you know that everything is new, so all the building materials used to build it, as well as the appliances and home furnishings you find in it, all come with warranties direct from their manufacturers.

It goes without saying that with a custom home, you do not need to worry about spending much for regular maintenance. Not having to think about the repairs and reconfigurations, as well as the initial outlay you shell out for a pre-existing home, means getting to save considerable amount of money while getting the exact home you desire.

2.    A future-proof home

One of the main reasons homeowners end up selling their homes is to accommodate their growing families. Having a custom home means having a future-proof home, where you afford yourself the opportunity to design a living space that does not only fit your needs today but also takes into account your family’s future.

Just because you are three in the family today doesn’t mean you’ll still be three 10 years from now. If you buy an existing home and your family happens to get bigger in the future, you will have to make major changes to your floor plan.

That means having to knock certain walls down and invest a lot of time, money and effort to get exactly the size your family requires. With a custom-built home, you won’t have to deal with any of those inconveniences.

3.    Energy efficiency

When you custom build your home, you get to pick out all the appliances you’ll have in your home. Since these appliances are new, you can trust that they are significantly more energy efficient than older models.

With a custom-built home, you also get an even greater opportunity to dial in energy efficiency and substantially lower your monthly energy bills. Why? Because newly constructed homes nowadays offer improved heating and cooling systems that help bring down the energy bill.

That’s different from buying an existing home and retrofitting them with modern, updated energy efficient fixtures.

4.    Personalization

Imagine living in a home where you have a say in every detail of it. The only place you can achieve that is in a custom-built home.

One of the biggest advantages of having your own home custom-built is that you are able to live in a home that is a true expression of yourself. When you custom build your home, you have the chance to handpick everything, from the doorknobs to the light fixtures, down to the appliances.

In short, custom building your home is your chance to achieve a cohesive living experience that is completely you.

If you buy an existing home, you may find it difficult to feel that the home is entirely yours. This is because with existing homes, it is almost impossible to get what exactly suits your needs and taste.

You may come very close as you replace everything in the home with things that you desire, but the potential for complete satisfaction is still low compared with having a custom-built home where your freedom to personalize everything is limitless.

5.    A floor plan that suits your lifestyle

Finding a home where you can comfortably entertain guests is hard, especially when you are on a budget. But since the ability to invite and accommodate friends into your home will significantly impact your quality of life, you can’t just take your home’s floor plan too lightly.

Building a custom home is your perfect opportunity to play up your hosting strengths. With a custom-built home, you are free to build a custom patio with a barbeque pit or an in-ground pool, where you can have a great time with your friends. You can also build your kitchen large enough to cook for your entire family.

6.    Superior Quality

Custom building a home is all about choices, from what you want your home to look like down to whose hands you want to entrust the construction of your home. When you custom-build a home, you have the opportunity to choose your builder, as well as the materials that will be used to build your home.

Because you have all the freedom to customize your home from the ground up, you are more likely to end up with a home that meets your standards. This rarely happens when buying a home developed and constructed by someone else, where chances of substandard construction are high.

With a custom-built home, you can be assured that your home is able to hold its value for the years to come, so you won’t have a hard time selling it in case you need to sell it down the road.

7.    A location you prefer

There’s a lot of power in custom-building a home, and that includes the power to choose where you want your home to be built. Once you decide to go for a custom-built home, you can start looking for a location where you know you will be happy to stay for the rest of your life.

If you have children, choose a location that has easy access to good schools.  If you are a nature lover, find a lot that lets you enjoy scenic views.


How to Custom Build a Home

Have you already made up your mind about custom building your future home? Then the next thing you need to know is how to actually custom build a home.

Making the plunge to customize a home is not as hard at it seems, although there’s always the worry that your savings might not be enough, or that you’re not yet ready. With careful planning and preparation, however, you will realize that getting your custom home project underway is actually fun and exciting!

Here are a few tips to get started with your custom home project:

1.    Decide where you want to live

In choosing the location of your future custom home, consider what your family wants and needs. It is also a matter of financial consideration, because there are certain locations where you can buy a lot for less compared with other locations.

2.    Know how much budget you will need for your home.

Once you’ve decided where to build your custom home, the next thing to do is to set your actual budget for the construction of your home. Do not forget to take into account all the materials needed to build the home, as well as the appliances and fixtures you will purchase once it’s built.

Sometimes, custom-built homes tend to turn out a bit more expensive than originally planned. If you want your home to be constructed without a hitch until you move in, make sure you add a little bit of breathing room to your budget for any unexpected expenses.

3.    Look for a lot.

So you have already decided where you want to live and have set a budget for your custom home. Now, you can start looking for a lot where you want to see your future home on.

Remember, however, that you cannot make a final decision until you have spoken with a builder. There are times when people find their dream lot, only to realize that their dream home can’t fit on it. Remember that your home design should flow and work well with the lot you purchase.

4.    Plan your design.

Once you have a lot for your future home, it’s time to get serious about the planning. Ask yourself how you want your home to turn out. It helps coming up with a list of everything you want to see in your custom home, from its exterior and interior design down to the more specific aspects.

