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December was very mild, but Winter has returned in January (Let’s go SKIING!)

December was probably the mildest December I have seen in my 41 years here.  We had many days over 60 degrees and some days above  70 degrees.  Unfortunately, the ski areas in Western North Carolina suffered due to the mild weather.  (The temperature must be close to freezing to make snow.)   Finally, the week after Christmas, temperatures fell back to normal for the area.   This was good news for Cataloochee Ski Area.  The ski area is now open and has to their credit blown enough snow to open the entire mountain (18 trails and 5 lifts), with a 28 to 60 inch base for the Martin Luther King weekend.

Sooo…come on up, the skiing is GREAT!!

Why Buy a Vacation Home in Western North Carolina by Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC

Western North Carolina is a fantastic place to purchase a vacation home. Often referred to as the Land of the Sky, this mountainous region has a spectacular mix of breathtaking scenery, pleasant weather, incredible nature trails, one-of-a-kind attractions, fun-filled events, and a host of outdoor recreational opportunities.

If you want respite from the hustle and bustle of city life to breathe in the freedom of the beautiful outdoors, Western North Carolina beckons. It’s the ideal place to relax, have fun, enjoy the spectacular views, and take part in exciting outdoor activities.

A Four-Season Destination

Whether you eventually want to stay for good or just visit occasionally, Western North Carolina never ceases to enthrall. Winter turns the foothills into a wonderland for skiers or snowboarders. Spring brings the outdoor trails to life, begging hikers to trek through paths that wind through majestic trees, lush valleys, pristine lakes and rivers, and unique rock formations. Summer sees locals and tourists alike take to water sports like kayaking and whitewater rafting. Fall, when everything seems to have a fiery scrim of color, is the perfect time to dial things down and revel in the outdoors.

Numerous Attractions

But Western North Carolina is more than just its landscape, spectacular though it may be. The region is replete with other attractions like fantastic shopping centers, interesting museums, top-tier restaurants and eateries, craft breweries, theme parks, festivals, and year-round activities.

Indeed, Western North Carolina is a place you and your family can visit any time of the year, a paradise for every season and a great place to just enjoy life. It is truly a special place, a serious contender if you’re looking to buy a vacation home where you, your family, and, most certainly, your newfound friends can start building lasting memories.

Golfing in Haywood County by Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC

With the fresh mountain breeze and majestic North Carolina Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, golfing in Haywood County is nothing short of an absolute treat.

Some of the best golf courses located in the area include:

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa has three excellent nine-hole, par 35 courses. Each course starts and ends at the lodge and features four sets of tees, making it accessible to golf players of any skill level. All of the courses feature bluegrass and rye fairways and bent grass greens, which ensure the grounds remain relatively verdant during winter.

Laurel Ridge Country Club

The championship golf course at Laurel Ridge Country Club takes advantage of Waynesville’s secluded setting and pleasant mountain climate. Each hole in this master-planned course takes players through lush vistas, crystal clear ponds, and quietly flowing streams. The course, featuring bent grass greens, tees, and fairways, has been named one of “America’s Best Courses” by Golfweek Magazine.

Springdale Country Club

Located in the town of Canton, the Springdale Country Club features a 6,800-yard course guaranteed to provide players with an unforgettable playing experience. The course lies in the shadow of majestic Cold Mountain, and features rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers and greens. A course highlight is “The Springdale Spasm,” a 425-yard, par-4 hole that requires a powerful tee shot and a precise approach to successfully place the ball on an elevated green.

Maggie Valley Club & Resort

This 6,500-yard course is picture-perfect, featuring creek-fed ponds, towering centennial trees, 30 acres of lush fairways, and bent grass greens. Maggie Valley Club & Resort has a clubhouse with luxurious amenities, and a top-tier restaurant.

Unforgettable Adventures and Outdoor Recreation in Haywood County by Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC

Haywood County is one of the most scenic locations in all of Western North Carolina. Situated at the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this area is an absolute paradise for adventurers and thrill-seekers of all ages. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, or skiing, Haywood County provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure you won’t soon forget.

Some of Haywood County’s most popular outdoor venues are:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses more than half a million acres and is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. It is world-famous for its vast scenic forests and lush valleys, a sanctuary for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Waynesville Park and Recreation Center

The 64,000-square-foot facility boasts of a water park, state-of-the-art fitness rooms and training centers, a 1/10 mile walking track, two basketball courts, two racquetball courts, a disc golf course, a dog park, tennis courts, softball fields, and more.

