1) How much of the work you do (or don't do) yourself. 2) Your choice of finishes - i.e. wall surfaces, flooring surfaces, cabinets/countertops, lighting & plumbing fixtures, etc. 3) How you shop for materials (salvage yards, Lowes, etc.).

What are the POA dues in the communities?
The dues maintain the private paved roads, the gates and the common areas.
In Hearthstone Ridge, the property owner's association dues are $30/month ($360/year)
In Clearwater Creek, the POA dues are $25/month ($300/year)
In Sweetbriar Farms the POA dues are $20/month ($240/year)

How much earnest money do I need to put down?
$500 on any parcel of land, and $2000 on our unfinished log cabins, and typically 1% of a home purchase. We usually close the transaction in 10-14 days, including when financing is required, for land and the unfinished cabins. About 30-45 days is typical for a home. Local lenders have worked closely with us for several years, and have streamlined their processes for your convenience.

What are the closing costs?
Click here for a detailed breakdown.

If I buy land and want to build (either now or later), will I have two payments each month?
No. The banks will be happy to roll your land payment and the construction of your new cabin into one loan. Most people choose this method.

What are the taxes in Rutherford County?
The taxes are currently .69/$100 for the county  (example: $89,900 = assessed value ÷ $100 x .69 = $620/year). Properties available in the Hearthstone Ridge, Clearwater Creek, and Sweetbriar Farms communities are in the county, subject to Rutherford County taxes only. There are no "impact" fees, school taxes, initiation fees, or other taxes.

Are there paved roads in the communities?
Yes, the roads are paved. Where a cabin is offered, the driveways are gravel. Each homesite has paved road access.

Are these gated communities?
Yes, the entrances are gated. Many owners enjoy the comfort of knowing the access is restricted while they are away from their property. This is a rural area, and though it's gated, there are no sidewaks or curbs, no tennis courts, clubhouses or swimming pools. Just beautiful homesites with paved roads and light restrictions.

What are the restrictions?
This is best answered by looking over the protective covenants here. The main ones are no mobile homes (yes, RV's are fine), no junk cars, and no commercial animals.

How about utilities?
Electricity is available to each of the properties. The electric company will bring power to the cabin after electrical work is completed. Temporary power is available. Duke Energy and Rutherford Electric Co-op service the electrical grid.
Phone lines are from AT&T, installed to the edge of each property. Clearwater Creek and Hearthstone Ridge both have fiber-optic cable installed by AT&T.
Water will be from your own well, and the sewer will be a septic system (both are the buyers responsibility) for land or unfinished log cabin purchases. Each lot has a current septic permit from the county health department for a three bedroom home. A new permit may be obtained for a larger home. Many homes offered will be on city water and sewer.
Natural gas is not available outside the town limits, but tanks for propane or heating oil are permitted. Many people use electric heat pumps for their heating and cooling needs.
Cable TV is not available in the three subdivisions, but both Dish Network and DirecTV satellite are.

How far away is a hospital?
Rutherford Hospital is a 143 bed hospital in Rutherfordton, about 5 miles from Clearwater Creek, 7 miles from Hearthstone Ridge, 16 miles from Sweetbriar Farms. Other distances vary.

Are recreational vehicles allowed within the communities?
Yes. It will be the owner's responsibility to provide for parking on their own property.

Am I allowed to use my property as a vacation rental?
Yes. There are no restrictions against such usage, provided the occupants respect the peace and privacy of others.

Can I have a shed, workshop, or barn?
Yes, outbuildings are fine, and should generally match or have a similar finish as the primary residence.

Are animals allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome, and two grazing animals (such as horses, sheep, etc.) per fenced acre are allowed. No commercial animals, (i.e. no raising poultry, pigs, etc.) are allowed.

How do they build on a steep lot?
There are a couple of foundation methods that work well.
1) A basement frequently is cut into the land, giving the house a flat place to sit.
2) A "staircase" is cut into the land to give a flat place for each course of concrete foundation block.
Both types utilize a concrete footing beneath the house which must pass building inspections. A basement floor is sometimes poured as a footing/slab combination.