The best thing about a custom-built home is that you have a say in everything. Take advantage of that freedom. The earlier you perfect your design, the easier it will be to execute everything down the road.

5.    Work with the right builder

Probably the most important aspect of the building process is finding a good builder. The builder of your home can make or break your custom home, so you need to take time to find someone who has a great reputation for building the type of home that you want.

Once you’ve found a good builder, talk to him and be very clear about what you want. Keep your communication lines open if you want your home to come out exactly how you want it. If you want something a certain way, let them know.

6.    Be patient.

Just like any building projects, building a custom home takes a while. As the owner, you might sometimes find it stressful obtaining permits, drawing up design plans and actually breaking ground. Remember though that as long as you are patient and have carefully planned your home, the finished product will certainly be worth your wait.


Why Build Your Custom Home at The Retreat WV?

If you are looking to build your custom home in West Virginia, The Retreat at the White Rock Mountain in Caldwell, WV is the perfect location for you. This luxury gated community is a master planned community that offers not just privacy but spacious home sites, all underground utilities and magnificent views.

Owning a property at The Retreat means giving yourself the opportunity to get closer to nature, as it boasts of hundreds of acres of mature hardwood forest designated as nature preserves. Located on top of the highest peaks of the Allegheny Mountains, The Retreat offers show-stopping views of the Allegheny mountain ranges and the Greenbrier Valley.

When you custom build your home at The Retreat, expect to experience the best that nature has to offer, merged with the amenities and conveniences of modern living. The community also features miles of hiking and biking trails, allowing residents to bike along the 78 miles of the Greenbrier River Trail system while basking in the stunning views of the area.

The Retreat has three phases and more than a hundred homesites and offers a mountaintop clubhouse that residents can enjoy. The community also offers easy access to acclaimed golf courses, as well as creeks, rivers and lakes for residents who want to go boating, kayaking, rafting or fishing. With plenty of dining and shopping options at The Retreat, you will certainly want to live here forever!

Buy any of our lots for sale at The Retreat WV and custom build your own home in this beautiful gem in West Virginia! Call me, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133 today!

Construction-Ready Lot for Sale in Fairlea WV! Perfect for Business!

Are you a business owner planning to build your own office? There’s a large construction-ready piece of land that’s waiting for you in a great commercial spot in Fairlea WV!  

Whether you are building your own office for an existing business, searching for a prime location for an upcoming business, or are simply looking for real estate to increase your assets, this lot for sale in Fairlea WV is perfect for you.

Reasons You Should Consider Investing in Land

If you’ve overlooked the stability that comes with owning a piece of land before, you might need to take a few minutes to discover how viable an investment opportunity this is.

Here are some of the reasons why you should invest in land:

1.       It’s a hands-off investment

Have you invested in a house before? If yes, then you probably know how stressful dealing with tenants, bugs, lawn care, leaking roofs, broken pipes, and furnaces can be.

If you invest in land, you won’t have to deal with any of those issues! You just buy it and let it sit there until you feel it’s time to sell it or build a building on it.

2.   You don’t necessarily have to do anything to the property

When buying a piece of land, there is only one thing you need to ask yourself: “Is this land suitable for building?”

You don’t need to be an expert when investing in a lot. As long as you think someone can build on that land, you’ve already won a huge part of the battle.

Why? Because you know you can use it to build your own property or sell it to someone who’s interested to build his own.

3.   Vacant lot owners are the most motivated sellers

Owners of vacant land are absentee owners. They are apathetic about selling their lots because they don’t live anywhere near them and their lots don’t produce any income for them.

This lack of emotional connection makes it easier for lot owners to sell their properties for pennies on the dollar!

4.   You have very little competition to deal with

If you are a real estate investor and you’re sick of getting outbid on every good deal you find, then it’s about time you try investing in land. Don’t get your mind stuck on things like houses and apartments!

As a real estate investor, you will find that there is very little competition in the world of land investing. There are a whole lot more superior benefits that come with buying a lot than you can imagine, and that includes fewer competitors to deal with.

5.   Land is inexpensive to own as a long-term investment

Do you want to park your cash somewhere and forget about it? Then you must all the more consider buying a lot!

When you buy a lot for the right price, there are no mortgage payments to make, no utility bills to pay! Can you think of a better investment vehicle than that?

6.   It gives you peace of mind

Land is a long-term, tangible asset that does not depreciate, never gets broken or stolen. You will never trade for anything else the sense of security it gives you once you own a piece of it.

7.   They aren’t making any more of it

Building Your Business Office on Your Own Lot. Why Not?

Whether you have just established your small business from the ground up or are just starting out, I cannot stress enough how important investing in a commercial piece of land is for you.

Purchasing a property for your business is a wise investment, and its rewards are great!

Especially if you are buying a lot to build your own office, you will find that owning and running your business space actually results in favorable capital gains treatment and fewer expenses. This also gives you the freedom to customize and tailor your business as you wish!

