Posts Tagged ‘winter 2015’

8 West Virginia Winter Getaways

 

Escape the Hustle & Bustle of the Holidays

Your ticket to a winter escape awaits.

Below is a list of some of the best winter vacation spots West Virginia has to offer…

Canaan Valley Resort

canaan resort wv winter

Canaan Valley Resort, WV

 

 

 

 

This four-season destination is nestled atop a plateau, offering spectacular views, luxurious lodging and a full-service ski area along the highest mountain valley, east of the Rockies.  This winter vacation destination is complete with a 160-room lodge, 23 cozy cabins, 34 campsites, fine dining, a plethora of ski trails and a relaxing whirlpool spa. So, enjoy winter the way it was meant to be enjoyed: with peace, fun and relaxation.

For more information, visit www.canaanresort.com/winter

 Snowshoe Mountain Resort

snowshoe-mountain-resort-wv winter

Snowshoe MTN Resort & Village, WV

Situated in Pocahontas County, sits an East Coast Gem.  More than 180 inches of snow fall along 57 slopes of this skier-geared paradise.  More than 480,000 skiers visit the family-friendly vacation destination each year.

A recently updated village of elegant lodging and fine dining welcome visitors from all across the US and beyond.  The village sits near the neighboring Cass Scenic Rail Road and Cheat Mountain.

For more information, visit www.snowshoemtn.com

Resort at Glad Springs

glade springs resort wv winter 2015

Resort at Glade Springs, WV

Settled along the Appalachian Mountains, near Beckley, WV, lies 4,100-acres of winter fun. A full service spa, a 10-lane bowling alley, a cinema room and more than 25 ski trails await you.  The Resort at Glade Springs welcomes families with amenities such as an indoor pool, four outdoor tennis courts, and an indoor tennis court.

Guests will also find a kid’s club, game room and playground.

 For more information, visit www.gladsprings.com

 Cheat River Lodge & Inn

cheat river wv winter 2015

Cheat River Lodge & Inn, WV

Along the beautiful Cheat River, inside the Monongahela National Forest, lies a warm, winter escape. The Cheat River Lodge offers private hot tubs, cozy cabins and elegant rooms.  Enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sightseeing, hiking, hunting and more.

With nature all around you, this lodge is truly a great place to slow down, unwind and enjoy life.

For more information, visit http://www.cheatriverlodge.com/front.html

Pipestem Resort

Pipestem-Resort-State-Park-wv winter 2015

Pipestem Resort State Park, WV

Breath-taking views, fine dining, wildlife, a nature center and museum bring in guests from all around.  Located between Mercer and Summers counties, this 4,050-acre state park is a West Virginia tourist staple.  If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle the Christmas season brings, look no further.

The views alone make Pipestem Resort a must for any vacationer.

For more information, visit http://pipestemresort.com

Country Road Cabins

country roads cabins wv winter

Country Roads Cabins, WV

Deluxe log cabins in the New River Gorge area are calling your name. Enjoy zip lining, hiking, fishing, rafting, biking and sight-seeing along the river or kick back and relax in complete peace and solitude. An array of local attractions are within reach of this Winter getaway.

Nothing says relaxation like a warm log cabin in the middle of the woods this winter. So, what are you waiting for?

For more information, visit http://wvcabins.com

Oglebay Resort

oglebay resort wv winter 2015

Oglebay Resort, WV

More than 1,700 acres of winter fun and relaxation await you. Resting atop a hill in Oglebay in Wheeling, WV, is a resort featuring a spa, fine dining, an indoor pool, sauna, game room, hot tub, skiing and more. From entertainment and activities to rest and relaxation, the Oglebay Resort has something for everyone.

Enjoy a warm, elegant winter vacation.

For more information, visit www.oglebay-resort.com

The Greenbrier Resort

greenbrier wv winter 2015

Greenbrier Resort, WV

 The world-famous Greenbrier Resort attracts guests from everywhere to its 6,500-acre property along the Alleghenies. Enjoy a 40,000 sq. ft. spa, 50 on-site activities, fine dining and more. The Greenbrier offers unparalleled fun and leisure for both the young and old. It has remained a top West Virginia vacation destination for years, and visiting it will tell you why.

For more information, visit www.greenbrier.com

We hoped you enjoyed this list. May your winter be filled with peace, fun and relaxation. Now, go out and enjoy some of the best wintertime destinations West Virginia has to offer!

Winter 2015: The Perfect Time to Buy a Home

Now? Really?

Yes, really.

We all remember how tough it was to find homes this Summer with all the competition that squeezed the best ones out of the market.

And rightfully so. Home values rose, interest rates dropped and the warm sun lit up the housing market, bringing with it a swarm of buyers.

But now, the winter chill has slowed market activity. Many would-be homebuyers are holding off til Spring and Summer before they make that big purchase.

However, this may not be the wisest decision.

Here’s why:

Competition

Imagine you’ve found that perfect home.  You’ve toured it twice and met with your realtor several times. You finally make your offer. Yet, another family makes theirs. Now, you’re smack-dab in the middle of a bidding war.

The price of the home rises out of your comfort zone and you lose it to the highest bidding family.

Do you really want to pay more than a home is worth or lose it to someone else? Didn’t think so.

Avoid this dilemma and buy your home now while the competition is minimal.

 

Interest Rates

It’s December, and mortgage rates for a popular 30-year fixed loan are still under 4 percent.  Actually, the current rate of 3.75 percent has been steadily dropping.  We’ve predicted in previous articles, such as this one  that the rate will more than likely increase by early next year.

In other words, your window of opportunity to grab a great interest rate and save money on a home is gradually closing.

 

Faster Closings

We all know and remember how it feels to be a kid waiting on Christmas to finally arrive: sort of the same way it feels to be an adult waiting on his or her home loan to finally get approved.  Take advantage of a slower housing market now, and reap the rewards of a faster closing.

Think about it.  Mortgage Loan officers are not as busy with home loan closings as they were this summer, so logically, this should lead to a more personal experience with you and a faster closing all-around.

 

Renewed Economy

Yes, this time of year can be expensive with Christmas gifts and such, but look at what’s not expensive right now. Gasoline.  In West Virginia, most gas stations are offering it for under $2. The economy seems to be solid at the moment as jobs continue to grow and money continues to flow, according to the October Employment Report by the US Census Bureau.

In other words, if you have a solid job, then why would you want to have a roommate, live in mom and dad’s basement or live under an apartment landlord when you could own a home?  After all, it’s a lot cheaper to own a home than rent one, not to mention all the equity you could potentially build by doing so.

 

Perfect Time is Now

According to a survey conducted by Realtor.com, people plan to buy a home in Spring. This typical plan may sound great, right? Here’s the problem: Inventory isn’t likely to be higher this coming March and April than it is right now.

Also, there’s the issue of supply and demand.  Yes, inventory should grow with the warmer weather, but will it grow enough to meet the demand, or will the housing market mirror its dilemma Spring and Summer 2015 brought it?

Chances are, the number of great homes to choose from right now, will be higher than four or five months from now, when every would-be buyer and his grandma floods the market.

So, if you’re waiting on Spring or Summer to get that dream home, we say: Why?  Interest rates are down and available homes are up.  Jump into the West Virginia housing market now. It may be the best financial decision you make.

By Justin Waybright & Chuck Boggs

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