Cataloochee Ranch

Mount your steed and giddyap through the verdant forests, mile-high vistas, colorful wildflower fields, and rhododendron tunnels of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s an exhilarating way for adults and kids to explore the outdoors.

Cataloochee Ski Area

Winter turns Haywood County into a snowy paradise, and the Cataloochee Ski Area offers over 17 slopes and trails ideal for skiers and snowboarders of varying skill levels. Novices can hit the gentle slopes or take private lessons, while more experienced skiers and snowboarders can head for steeper slopes or the Cat Cage Terrain Park, which features ramps, rails, and boxes.

These are only some of the destinations you shouldn’t miss in Haywood County. For more information on the many things you can do when you’re here, get in touch with our team today.

Some of our favorite things …….

We all have favorite things in the region. So, we set our heads together and we complied a list to share with you. Below is a list of our top ten:

1. Maggie Valley Festival Ground. Year round activities, from car shows to dog sledding and everything in between. The valley always offers something for everyone.

2. Visting Cataloochee ski area and Cataloochee Ranch. Winter fun and summer magic.

3. Planning a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Biking, hiking, scenic rides, and miles of memories.

4. Trout Fishing. Spending a day on a mountain river fishing for mountain trout. Ahhh

5. Smoky Mtn Railroad. Taking a train ride through the mountains.

6. Seeing the elk. Taking a picnic and visiting Cataloochee Valley.

7. Visiting neighboring Waynesville, Bryson City, Cherokee, and all the historical towns along the way.

8. Hart Theatre. Seeing memorable plays put on by local talent.

9. Visting Asheville and the famous Biltmore House.

10. Representing the people and visitors of the area. In Real Estate we get to see the heart of the valley, the people, the homes, and our future neighbors. Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone. 

New Low Downpayment Mortgage Program

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a new mortgage program.  The new program will finance up to 97% of the appraised value of a home.  This would allow home buyers to purchase a new home with only a 3% down payment.  If a home buyers credit is less than perfect, FHA also offers a program with only a  3.5% down payment.

If a home buyer is a veteran, then a VA loan is a wonderful option.  VA loans offer 100% financing, and do not require mortgage insurance.  Also, VA loans usually offer interest rates somewhat below those of a conventional loan.

USDA loans are offered by the US Department of Agriculture.  Many homes in our rural area qualify for USDA financing.  USDA loans will finance up to 100% requiring no down payment for many buyers.  They are typically for a first-time home buyer, or a home buyer moving from a mobile home, for instance, to a nicer stick-built home.  There are also income limits for these loans.

For home buyers interested in purchasing more expensive homes (over $417,000) there are new, lower rates for “jumbo loans”.

If you are interested in purchasing a first home,  moving into a larger home, or maybe you are retiring and want to downsize your home, we can put you in touch with a loan officer who can assess your situation, and suggest the perfect loan for you.

WINTERFEST Smoky Style / Maggie Valley, NC

Pack your bags, load the car, you won’t want to miss the first Winterfest Smoky Style in Maggie Vally on February 28th and March 1st! Admission only $2 for Adults and $1 for kids.  This event will feature dog sledding, canine demonstrations, vendors, and special guest appearances from the reality show “Hillbilly Blood”.

We can’t wait to join this rip roaring event…..HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! (Just look for the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in the center of town)

If you read the Waynesville Mountaineer this week on page 27 of the “Readers’ Choice” Awards you will see our own Paul Heathman mentioned.  It is indeed an honor to have Paul mentioned and in the company of so many other fine services and providers in our community. Congratulations Paul! Keep up the good work – your humble associates here at Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc. We are sharing your honor proudly!! (PS want to see for yourself just click on the Readers’ Choice Awards words, it will take you there.)

Mortgages are about to get easier

If you follow real estate news the latest reports tell us that mortgages are about to get easier. First time home owners are also entering into the market. That is good news for sellers, buyers, and the economy. Real Estate is a large part of the economic growth of the country. Follow CNN Money for a variety of reports on the real estate market. When you are looking for a home to live in or invest in, Western North Carolina and Maggie Valley provide the perfect mix. Pristine mountain scenery, outdoor sports, art, music, talent, it is the perfect mixture for living or for vacationing. Don’t take our word for it – come visit and you will see first hand.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to our friends, neighbors, and clients everywhere.  As you can see from the photos, downtown Waynesville is all decorated for Christmas.  The home shown on Hyatt Street is over the top with Christmas Spirit, good for them!

Area Video About Haywood County, NC

I produced a short video about our beautiful area and some of the amenities we enjoy here.  If you would like to view the video from my YouTube Channel, please CLICK HERE.  Thank you.

Danny Pugh

MtnLandPix.com