Here are the top 3 benefits of building your own business space on your own lot instead of leasing:

1.   You are your own landlord

Imagine leasing a commercial space for your business and having to deal with a landlord each time your office encounters a plumbing or electrical issue. Unfortunately, not all landlords are responsible enough to handle such situations.

If you own your business space, you can get those issues fixed when they need to get fixed. You can solve your problems on your own time!

2.   You can customize your workspace

When you own your business space, you have full control over how your space looks and functions. If you are the creative type, you can even create a unique workspace that looks just the way you want it to, and stay in your location for however long you want.

3.   You get lots of financial benefits

As you build your own commercial space, you build equity over time. You can use this equity as collateral to expand your business and eventually, to fund your retirement. Not to mention the tax benefits you enjoy for owning your business space!

4.   It’s a buyer’s market today

Generally speaking, the cost to acquire real estate nowadays is at a historical low. However, you cannot tell if it would stay that way for long.

Before the market even rebounds, take advantage of the market! If you own the lot where your business stands, you can be sure that your monthly costs will remain steady and that you won’t have to worry about future increases during your leasing period!

Choosing a Location for Your Business

So you are already convinced that it’s best to own the place where you run your business. The next thing to think about is—how do you choose the site for your business?

You’ve probably heard about the four P’s that influence consumer purchasing decisions—product, price, place, and promotion. Unfortunately, the third on the list tends to get short shrift.

Whether you are opening a new store, building your own office, or setting up a small factory, here are some tips to help you find the right location for your business:

1.   Assess your business needs

What kind of business do you want to set up? If your business is already up and running, what kind of location do you want your office to be?

If you are opening a store, you definitely should set up your business in a place with high traffic. If you are building an office, it must be located in a prime spot that your clients can easily access.

2.   Pick a neighborhood

When choosing a location for your business, make sure that it is most convenient not just to you but to your employees and target market as well. If you are selling a product or service, your business location should ideally be near your buyers. It is also best to choose a location where public utilities are available.  

3.   Hone in on a property

As a business owner, you might think that having fewer competitors around is best for your business. Actually, it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, it helps to establish your business to your largest competitors so you can piggyback on their marketing efforts.

Locating your business in a center with a popular anchor will also give your business higher chances of succeeding. If you establish your business near the big guys, it will be easier for you to draw more customers in.

Ready to buy a lot for your business?

If you are ready to buy a lot for your business, I know a location that will definitely work to your advantage! There’s a lot for sale in Maplewood Ave., Fairlea WV that you can use to establish a business. Come check it out here.

This lot is located right across a highly traveled road, has access to public utilities, and is only a few minutes away from Lewisburg, so it’s a fertile ground for the growth and success of any business!

Get this lot today! Call me, Rebecca Gaujot, at 304-520-2133 and let’s talk!

Commercial Properties for Sale | Lewisburg WV

Looking for a business or investment opportunity? Look no further. Check out the below commercial properties located in Lewisburg, WV.

There are currently four commercial listings on the market. Price ranging from $225,000 to $899,000

  1. 1519 square footage, two rooms and two half baths, previously a tailoring/alterations shop
  2. Commercial warehouse consisting of 4,000 square feet includes office space, restrooms and warehouse space with an oversized garage door.
  3. Commercial building next to The Livery Restaurant.in downtown Lewisburg. This Victorian building was a retail store and has a 2-bedroom/1 bath apartment on the second floor. Square footage is 2824.
  4. Commercial land on Rt 219N consisting of 51+ acres within Lewisburg town limits, both commercial and residential.

 

Click here to view all Lewisburg Properties for Sale, 24901

There are many possible uses for these prime commercial properties in Lewisburg WV …. mini mall, pharmacy, restaurant, etc. Interested? Contact Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® at 304-520-2133 to discuss any of the properties.

What is Happening in White Sulphur Springs, WV?

Rural Development Partners and the West Virginia Great Barrel Company released this video to share the amazing revitalization story of the White Sulphur Springs community – from flood devastation to new homes to new jobs to a wellness center and pool renovation.

 

 

Let’s take a look at the real estate market in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

The Greenbrier Valley Mutiple Listing Service for White Sulphur Springs, WV, zip code 24986, shows there were 46 homes sold in 2018.

There has been one listing sold for January 2019.  

Residential listings for sale in White Sulphur Springs, WV:

  • Active Listings – 62
    • List Prices range from $10,900 to $5,600,000
    • Square footage range from 816 to 9,027
    • Bedrooms 1 to 8; baths 1 -12
    • Acreage range from 0.05 to 70 acres
  • 3 contingencies
  • 3 pendings

 

Click here to View Homes for Sale in White Suphur Springs WV

All types of homes can be found in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Homes from small to estate homes with small lots to hundreds of acres.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in White Sulphur Springs having the latest local information allows you to make good decisions.  It’s important to work with a local  Realtor who knows the market.  If you have questions on buying or selling White Sulphur Springs homes, give me, Lewisburg Realtor® Rebecca Gaujot, a call at 304-520-2133.